Harriet's Ruffled Feathers: The Woman Who Saved Millions of Birds

Meet the inspiring woman whose love of fashion led her to start a conservation movement and found the Massachusetts Audubon Society in this lively picture book biography.
Harriet Lawrence Hemenway loved hats. She loved them with ribbons and flowers, embroidery and pearls. And feathers! What was better than a hat with grand, glorious feathers? But then Harriet discovered that millions of birds died so that she and her friends could soar at the height of style. A passion for fashion was one thing, but this was feather-brained!
So Harriet led the charge to take feathers out of fashion, getting laws passed that made it illegal to buy or sell wild bird feathers. In 1896, she and her fellow bird protectors founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society, which grew into a national organization that still protects birds today! Additional information about conservation can be found in the backmatter of this engaging picture book.
From School Library Journal
Gr 2–5—Harriet Lawrence Hemenway was an early environmentalist who cofounded the Massachusetts Audubon Society with Minna B. Hall. As a Boston socialite, Hemenway and her friends often wore beautiful hats adorned with bird feathers. Once made aware of the harm these fashion choices perpetuated, Hemenway began her activist movement to rid feathers from fashion. Her efforts were the inaugural steps of the first Audubon Society, and her lifelong dedication encouraged others to follow in her conservationist path. Lively text pairs perfectly with the dreamy, soft quality of the watercolor illustrations. This book not only tells Hemenway's story, but with extensive and engaging back matter, also encourages readers to stand up for issues they believe in. It includes information about the National Audubon Society, bird watching tips, resources for becoming a conservationist, and a detailed bibliography. VERDICT A thoughtful biography, with an encouraging message to budding activists, this picture book will be a welcome addition to any library collection.—Katherine Forsman