Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas

This narrative non-fiction picture book profiles Maude Delap, a self-taught Irish marine biologist who, in the late 1800s, raised jellyfish in homemade aquariums on Valentia Island. Through careful observation, note-taking, and perseverance, she was the first to document the complete life cycle of several jellyfish species. The book follows Maude from her childhood fascination with tide-pool creatures to her correspondence with professional scientists and the publication of her groundbreaking findings, all while navigating the gender biases of her era. Vivid illustrations and accessible sidebars introduce basic marine biology concepts and celebrate curiosity, determination, and the scientific method.