Biographies are a fun genre. You can find out fun facts about favorite authors, poets or even rhinoceroses. Yes, rhinoceroses can have a biography, too. After all, it is hard for them to hold a pencil in their hoof for them to write an autobiography.
Therefore, I will start off with Clara the Triumphant Rhinoceros: A True Story (in case you doubt me that this is a biography of a rhino, there is “true story” in the title). Jane Kurtz created a story that gives us the life and times of Clara, and Indian rhinoceros. She was born in the 1700s, was orphaned at a young age, lived with a human family, grew large and would find fame with a sea captain as they traveled Europe. Historically, this was a time of discovery and learning. People assumed that rhinos had flowers on them, or were cruel and mean, or even not real. But as she traveled the world, people studied her and loved her, we learned about her. While yes, today we would not want a wild animal to be in this situation, it was helpful to the times. And allowed us, centuries later, to explore with Clara. The author gives us background information and talks about the conservation happening today. This is all tied together with sweet, easy illustrations by Claire Messer. The images are not abstract, but are not “fully fleshed out” as well. They have a folk art look, style and color scheme. 
Now we will talk about humans and their biographies. I am sure I read Where the Red Fern Grows as a kid. It has not stuck with me, if so, but I know it is a favorite of many. And when I was able to find Woody’s Words : Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows by Lisa Rogers and illustrated by Susan Reagan, I was intrigued. I honestly do not think I have seen a biography of Rawls and not a picture book for sure. A young barefoot farm boy would go onto write one of the most popular and beloved books. He had little education, a tough life and eventually just a dream of writing a book about a boy and his dog. He would be an adult before his wife would encourage him to follow his dream, one that would inspire kids across the world. There are a lot of facts mixed into the story and with the extras at the end. The art of Reagan is fun, colorful, but also sets a mood of the times. There are more natural colors used, with details flowing on the page. 
And last, but not least, we have Woods & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver. Author, Sara Holly Ackerman and illustrator Naoko Stoop are obviously fans of Oliver, as the text and illustrations are representative of Oliver herself. Things are straight forward and colorful, but not overwhelming. There are good details and even though it is lighter on the text itself, nothing is missed with the highlights of Oliver’s life. We see the child Oliver to the adult woman and how she would find love, have trials being published and still become one of the most beloved poets. Several extras are included in the authors afterwards. Love or hate this poet, she has an interesting story and was an interesting person. 
All these picture book titles were read via an online reader copy, though Clara and Woods & Words are currently available. Woody’s Words will be due in September 2025. 