Biographies are often inspiring and fascinating, exposing readers to a variety of real-life people and stories. I especially love picture book biographies as they make incredible lives accessible to even the youngest of readers! Plus, these picture book biographies of women show all sorts of miraculous women defying odds and stereotypes, pursuing their passions, and leaving wonderful legacies along the way! Check out these top 10 picture book biographies of women!
Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang and illustrated by Jordi Solano
In the 1930s, Eugenie Clark was an inquisitive girl, fascinated by sharks and marine life. She “longed to be in the tank, swimming with the sharks.” Eventually, she became a fish scientist, defying the odds of her time when it came to careers for women. Her extensive research helped to dispel the fear of sharks. Not only is this book a wonderful story about Clark’s career and achievements, it also teaches readers the importance of following dreams and learning. Paired with Solano's gorgeous illustrations, this is a book both children and adults will enjoy!
Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Qin Leng
This is the wonderful story of Jane Austen’s seemingly simple life, a life which eventually led her to become one of the best-known writers of all time, nearly 200 years later! The watercolor illustrations are charming and help readers “see” the story as it unfolds. And the lessons of perseverance despite rejections, perfecting craft, and eventually achieving dreams, are truly inspiring, reminding us all to never give up!
Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra
This is the true story of one of the world's most influential painters, Frida Kahlo. The story tells of Frida’s childhood through adulthood, focusing on her many beloved pets, including monkeys, a parrot, dogs, turkeys, an eagle, a cat, and even a fawn! Interspersed with Spanish words, the text cleverly connects Frida’s personal characteristics with those of her animals in an inspiring and colorful story. The illustrations are bold and beautiful, similar to Frida’s own artwork. And the story ends with an Author’s Note as well as a photograph of the real Frida Kahlo!
Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome
This is the story of Venus and Serena Williams, best friends and sisters, who found a passion for tennis at a young age. Still, the girls were never handed success or opportunities without hard work. From practicing on trash-filled courts, to hearing nearby gunshots in their neighborhood, to playing despite a lack of fancy equipment and coaches, to facing hatred and doubt, the girls proved to the world that they could be “the greatest story in tennis.” This story also highlights the importance of family, perseverance, and following your dreams. With colorful and bold illustrations, readers won’t forget this exciting true story of two amazing sisters!
The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Sarah Jacoby
This book explains why Margaret Wise Brown is important, why her picture books are important, and why picture books are important as a whole. While informative, Barnett spins the traditional picture book biography with a unique style and tone. In addition, the pictures are lovely, further highlighting this influential author.
Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Micha Archer
This is the exciting story of Bobbi Gibb, a woman brave enough to pursue her passion despite rejection and rules, proving to the world that women can and should be allowed to run. As the story states, “She has a chance to show the world the rules are wrong. She has a chance to show what women can do.” Girl Running follows her journey from childhood to her first Boston Marathon, a feat which opened the doorway to women running. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful, and the end includes an afterword with even more information about this amazing and inspiring woman!
Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter by Christine Evans and illustrated by Yasmin Imamura
This is the story of Englishwoman Evelyn Cheesman, from achildhood to becoming a famous entomologist. The phrase,"But Evelyn went anyway," is repeated throughout this story, emphasizing Evelyn’s adventurous spirit and perseverance despite challenges. The illustrations are stunning. And the end includes additional information and a photograph! This wonderful biography highlights an amazing woman who wasn’t afraid to pursue her passion.
Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children by Jan Pinborough and illustrated by Debby Atwell
Can you imagine a world where children can’t touch books or check them out from their local libraries? This was the world of Miss Moore before she became a famous New York City librarian. Instead of conforming to the expectations of those around her, she helped change the rules of libraries when it came to children. Miss Moore helped develop check out systems, story times, children's sections, and many more changes that impacted libraries around the world. Not only is the text engaging, but the illustrations are also packed with interesting details. Check it out! Pun intended. :)
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley
This story starts with the lines, “If you’ve ever felt different, if you’ve ever been low, if you don’t quite fit in, there’s a name you should know.” Temple Grandin grew up a cowgirl, one who felt many of these same things growing up. And even when experts thought she should be “sent away, ” her mother refused, advocating for the daughter she knew was special. Though Temple had autism, she learned to embrace her differences and build on her strengths to accomplish many great things. Because it’s told in rhyme, this story makes for a great read-aloud! Not only does the story celebrate the amazing Dr. Temple Grandin, but it also reminds us that we each have differences that make us special and unique!
Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time by Saira Mir and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
“Never forget that you are extraordinary. You are powerful. You are brave, and you are clever.” These are just a few powerful lines in this story, which showcases the true stories of nineteen unstoppable Muslim women “who have risen above challenges, doubts, and sometimes outright hostility to blaze trails in a wide range of fields.” These amazing women have all made historic achievements and have worked hard to make the world a better place. This book is packed full of inspiring stories, vibrant illustrations, and amazing women!