Dragonflies of Glass: The Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls

Gr 2-5–In this unique picture book biography, readers meet Clara Driscoll, a gifted artist responsible for designing some of the Tiffany Studio’s most memorable pieces. As a child, Clara loves drawing flowers and insects on her family’s farm in Ohio, and her parents encourage their daughters to pursue their education. Following her father’s death, Clara and her sister Josephine move to New York City, where they study at the Metropolitan Museum Art School. When Clara’s nature drawings catch the attention of Louis Comfort Tiffany, he hires the sisters, setting them on an unusual career path for white women in the late 19th century. The remainder of the book chronicles Driscoll’s successes as an artist and her role as the leader of the Women’s Glass Cutting department. As her story unfolds, Chapman’s vivid illustrations, rendered in watercolor, gouache, and cut paper, deftly bring to life Clara’s journey, accomplishments, and artistic process. In the bottom margin, they also depict life back home in Ohio as Clara exchanges letters with her family, emphasizing her strong familial connection as well as the inspiration she draws from her youth on the farm. The composition of each illustration is exceptionally thoughtful, detailed, and dynamic. Back matter includes notes from the author and illustrator, both of which feature photographs of Clara and her work, as well as additional resources. All characters cue as white.