Born in 1906 in Croswell, Michigan, Gwen Frostic grew up loving art and the outdoors. Although an illness left her with weak hands and slurred speech, her mother encouraged her, sending her to school and providing her with art supplies. Gwen drew comfort from nature, and her hands grew in strength as she sketched and, later, took mechanical drawing and shop classes with male classmates outside of Detroit. In art school, she explored new forms: printmaking and metalwork. During WWII, she designed tools used to make bombers for the war effort. Gwen’s drive to create led to the establishment of her own stationery company; eventually, she moved to northern Michigan and set up her shop in the woods, creating art inspired by her observations of the wetlands. Her work inspired others to help protect the natural beauty that surrounded them. This brightly illustrated biography tells the inspiring story of a motivated, independent woman who quietly channeled her talents and passions into making a better world for herself and others. (Ages 6–9)

2019 Green Earth Book Awards - Long List The art and writing of Gwen Frostic are well known in her home state of Michigan and around the world, but this picture book biography tells the story behind Gwen's famous work. After a debilitating illness as a child, Gwen sought solace in art and nature. She learned to be persistent and independent--never taking no for an answer or letting her disabilities define her. After creating artwork for famous Detroiters and for display at the World's Fair and helping to build WWII bombers, Gwen moved her printmaking business to northern Michigan. She dedicated her work and her life to reminding people of the wonder and beauty in nature.