Santiago Saw Things Differently
Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Artist, Doctor, Father of Neuroscience
A beautifully illustrated and inspiring MIT Kids picture book biography of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, an incredible artist and the Father of Neuroscience.
Santiago always loved drawing. With chalk or charcoal, he could create bullfights on walls, and sail ships across doorways. But his father wanted Santiago to be a doctor, not an artist, so Santiago had to paint in secret. Until, one night, he and his father slipped into an abandoned graveyard to look for skeletons, and Santiago realised that the human body was a work of art too. Inspired, Santiago trained as a doctor and, with his artistic eye, he discovered the secrets of the nervous system, becoming the Father of Neuroscience.
This stunning picture book from scientist Christine Iverson, imaginatively illustrated by Spanish artist Luciano Lozano, cleverly incorporates Santiago's own drawings, to bring to life his fascinating and inspiring story. With end matter including scientific notes, reference material and a detailed biography of Santiago, this STEAM title proves that art and science really do create wonders together.
Creators
Author Christine Iverson has a PhD in physical therapy and an MEd with a focus in children’s literature. She first encountered Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s work as a graduate student and was fascinated by his intricate artwork, his study of neuroscience, and his passionate approach to life. This is Christine Iverson’s first book for children.
Illustrator Luciano Lozano is an award-winning author and illustrator whose art is published in newspapers, magazines, and books, including The Worst Sleepover in the World by Sophie Dahl and I (Don’t) Like Snakes by Nicola Davies.
Reviews
In a muted palette of slate blues and goldenrod, with bursts of salmon and mint green, the artwork gives way to a more realistic, natural look that conveys a sense of history. And then, with the overlay of Ramón y Cajal’s own work, the contrast is splendid. The drawings of cells, neural paths, and fibers are perfect to pore over. . . . breathtaking, unbelievable, and inspiring.
School Library Journal (starred review)
Reproductions of Ramón y Cajal’s drawings appear on relevant pages of the book, alongside Lozano’s handsome digital illustrations, which feature expressive line drawings brightened with solid colors and occasional patterns. A picture book showing the value of the A in the STEAM field.
Booklist
An introduction to Santiago Ramón y Cajal, an artist and medical researcher who made a crucial discovery about how our nervous systems work. . . . Brightly illuminates a brilliant and multitalented yet unjustly obscure scientist.
Kirkus Reviews
Iverson writes with delicacy, evoking childhood moments that were formative for Santiago.
Publishers Weekly
