Magic in a drop of water, with Julie Winterbottom

Photo credit: Mike Isabell

Julie Winterbottom has written a range of books aimed at children, including books on farts, pranks and horror — all designed for maximum humor, spine chills and fun.

Her most recent work is a little different. “Magic in a Drop of Water” tells the story of ecologist Ruth Patrick, who did pioneering research connecting biodiversity to river pollution and helped to write the 1972 clean water act. It’s a beautiful book in terms of both the story it tells and the gorgeous illustrations of marsh snails, hugsuckers and, above all, diatoms, the family of phytoplankton that appear in all bodies of water and who were a focus of Patrick’s work.

In addition to book projects, Julie also plays cajun accordion and volunteers with multiple local causes, including Beacon Prison Rides and Beacon Climate Action Now. At 68, she offers a wonderful example of someone who is always seeking ways to create, connect with others, and give back to the community and those in need.

My favorite moment in our interview is Julie’s response to a question I tend to ask all our guests: “What’s one underrated thing in Beacon?”

Here’s what she said: “I love to go for evening and nighttime walks all over Beacon. And I especially love to do it in the spring. I do a lilac walk. There are many many lilac bushes all over Beacon. I go around smelling them, occasionally filching one blossom. I just love Beacon at night.”