author
Katherine Chandler
1865–1930
A California nature writer and botanist, she was remembered as the "Wildflower Lady of California" and wrote books that brought plants, folklore, and western history to young readers. Her work blends careful observation with a warm, accessible love of the natural world.
1 Audiobook
The Bird-Woman of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
by Katherine Chandler
About the author
Born in San Francisco in 1865, Katherine Agnes Chandler was an American botanist, writer, and librarian. She became known as the "Wildflower Lady of California," a nickname that reflects how strongly her work was tied to the plants and landscapes of the American West.
Her books range widely, but they often share the same inviting spirit: helping readers, especially children, discover nature and regional history. Confirmed works include As California Wild Flowers Grow, In the Reign of Coyote: Folklore from the Pacific Coast, and The Bird-Woman of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Chandler died in 1930. Even from the titles alone, her writing suggests a talent for turning botany, folklore, and exploration into stories that feel lively and approachable rather than remote or academic.