THE GIRL WHO BUILT AN OCEAN An Artist, an Argonaut, and the True Story of the World's First Aquarium

Hannah Van Der Westhuysen narrates this beautifully crafted biography, which captures the wonder of Jeanne Villepreux-Power's life. Born in 1794 to a dressmaker and a cobbler, Jeanne spent her childhood watching her parents transform scraps into something remarkable. Eventually, she became an acclaimed seamstress herself. However, her deepest passion lay in nature, particularly in the argonaut, a shy and mysterious sea creature now recognized as a type of octopus. Frustrated by its elusive behavior, Jeanne created the first aquarium to study it more closely. This audio also includes a brief explanation of Villepreux-Power's journey to being recognized as the "Mother of Aquariophily" and a timeline of her life. Van Der Westhuysen's precise pacing and emphasis on key moments make the narration both engaging and memorable. S.K.G. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2025]