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In this post, you find my Dinosaur Lady book review! This book was just recently published by Sourcebooks Explore in July 2020. It was recommended to me by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Dr. Caitlin Colleary.

What is the book about?

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist is an inspirational children’s picture book. It explores the interesting life of Mary Anning. She lived from 1799-1847 in Lyme Regis, England.

Mary was a fossil hunter who is credited with the discovery of several dinosaurs including Ichthyosaur and Pterodactyl. At the time of her discoveries, Charles Darwin had not yet brought forth the theory of evolution. In fact, the word ‘dinosaur’ did not even exist yet.

Mary is now credited with assisting in the development of paleontology. Some believe that her work and discoveries may have influenced Charles Darwin. Her discoveries aided male British scientists in their careers because of the specimens that she provided to them.

Mary lived during a time when women were not expected to be educated, much less a scientist. She also was not credited for her work in the scientists papers that she sold her discoveries to. Regardless, she persevered. She taught herself and learned what to search for. She scavenged the beaches and cliffs looking for seashells, rocks, and fossils.

About the Author / Illustrator:

The author, Linda Skeers, is a nurse that has always LOVED reading and is the author of this book. Her publisher asked if she would write a picture book about Mary Anning, which she accepted.

The illustrator, Marta Alvarez Miguens, has actually illustrated several other books that we have in our collection at home. While she received a degree in psychology, her passion was always drawing and doodling.

What is your review of the book?

• This book is extremely intriguing to young readers and adults. It is extremely inspirational, especially for young girls.
• This book helped my children realize that they can do anything. They can overcome obstacles or injustices. Strong perseverance and curiosity will guide them.
• The historical elements of this book are incredibly fascinating. I had not heard of Mary Anning prior to reading this book.
• The end of the book includes a timeline of Mary’s life and discoveries, which was helpful and fun to read.
• The scientific vocabulary used in the book are easy to understand.
• The illustrations in this book make it easy for young children to understand what is happening on each page.

What did you little paleontologists think?

My children loved this book. It gave them a good understanding of what a paleontologist is and does! It is a book that my kids enjoy picking up and ask us to read again and again.

If you have a young paleontologist at home, they will be so excited to read it. Even a young scientist who has never studied paleontology before will find it thrilling!

If you have interest in purchasing this book, you can use this link. If you enjoyed this Dinosaur Lady book review, please leave a note in the comments!

-Kristen