Story by Whitney Baxter
What was once a draft tucked in a “Secret Project” folder on her computer is now a colorful and fun board book that introduces preschool- and elementary-aged children to the fascinating world of plant health.
Maddle Henrickson, adjunct assistant professor with Iowa State University’s Integrated Pest Management team, has always wanted to be an author and was inspired to enter the plant pathology world after learning about soybean white mold in eighth grade.
Years later, while completing her doctoral degree at the University of Delaware, Henrickson started writing. At the time, she wanted to present a finished book as a baby gift to her advisor, who was expecting. However, Henrickson got stuck at the illustration phase, leaving the book to sit in that “Secret Project” folder.
After joining the IPM team, she told co-workers about her unfinished dream book, and her boss encouraged her to apply for an Excellence in Extension grant to bring it to fruition. She was awarded the grant and debuted the completed book, "Plants Don't Sneeze," last summer as an ISU Extension and Outreach publication.
“It’s really cool for me to see this idea I had go from notes on my computer and phone, to feeling defeated because I couldn’t finish it, to having money to make it a reality,” Henrickson says.
With fun phrases that describe how nematodes “munch and crunch on roots, leaves and stems,” how bacteria are “stinky, slimy and covered in goo,” and how viruses make “a plant cell act kind of freaky,” Henrickson takes a scientific topic and transforms it into a fun – and perhaps silly – learning experience.
“People don’t often think about plants getting sick,” Henrickson says. “This serves as an introduction to phytopathology – the study of plant diseases – in a way that’s engaging and makes people of all ages more aware of it.”
This first book was such a hit that Henrickson created a second book, “Bugs Don’t Use Spoons,” earlier this year. Another illustrative board book for children, this one explores insect mouthparts through onomatopoeias like "crunch!" and "schlunk!"
Henrickson is working with Maya Hayslett, IPM education extension specialist, on children’s programming that incorporates the two books.
She says she’s always thinking about how to make scientific learning fun and accessible for children.
“It really challenges you to be thoughtful about the words you use so it comes across in a way that’s understandable and sparks curiosity.”