A fascinating, highly visual biography of Mary Anning, the Victorian fossil hunter who changed scientific thinking about prehistoric life and would become one of the most celebrated paleontologists of all time. Perfect for children learning about woman scientists like Ada Lovelace, Jane Goodall, and Katherine Johnson.
Mary Anning grew up in England in a region rich in fossils unearthed by the sea. At the age of twelve, she discovered England’s first ichthyosaur.
Anning would become one of the most celebrated paleontologists ever, though in her time she was a rarely acknowledged, poor woman who supported herself selling fossils. Her findings helped shape scientific thinking about prehistoric life and prove that extinction can occur decades before Darwin discussed evolution.
With engaging text, photographs, and stunning paleoart, The Fossil Hunter introduces this self-taught scientist, now recognized as one of the greatest fossilists the world has ever known.
Author’s note. Time line. Glossary. “Where to See Mary Anning’s Fossils.” Source quotes. Bibliography. Index. Full-color illustrations, photographs, and reproductions.
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Gr 4-8-Along with relating Mary Anning's experiences seeking fossils and becoming an expert paleontologist before the term existed, this is the story of a girl growing up in the early 1800s. Blackford brings enthusiasm and reverence to this biography as both an author and a geologist. Readers will learn that Anning was struck by lightning as a very young child; her dog, Tray, accompanied her on digs and guarded her finds; and she kindly let children look through trays of fossils at her shop. These details give a sense of Mary as a person while descriptions of her toils, including how she dressed, dealt with different social classes, and chose not to augment the skeletons she found broaden the sense of her character. Appearing on almost every page are paleo-art paintings, photos of her fossils, a historic strata map, etchings, images from Anning's journals, and more, that present a visual representation as exciting as her story. Documentation includes a time line, glossary, where to see her fossils, source quotes, and more. VERDICT An excellent addition to any collection where there is an interest in paleontology or women's history.-Janet S. Thompson