Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner

Full-color digital illustrations and Harrington’s conversational, sometimes lyrical prose tell the story of “indefatigable” African-American entomologist and zoologist Charles Henry Turner (1867–1923), who “toppled woodpiles, lingered over logs, and peeked into dusty corners” in his quest to learn all he could about insects. Through the turn of the 20th century, Turner pursued his passion for entomology and experimentation, attending college and publishing more than 50 scientific papers while facing prejudice in the American South. In cartoon scenes, Taylor shows Turner observing specimens (among them spiders, crustaceans, and cockroaches) and conducting experiments to learn how ants find their way home and that “even bees sense time.” Repetition (“Questions that itched like mosquito bites,/ questions that tickled like spider webs”) and fascinating anecdotes may well inspire more “indefatigable” observers and questioners. An author’s note precedes a timeline, an extensive source list, and a selected list of Turner’s papers. Ages 7–10. [em](Nov.) [/em]