May coloring these illustrations of strong, brilliant, hard-working Historical Heroines inspire you to go forth and seize your own dreams!

Meet the Historical Heroines

The Historical Heroines Coloring Book: Pioneering Women in Science from the 18th and 19th Centuries celebrates 31 women who passionately pursued their talents in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often in the face of gender discrimination. Each woman scientist is featured on a double-page spread that includes exquisite illustrations by Kendra Shedenhelm and short biographies written by award-winning author Elizabeth Lorayne.

Written by Elizabeth Lorayne and illustrated by Kendra Shedenhem

A rich and beautifully illustrated celebration of the intelligence, perseverance, and passion of some of the most remarkable women in science. A must-have source of inspiration for all." –Sarita Menon, Founder Smore Magazine

In the 18th and 19th centuries, a common saying was, 'Chemistry enough to keep the pot boiling, and geography enough to know the location of the different rooms in her house, are learning enough for any woman.' The women in this book, however, were steadfast in their beliefs and capabilities to accomplish remarkable advances in fields of learning that have contributed enormously to the benefit of society." –Pamela Swallow, author of The Remarkable Life and Career of Ellen Swallow Richards

"Elizabeth and Kendra both capture the vivacity and strength of these heroines of science. Their calm, confident gazes say to me, 'I did this. You can too." –Sarah Wise, 500 Women Scientists

Children engaged in coloring activities, promoting "The Historical Heroines Coloring Book" on Kickstarter. Images show kids coloring, using a microscope, mailing letters, and using magnifying glasses, highlighting the book as educational and fun.

Elizabeth Lorayne of White Wave Press and the critically acclaimed Piratess Tilly children’s book series, feels passionately about creating platforms that excite children, especially females, and ignites their curiosity in nature, science, art, and writing. She teamed up with artist Kendra Shedenhelm and science historian Michael D. Barton to create The Historical Heroines Coloring Book. Kendra's illustrative style is as whimsical as it is fierce – a combination that honors these pioneering women in science. Michael's expertise and help with research and editing made sure that the bios were as accurate as possible.

Imagine: With 31 heroines, you can color a portrait a day — and in a month you’ll know a great deal more about the remarkable women whose courage and discoveries opened the door to a larger universe.

Elizabeth and the Historical Heroines team successfully ran a KickStarter campaign during Women’s History Month 2017 to help fund The Historical Heroines Coloring Book. Kickstarter loved the idea so much that they deemed it a "Project We Love!"

Meet the Creators

  • Woman holding award certificate, child holding coloring book, both smiling, seated outdoors with greenery.

    Elizabeth Lorayne, Author & Publisher

    Elizabeth Lorayne is an award-winning author and publisher of children’s books. After the success of her series The Adventures of Piratess Tilly, whose heroine is a budding naturalist and the captain of her own ship, Elizabeth continues to produce books with themes of girl-empowerment, eco-consciousness, exploration, and science. She is a printmaker and mother, inspired by nature, history, and the rhythms of her surroundings. Elizabeth is a graduate of The New School in NYC and a current member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She resides in Newburyport, MA with her family.

  • Kendra Shedenhelm drawing at a desk in an art studio, wearing glasses and a plaid shirt, with sketches and drawings on the wall.

    Kendra Shedenhelm, Illustrator

    Kendra Shedenhelm spent her childhood in Nebraska, illustrating short stories, entering poster contests and creating "sellable" wares out of paper placemats. After graduating with her BFA from Chicago in 1996, she immediately moved to NYC and has been fortunate to work as a graphic designer, printmaker, illustrator and artist since. She now lives north of Manhattan in a little village on the Hudson with her husband, their 9 year old son and two cats.

    Kendra was a semi-finalist for the Tomie dePaola Award in illustration and was recently awarded the A. Eric Arctander grant for her watercolors. Kendra is represented by the NYC agency, Painted Words and she also sells her art in her Society6 shop. She frequently posts her sketches and illustrations on Instagram and invites you to follow her!

    View her work and learn more on KendraShedenhelm.com

  • Family smiling outdoors in forest setting

    Michael D. Barton, Editor

    Michael Barton is an independent historian focusing on the history of science with an emphasis on Charles Darwin and evolution. He received his Masters in History from Montana State University, has long kept a blog called The Dispersal of Darwin, and currently works as an editor on a project to transcribe and publish the correspondence of the Victorian physicist and mountaineer John Tyndall. Michael is also an advocate for getting children outside and connected to nature. He regularly enjoys spending time in nature with his own children where they live in Portland, Oregon, and manages a Facebook Group, PDX Kids in Nature. Further, Michael manages the Facebook page Children at Nature Play, which is connected with the unique "Children at Nature Play" signs he sells to raise awareness about connecting children to nature. Ideal for displaying at parks, nature centers, gardens, schools, and neighborhoods, the signs are available at natureplaysign.com

Reviews, (some)Press, and Awards

Free Printable Coloring Book!

FREE Mini Printable Coloring Book from The Historical Heroines Coloring Book: Pioneering Women in Science from the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Featuring:

💙 Chemist Alice Ball (1892-1916)

💙 Marine biologist Jeanne Villepreux-Power (1794-1871)

💙 Paleontologist Mary Anning (1799-1847)

Click the button below to download your free PDF copy today.

  • Great STEAM/STEM tool for any and all educational needs

  • Double-page spreads of 3 pioneering women in science

  • Includes a glossary of terms

  • Includes a list of more women to research on your own!

Click the image to download the PDF.

  • How will you color each portrait to best bring these courageous, brilliant, and inspiring women scientists to life?

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