This beautifully-illustrated children's book introduces readers to junior naturalists Winslow and Rosie's amazing collection of natural wonders, artfully displayed in their tree house. The girls use their individual skills and teamwork to find and document some beautiful and intriguing items from the surrounding woods. Their collection is almost full, and the girls decide they need to find one more item - something extraordinary - to fill the last space on their shelves. Suitably equipped, they set out further than they've ever gone before, along the creek, through a wide valley, up to an overlook, through an old spruce grove, diving into a lake and up a mountain to a dark cave. Along the way they consider several potential items, but discount each as unsuitable for some reason. After encountering something unexpected, the girls run back to the treehouse, empty-handed. Initially disappointed, they reflect together on what they've learned and achieved, and discover something really extraordinary right under their noses.
The Collectors champions the skills of girls - teamwork, ambition, curiosity and resilience - and celebrates the joys of discovering the natural world. Author Alice Feagan's background as a children's illustrator shines through with eye-catching collage style illustrations. I particularly loved the images detailing the girls' equipment and the contents of their collection.
This is a great junior STEM title with positive gender role modelling and a fun quest-style storyline. I'd recommend it to parents and educators worldwide in support of or as a provocation to discussion around studying nature and/or a museum visit.
My thanks to the author/illustrator, Alice Feagan, publisher Kids Can Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this delightful title.