Nature's Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story

by Lindsey McDivitt, Eileen Ryan Ewen (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nature, Art, Nonfiction, Childrens, Biography Memoir

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2018

About the author

Lindsey McDivitt has spent most of her life near the Mississippi River or the Great Lakes. She loves searching the shore for shells or stones, especially agates, and gazing up into tall trees, especially white pines. After eight years exploring marvelous Michigan, she now lives in Minnesota.
Lindsey began writing books for children after many years creating health education programs for stroke survivors. You can find Lindsey at www.lindseymcdivitt.com where she highlights picture books with older role models and accurate images of aging on her blog "A is for Aging."

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for: those who love and appreciate nature, could benefit from reading about disabilities-abilities, want to read about women in history, young artists and those who like to read about artists, anyone wanting to read a book about someone living their life with determination & persistence.

I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Gwen Frostic before I’d heard of this book. She’s inspirational.

This is a lovely picture book biography about a girl and then woman who became disabled due to a childhood illness but went on to do all sorts of things, including doing artwork inspired by the natural world.

The entire book is enchanting. Beautiful pictures. Quotes from Gwen. And engaging almost lifelong biography. Interesting additional information in the back (I’d love to visit her shop and see everything and buy some cards) and even an art project the reader/listener can do.

This book made me want to go out and experience nature, preferably with a dog.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging picture book biography about Gwen Frostic, a talented, compassionate and pioneering artist and passionate advocate for nature and conservation (she also happened to be a woman and physically challenged at a time when either of these would have relegated most individuals to the background). It is beautifully written and illustrated. I especially appreciated the way nature is woven into the storytelling since it was such a part of Gwen's life. For example, when Gwen went to school and was teased or stared at for being different, "It made her want to hid like a frightened chipmunk. But instead, Gwen gathered up knowledge like a bird builds a nest." Unfortunately, I knew nothing about Gwen Frostic before this so I do not know whether the biography is adequate but it certainly seemed to paint a clear picture of her life and interests and the brief note at the back and accompanying photographs were a nice addition. There's also a small "how to" on "Sketch or Print with Nature" so you can try some of Gwen's style of artwork. I was left wanting to know more about her and I do wish that a bibliography was included (though the quotes interspersed throughout mention some of her books) and especially that a few examples of her own artwork were included. Overall, though, it's a winner.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the disabilities arising from an early childhood illness, Gwen Frostic was encouraged by her mother to be as independent as possible, and was (unlike so many disabled children in early 20th-century America) sent to school. She first picked up art supplies as part of an effort to strengthen her hands, but soon she was using them to create beautiful things. In art school she learnt about linoleum block printing, and she would use this medium to capture the beauty of the natural world in her artwork, stationary and books. In the 1950s she founded her own independent printing company and stationary business, opening up a shop in Frankfurt, Michigan. Eventually, in the 1960s, she moved her business to a building of her own design, far out in the country. Despite the warnings of the naysayers, her rural printing workshop and stationary store became a destination, and was a great success. It is still in business today, long after her death in 2001...

I almost exclaimed aloud in surprise and delight when I happened upon Nature's Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story today at work! My entire extended family, for four generations, has vacationed in the Frankfurt area, and I have many happy memories of summers spent in the locale. Quite a few of my relatives loved the area so much, that they are now permanent, year-round residents. No trip to Michigan is ever complete without a visit to Gwen Frostic's workshop and store, and her cards, wrapping papers, table-wear and books have been a ubiquitous part of my family's life as far back as I can recall. No Christmas has ever passed without a present wrapped in Gwen Frostic paper. No special dinner or get-together occurs without Gwen Frostic napkins making an appearance. Her famous raccoon design is favored by my sister, whereas I am known to favor her green and white wrapping paper and her turtle stickers. All of which is to say: Gwen Frostic's work is intertwined with my family's life, over the course of more than one generation. I was never lucky enough to meet her, as a girl, and I'm not sure about my parents, but I know that my grandparents and great aunts and uncles did.

Given all of this, it was probably a foregone conclusion that I would find author Lindsey McDivitt and illustrator Eileen Ryan Ewen's book appealing. Of course, even leaving aside the personal significance of the subject matter for me, this is still an excellent work of picture-book biography, one which pairs an engaging and informative text with appealing artwork. I never knew that Frostic was disabled - apparently her symptoms, as a girl, were quite similar to those of cerebral palsy patients - nor did I know that she had exhibited her work at the World's Fair in New York in 1939, or designed the building in which her Michigan workshop and store were housed. Her feelings of connection to nature were something already familiar to me, given the subject matter of so many of her books, and so much of her art, but it still was interesting to see it discussed in McDivitt's text and depicted in Ewen's illustrations. A wonderful book, this is one I would recommend to those looking for picture-book biographies featuring artists, disabled children and/or environmental activists, as well as to those looking for children's stories with local Michigan interest.

[Sean Kottke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful biography of Gwen Frostic for young readers, with particularly beautiful illustrations. The namesake of the Michigan Reading Association's annual award for Michigan authors and illustrators, Frostic lived a remarkable life across our fair state, and each page in this book reveals a new, unusual facet of her story.

[Jenee Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really neat read and I enjoyed sharing it with my daughters. I am from Michigan but don't live there now, so I liked to talk to my kids about where the story took place. It was also fun to talk to them about art and nature that are two key themes in the book. But what I liked best about the book is that it gave me an opportunity to talk to my girls about how to think about someone different from them, and how they can do anything they put their minds to. Although my girls are still a bit young to really grasp these lessons fully, we will continue to read this book because they love the story and the illustrations, and I will continue to discuss the deeper themes with them as they age.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up making the pilgrimage to Gwen Frostic's shop occasionally with my mom. They nailed her shop in the illustrations; memories came flooding back to me! I'm glad to see her name come out of obscurity a little; she is an artist worth knowing.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Gwen was bright, but her hands were weak. Her teachers said she would never learn to write. Mama stuffed a drawer with art supplies and encouraged Gwen to use her hands. Gwen pulled out a pencil and a pad of paper. Like a new leaf stretching for the sun, she reached for new skills."

In short - this book is about Michigan artist Gwen Frostic who overcame physical disabilities developed during a debilitating childhood illness. She developed as an artist and ultimately used her art to educate others about the beauty of the natural world around them. The illustrations are strong, clearly supporting the ideas in the text. The design of the book incorporates quotes from Frostic and others of her time.

The writing at the sentence and paragraph level is very strong. Would read aloud easily in grades 2-5. McDivitt attempts to tackle multiple themes - the two biggest are overcoming disabilities and educating others about the value of the natural world around us. These two ideas do not feel like they are addressed cohesively though. Instead one is addressed or the other--the text moves back and forth but does not really bring the two together (in my opinion). Not a deal breaker. When you're reading aloud to students - I might just focus on one at a time; the stronger of the two is Gwen Frostic overcoming the physical disabilities to become an amazing artist who worked with different types of material - linoleum, copper, etc. (Interesting that the title of the book does not address this.)

Possible DISCUSSION POINTS during an INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD or PARTNER READ -

*Why did the author & illustrator include this quote on this two page layout? (Some quotes offer more food for thought than others. Example: "I work with nature because it treats me equally.")

*What does the author mean by "feeling as prickly as a porcupine"? And "nature felt like a friend pulling her out to play"? What do phrases like this tell us about how Gwen was feeling? (In the book: "Gwen loved learning, but trying to make friends could leave her feeling as prickly as a porcupine. Nature felt like a friend, pulling her out to play...") Where else in the story does the author use descriptive language or comparisons to give you clues about how Gwen is feeling? (See "hide like a chipmunk," "gathered up knowledge like a bird builds a nest," "like a new leaf stretching for the sun," etc.)

*If we define "perseverance" as "persistence in doing something despite difficulties," how could we use this word to describe Gwen Frostic? What in the story (or on this page) makes us think so?

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ceoss post from our social media updates and tweets:

As my students hear me say over and over again, "You're not going to find this one at Target, Walmart, or Meijer."

Beautiful subject, writing, and art come together to present a Michigan treasure in the format that is wonderfully and naturally suited for Frostic: the picture book.

A mentor text in overcoming disability, pursuing one's passion, and leaving a literal stamp upon the world that has imprinted upon you.

[Elizabeth☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because it introduced me to a woman I have never heard of before. In fact, McDivitt makes it her mission to present characters in children's literature that have positive representations of the elderly.

Gwen Frostic is a woman that incorporated her love of nature into her art. She lost full control of her hands at an early age because of illness, but rather than fall into the background, her mother encouraged her to create art in order to make her hands stronger.

Frostic went on to study art and to use her skills in the World's Fair and helping build WWII bombers. In her retirement, Frostic worked until she was 95, Frostic opened up a small printmaking shop in northern Michigan that is still open today.

[Cindy Dobrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have visited Frostic's Michigan studio and shop many times, and her raccoon print is my favorite. How fun to read about her interesting life and art in this new picture book biography. Read my full review at this Bookends Blog post.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story of a person who is not quite famous, but deserves to be. It's also a lesson to parents not to coddle their children too much... facing challenges makes us stronger, teaching us courage, perseverance, and a sense of self-worth.

No bibliography, but a note and an activity. And if I lived in Michigan I would visit her shop/studio.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gwen Frostic was an artist, entrepreneur and environmentalist who never let being disabled stop her from doing anything she set her mind to. Similar to Helen Keller, a high fever left young Gwen with motor coordination symptoms similar to Cerebral Palsy.

She had a hard time making friends but enjoyed spending time in nature with animals who didn't judge her. While writing was difficult, Gwen found an aptitude for art. Her mother continually encouraged her, even in the early 1900s, to do what she set her mind to. Gwen is an example of a STEAM woman (add art to the usual STEM). She's shown inventing linoleum block artwork. Gwen had a lot of incredible accomplishments by WWII!

After WWII (her official bio says 1960s) she moved to rural Michigan and set up a studio in the middle of a forest. She carved linoleum blocks and made greeting cards featuring her art of the natural world around her to inspire others to see what she saw. People flocked to her studio shop where Gwen worked hard to protect the natural world.

An author's note includes more about Gwen and some photos and a craft activity (sketch or print with nature).

I was surprised to find this story of an outstanding woman I hadn't heard before! The story is more interesting than the Wikipedia summary, emphasizing Gwen's love of nature and her can-do attitude. I really liked her and found her inspiring. I can see why she loved being surrounded by nature. The author and illustrator incorporated Gwen's own words to express her thoughts about nature.

The illustrations are cute. They are similar in style to Steven Kellogg. I loved the attention to detail the author paid to Gwen's clothes. I could easily tell what decade the illustrated scene was taking place in. (Although Gwen is shown wearing a 1912 dress first and then an older style dress after that but minor quibble from an early 1900s fashion nerd). The faces in the illustrations are odd and silly, even Gwen's. The facial expressions are funny- sometimes on purpose.

This is a book I would have picked up for niece #1 when she was younger. She's a nature girl and an art girl.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd rate this one a 3.5. Today's students will surely be surprised to learn that children with disabilities usually were kept home and didn't attend school back in the early twentieth century. But Gwen Frostic's mother insisted that she go to school and provided her with materials to help her one her talents as an artist. While her mother's actions might have seemed cruel to some since she insisted that Gwen learn to do things for herself, it is also clear that they helped her grow strong even while she preferred being alone to dealing with new friends. Her connections with the natural world inspired her artwork, and she eventually used materials such as linoleum and copper and brass for her creations. Not only did she end up helping to build bombers during WWII, but she eventually started her own paper company, moving back to the Michigan countryside that she loved so dearly. Young readers may draw inspiration from her example as she was deeply involved in the environmental movement and the importance of preserving its beauties. Not only did she challenge others' assumptions about disabilities, but she continued to reinvent herself and have a career late in life. Astonishingly, she donated $13 million to Western Michigan University, the university she attended when she was young. While I might wish the author had clarified what sort of disability Gwen had, in another sense, it really doesn't matter since hers was a life of triumph against several different odds. The illustrations that accompany her story are softly painted, but they also seem to highlight her personality. The back matter includes a photograph of Gwen in the field, seeking inspiration with her beloved dog. This would be an excellent addition to a collection devoted to artists, creative spirits or those interested in protecting our planet's natural abundance.

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like myself, you might not have heard of Gwen Frostic, a 20th century Michigan artist. Author Lindsey McDivitt and illustrator Eileen Ryan Ewen have produced a beautiful tribute to a woman who would not allow her physical disabilities to keep her from the art she loved (Sleeping Bear Press, 2018).


As a baby, Gwen contracted a disease similar to cerebral palsy. Although it left her with slurred speech and she frequently fell down, she worked her hands extra hard just to learn how to write. "She sketched and scribbled. She doodled and drew. Gwen's grip grew stronger and stronger."



Throughout her childhood, "Nature felt like a friend, pulling her out to play." In high school she signed up for mechanical drawing--"learning to use rulers and compasses to draw machines--and the men squawked like angry blue jays."

In art school Gwen discovered how to make prints from blocks she carved out of linoleum. Eventually she launched Presscraft Papers stationary company which is still in business today. Drawn to the outdoors, she relocated to Lake Michigan's Betsie Bay so she could capture nature in her artwork.

Nature's Friend is a lovely tribute to a woman who once said, "Love this earth, love its waters...care enough to keep it clear."

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a girl with physical disabilities who never let them define her or stop her from achieving her goals. She grew up in Michigan, had an illness as a baby that left her with slurred speech, a dragging foot, and weak hand strength. She loved nature, and her mother encouraged her to practice drawing, to strengthen her hands. She became an artist, went to college for art. During World War II she worked for Ford Motor Company, which was building airplanes for the war. She used her mechanical drawing skills to design "plane-building tools." Eventually she started her own greeting card company, had a studio out in the wilds of Michigan. Kept working until a few years before her death at age 95! The school of art at her alma mater, Western Michigan University, is named after her; she donated $13 million dollars to them. A portrait of a successful artist, environmentalist, and businesswoman, who also wrote and illustrated 22 books and gave FREE presentations to students. I had never heard of her so it was nice to learn her story. Gorgeous illustrations in this book, in ink and watercolor.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are gifts given to us every single day. Sometimes they are more spectacular than others but they are free if we only reach out to take them. They are the sudden appearance of a gigantic rainbow arching from one compass point to another, the happy, musical chirping of birds feasting on wild berries, baby bunnies nibbling on grass, two spotted fawns moving through your woods with adult deer and sunset-light shows seen through clouds and tree branches. Mother Nature's generosity is humbling.

People have and continue to walk among us who honor those gifts with their life's work. One of those people spent her entire life in the state of Michigan. Nature's Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story (Sleeping Bear Press, July 15, 2018) written by Lindsey McDivitt with illustrations by Eileen Ryan Ewen pays tribute to a remarkable woman.



My full review: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book whose subject I had never heard about. Born with some physical challenges, Gwen's mother urged her to try and try again, and she did. The hardest part was being teased at school and being told she "can't". Pursuing a variety of art media, knowing she had to make a living, Gwen created a variety of things using different metals. Gwen later settled on opening a shop to see her line of greeting cards and art pictures. She was an expert in block printing. The shop remains open and a picture of it and its location is shared in the back matter. There is also a brief description of an art lesson for "capturing" nature's beauty. The illustrator shows the passage of years, the ups and downs with interesting and beautiful choices of setting that include the characters' supporters, naysayers and experiences.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nature lover and a teacher, I highly recommend this story. What I love most, from a teacher's perspective, is how Gwen did not let her childhood illness and the unfortunate and cruel way she was treated by others hold her back. She is an inspiration!

I think young readers will enjoy learning about how she became an artist and author, helped build bombers for the Ford Motor Company during the war, started a very successful business, and also returned to live in nature, among the creatures she loved. And wait until they learn how much money she donated to her alma mater!

Gwen's quotes are sprinkled delightfully throughout the story. I particularly liked this one:

"All things are vital to the universe...all are equal...and at once...different."

I think this would be a wonderful read aloud for upper elementary students and even middle schoolers.

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Sleeping Bear Press, famous for its' books on Michigan, has outdone itself.
This particular book is a biography of Gwen Frostic, a woman very famous for her art; art celebrating Michigan plants and wildlife. Her art is produced in greeting cards, books, and many other things as well. She has written 22 different books, received 5 honorary degrees from Michigan universities, and awards from the Michigan Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation, to name a few. The governor declared May 23rd as Gwen Frostic Day in 1978, and inducted into Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 1986.
Having lived in the Frankfort area for several years, I was fortunate to visit her shop (which is unique in itself) and look at all of her art work, as well as watching the printing presses roll. I have framed Gwen Frostic work in my home.
She is a woman well-worth reading about.

[Carla Bayha · Rating 5 out of 5]

World famous artist, female entrepreneur, one of the "Rosies" during WWII, and of course advocate for the natural world, Michigan's Gwen Frostic did all of this while suffering from a cerebral palsy-like illness that made it harder to use her hands. She lived and worked to a very old age, and also left millions to Western Michigan University. I've read this picture book half a dozen times now, and also watched it read to a group of eager elementary school children. An inspiring debut by former Ann Arbor resident Lindsey McDivitt. The illustrations from Eileen Ryan Ewen deserve some extra study as well. If you go to Meijer Gardens, make sure you check out the shade garden named in Frostic's honor.

[Tanya Konerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature's Friend is the delightful biography of Gwen Frostic, a woman passionately in love with nature who is determined to overcome a physical disability to pursue that love through her art. Author Lindsey McDivitt lovingly highlights one of Michigan's beloved environmental pioneers and artists, from childhood to today, with an emphasis on Frostic's perseverance and belief in caring for the beautiful world around us. Enchanting artwork by Eileen Ryan Ewen offers a look at Frostic's ideas and triumphs with bright colors as well as nice use of white space. In addition, backmatter offers further biographical information, plus a craft for readers.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story. It’s rare to find any books about Gwen Frostic. Author Lindsey McDivitt told the story of Gwen’s life simply enough for children, yet with enough details and depth to interest me. I wish it had been available when I was still teaching in the classroom. Gwen Frostic was a creative artist and businesswoman, who overcame many obstacles in life. She should be remembered as a strong female role model. I would definitely recommend Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story to those looking for a book to share and discuss with early elementary school students.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that will resonate with anyone who has ever found comfort and inspiration in nature. Gwen Frostic, who was born in Michigan in 1906, had an illness as an infant that caused weakness with her hands. She worked hard to overcome her disability and believed she could accomplish anything that she wanted to do with her life. Gwen was truly ahead of her time, and she was able to use her skills, determination and talent to become a famous artist and successful business owner. This story of her life and work is a very worthwhile read. Available as an ebook on Hoopla.

Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Kristin Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that could be used to just enjoy or in a classroom setting to teach about Earth Day, being unstoppable, doing our work, such as linoleum block, carving, and nature, appreciation. This book is about someone who was unstoppable in pursuing starting a business at a time when women did not own many businesses. It is also about someone who had a disability that made it difficult to work with their hands, but she did not let that stop her and she pursued artwork that involved using her hands. Inspiring.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I have enjoyed the work of Michigan's own Gwen Frostic, I really didn't know her story. Lovely tribute, with an abundance of nature metaphors. Gwen's love of nature, pursuit of art, and her perseverance despite health challenges, are important to share with children. Interesting author's note, but I would love references. The review copy did not contain any. Perhaps the finished version does.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful drawings, well told history, and so important to women's and Michigan's history. I have been blessed with being to her shop once. It's like a Fairy land. Her history is inspiring. So glad I picked up this book at the Kalamazoo Nature Connection. I've always adored her art, and my friend Kerrie wants the mug I bought from her shop whenever she has coffee or tea here. It has an adorable bunny's behind etched into it.

[Hana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks about a little girl named:Gwen Frostic,when she went to the school she did not like the glances,giggles and whispers.Her hands were weak and while she was in high school her grew stronger and stronger.First Gwen Frostic couldn’t write.And would always stick to whatever she wanted to do!DO THAT “TOO”!

[Amanda Walz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this an interesting picture book biography but it felt a little skimmed. In reading it, it felt like the author skimmed over much of Gwen Frostic's life, it felt like there were gabs. All picture book biographies skim over the life of the person. I think that's part of their appeal. But this book felt gab-y...
I don't know enough about Gwen Frostic to know what is missing, if anything.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Gwen Frostic in this picturebook (which I picked because it was a bonus borrow on Hoopla last month). The tone of this book was enthusiastic and informative. I wish I'd gotten a better idea of the physical disability Gwen was working with, but I'm glad the book didn't let her disability define her journey. Instead, it focuses mainly on her draw to nature and the influence it had on her art throughout her life.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming picture book biography of Gwen Frostic manages to challenge gender and disability stereotypes while also promoting creativity and environmental awareness, all through the story of a remarkable woman. Best of all, its understated tone never feels preachy and the pictures are lovely. A nice book to share with young readers.