As a child, Lady Bird, future First Lady,
loved exploring the pine forests, bayous and hills of her home in East Texas;
she helped her Aunt Effie plant daffodils alongside the native bluebonnets that
covered the forest floor. Her passion for the vibrant beauty of wildflowers
stayed with her when she moved to Washington, D.C., as the wife of a
congressman. She made sure her daughters had a small garden to nurture.
Understanding how deeply the nation was mourning after the tragic death of
President Kennedy in 1963, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson believed that beauty in our
cityscapes and landscapes could help us heal. Congress passed the Highway
Beautification Act, which had a tremendous impact nationwide, and in the
capital itself more cherry trees were planted. When she returned to her native
Texas, she helped establish the National Wildflower Research Center, now named
the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Colorful illustrations by Joy Fisher
Hein fill the pages of Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers: How a First Lady
Changed America. A visual glossary encourages readers to identify the dozen
distinctive wildflowers depicted in this inspiring book by Kathi Appelt. For
ages 4-9, and fans of America’s quiet
history.
Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net
Related activities and interviews may be found at: TeachingBooks.net
