The Fossil Whisperer - by Helaine Becker (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Young Wendy had a rare eye for unusual. She was always on the hunt for anything and everything -- gnarly rocks, buds and burrs, the brilliant blue of a jay's feather. When a class trip takes her to Alberta's amazing bonebed, a place known for its dinosaur fossils, twelve-year-old Wendy makes her first major discovery: a piece of fossilized coral from 100 million years ago! From then on, Wendy spends her time among the windswept hoodoos, searching for more treasures from the past. With her rare eye, she has the uncanny ability to see what others miss and eventually travels the world as a preeminent fossil hunter, known as the "fossil whisperer." But it's back home, near Alberta's Milk River, that Wendy makes her most important discovery: an entirely new dinosaur species! This is the remarkable true story of how fossil whisperer Wendy Sloboda discovered Wendiceratops, a dinosaur that would provide a fascinating missing link in history."--]cProvided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A captivating look at the life of a modern-day fossil hunter who makes the find of a lifetime told by award-winning author Helaine Becker.

Wendy has an eye for the unusual and is skilled at finding things that others don't see. While on a school field trip at age 12, she spots one of those unusual things poking out of the ground, and it turns out to be a piece of fossilized coral that's 100 million years old. Wendy's thrilled! And soon, she gets hooked on finding fossils. When she grows up, Wendy turns her passion into her career and becomes a preeminent fossil hunter, known as the "fossil whisperer" around the world. But it's on a dig close to home where Wendy makes her most important discovery: Wendiceratops!. Becker's narrative is full of energy, allowing Wendy's intelligence, independence and unconventional spirit to shine through. Sandra Dumais's illustrations keep the visual appeal high, cleverly presenting the modern-day story with loads of details while giving readers a feel for the past when dinosaurs roamed the land, including two intriguing gatefolds that reveal further secrets. This readable biography of a unique female role model in the male-dominated field of paleontology has strong STEM connections in life science and paleontology and applications in Earth history. It includes a biographical note, more information about Wendiceratops and fossil hunting, a timeline, a glossary and further reading.

Review Quotes

... an involving, empowering read, great for one-on-one sharing and for school and public libraries.--Canadian Children's Book News

Dumais's digital art ... showcase[s] the work that goes into paleontology. Becker's easygoing, exclamation-filled prose ... makes Sloboda's interest feel relatable, amplifying the joy of scientific discovery--Publishers Weekly

Imagination-inspiring, text for older readers and pictures for all ages ... a great addition to collections ...--CM Magazine

... this book is a fine addition to a home or school library and one that is inspirational as well as entertaining.--Children's Literature

Recommended for early nonfiction collections and any shelf emphasizing STEM titles or biographies of women.--School Library Journal

An entertaining account of a remarkable fossil hunter and an educational journey into the world of dinosaur fossils.--Kirkus Reviews

... leaves a strong impact on readers about Noether's impressive achievements, both as a mathematician and as an example of women's intellectual creativity and empowerment--Jewish Book Council (Praise for Emmy Noether)

A vivid biographical depiction of history, math, science, and the importance of women in STEM.--Kirkus Reviews (Praise for Emmy Noether)

A worthy addition to the growing collection of STEM-related picture book biographies of pioneering women.--School Library Journal (Praise for Emmy Noether)

About the Author

Helaine Becker is the bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and young adults, including Counting on Katherine, A Porcupine in a Pine Tree and Emmy Noether. She is a two-time recipient of the Lane Anderson Award and a winner of both the Silver Birch Award and the Red Cedar Award. Helaine lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario.
Sandra Dumais is a children's book illustrator and the owner of the company Moon and Sparrow. She is the author of the Farm Crimes! series and the illustrator of Oliva Wrapped in Vines, The Fossil Whisperer and Bob the Boo-Boo. In her free time, she can be seen exploring Montreal's laneways with her husband and their two little artists.