About this item
Highlights
- The amazing story of how the world's greatest fossilist found her first huge find at the age of twelve.
- 7-12 Years
- 7.24" x 4.8" Paperback
- 120 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Girls & Women
Description
About the Book
Mary Anning, considered the world's greatest fossilist, discovered her first big find at the age of twelve. This novel is an imaginative recreation of her childhood in early nineteenth-century Lyme Regis.Book Synopsis
The amazing story of how the world's greatest fossilist found her first huge find at the age of twelve.
Mary was born in 1799 in Lyme Regis, England. Her father, a carpenter and part-time fossil hunter, taught his children to look for fossils.
When her father injured himself and was unable to work, Mary quit school and took up fossil hunting full-time to help support her family, a task that became even more important when her father died, leaving the Annings in debt.
At the age of twelve, Mary, with her older brother Joe, found what they believed to be the skeleton of a gigantic crocodile, the Great Croc of the legends. Between dodging her rival fossil hunter the Curiman, and the sheer work of carefully digging out the fossil, Mary took almost a year to excavate what would later be termed the Ichthyosaurus.
Mary Anning was uneducated, poor and a woman, but her life's work of fossil hunting led her to make many discoveries that influenced our understanding of prehistoric creatures and the age of the Earth.
In this triumphant novel about scientific discovery, Monica Kulling brings Mary Anning and her world to life for young readers.
Key Text Features
author's note
historical context
resources
facts
further reading
Review Quotes
Young adventurers will enjoy this true story of perseverance.
-- "Calgary Herald"Mary's story should inspire young readers to seek unconventional paths, to work hard and to never give up hope. STARRED REVIEW-- "Youth Services Book Review"
Mary presents an admirable role model for her lively mind, independent spirit, and a continuing sense of wonder that drives her to chip away at nature's mysteries.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
A stirring story made more inspirational by the reality of its protagonist.-- "Booklist"
Mary Anning's Curiosity packs much good material into a slim volume, introducing young readers to one of science's great characters at a pivotal point in her story.-- "Foreword Magazine"
With this fictionalized look at Anning's childhood, Kulling provides context for readers and offers a fascinating glimpse at how those who came before us have shaped our comprehension of the world.-- "School Library Journal"
About the Author
Monica Kulling is the author of over fifty books for children. Her most recent book is On Our Way to Oyster Bay: Mother Jones and Her March for Children s Rights, illustrated by Felicita Sala. She has also written the popular Great Idea series, including In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps It Up. Monica s work has been nominated for many awards, including numerous Silver Birch Express and Golden Oak awards. Her recent picture books include Happy Birthday, Alice Babette, Grant and Tillie Go Walking and The Tweedles Go Electric. Monica Kulling lives in Toronto.Melissa Castrillon has a First Class Honors Degree in Illustration and a master s degree in Children s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art. She is a freelance illustrator based in Cambridge, England.
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