MARIANNE NORTH: The Queen of Kew Gardens | 2023

Written and illustrated by Catherine Booth.

Children’s picture book based on Recollections of a Happy Life by Marianne North, English biologist and botanical artist.

“All her life Marianne had dreamed of exploring the world. ‘I’m tired of painting partridges and pigs! I want to paint something extraordinary!’ So she made a plan. She packed her little suitcase with paintbrushes and sketchbooks, a flask of tea, and one of her favourite cheese and pickle sandwiches, and boarded the next ship to America.”

I discovered the incredible life of Marianne North in 2020 and was touched by her vivid descriptions of the places she visited, as well as her intense passion for horticulture and sustainability. My illustrations are a celebration of her colourful life and reveal her extraordinary adventures to a younger audience.

*Dummy Book Available* Email hicatherinebooth@outlook.com