Cubs in the Tub: The True Story of the Bronx Zoo's First Woman Zookeeper

Cubs in the Tub tells the story of Helen Martini, who became the Bronx Zoo's first woman zookeeper in the 1940s. The book follows Helen's path from an animal lover to a groundbreaking figure who established the zoo's first nursery. Helen discovers her calling when she takes in an orphaned lion cub, caring for it in her small Bronx apartment. Her success with the cub leads to more opportunities to nurture young zoo animals in need. Through text and illustrations, the book chronicles Helen's growing responsibilities at the zoo and her work to create proper protocols for animal care. The story provides details about daily life with the zoo babies and the challenges of breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. This picture book biography celebrates determination and the bonds between humans and animals while highlighting an overlooked pioneer in zoological history.

Readers appreciate the book's focus on Helen Martini's pioneering role as a female zookeeper in the 1940s. Parents and teachers note the book works well for children aged 4-8, with engaging illustrations and an accessible writing style that maintains young readers' interest. Positive mentions: - Clear explanations of animal care practices - Effective blend of history and personal story - Illustrations capture emotional moments - Strong message about following one's passion Critiques: - Some readers wanted more details about Helen's later career - A few noted the story moves quickly through major events Ratings: Goodreads: 4.19/5 (361 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (91 ratings) Reader quote: "This heartwarming true story shows how one person's dedication can change institutional practices for the better" - Goodreads reviewer The book receives particular praise from educators who use it to discuss women in science and animal conservation.

Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics by Sue Macy The story of Margaret Thompson, the first female to photograph Olympic athletes, presents themes of pioneering women and their connections to animals through sport and documentation.

Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang The biography follows the career path of a female scientist who broke barriers in marine biology and worked with animals in ways no one had attempted.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles by Patricia Valdez This account of the first female curator at the London Zoo chronicles her groundbreaking work with komodo dragons and other reptiles in the 1920s.

The Doctor Who Dared: The Story of Margaret Mead by Susan Goodman The book traces Margaret Mead's journey from her childhood fascination with observing animals to her revolutionary fieldwork studying cultures across the world.

The Elephant Doctor of India by Janie Chodosh The biography follows Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma's life work treating and saving injured elephants throughout India's wildlife sanctuaries and remote villages.

🐯 Helen Martini raised lion and tiger cubs in her own apartment bathroom when the Bronx Zoo had no nursery facilities in the 1940s. 🏆 The book received the NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book award for outstanding nonfiction for children in 2021. 🦁 Helen became known as "Mother of Cubs" and went on to establish the Bronx Zoo's first-ever animal nursery in 1944. ✍️ Author Candace Fleming has written over 40 children's books, including the highly acclaimed The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh, which won the 2021 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award. 🎨 The book's illustrator, Julie Downing, created the artwork using watercolor, colored pencil, and digital techniques to capture the tender relationship between Helen and her cubs.