The Picture Book Buzz - Fossil Picture Books

Yesterday, on the STEM Tuesday portion of the From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle Grade Authors blog (https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/stem-tuesday/), Sue Heavenrich and I curated a list of middle grade books about Ancient Stories Cast in Stone and the paleontologists who hunt for and study these fossils.

In the process of searching for these middle grade books, I discovered some fascinating picture books which I'd also like to give some attention to. These are great books for kids interested in all types of fossils, the stories they tell, and the scientists who study them.

One Million Oysters on Top of the Mountain by Alex Nogués, illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora, and translated by Lawrence Schimel (Eerdmans 2021) - Written in a conversational, question and answer format, this inventive book starts by asking the reader what they see in three panoramic views as the illustrations zoom in on the rocks and strata of a mountain. The text juxtaposes a lightly humorous narrative with questions a kid reader might ask. "How did the oysters get up to the top of the mountain?/ Did they climb up here?/ Did they fall like rain, carried by a hurricane?"

Musical analogies and interesting sidebars on scientific discoveries, supplement an engaging journey of a mother, child, and dog through time (following fossil through the strata) as they discover different types of rocks and their formations, continental shift, and the movement of plates to explain how oyster fossils were found on the top of a mountain. Written by a geologist specializing in groundwater and paleontology who discovered just such a fossil ss a child.

The Fossil Whisperer: How Wendy Sloboda Discovered a Dinosaur by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Sandra Dumais (Kids Can Press 2022) - This engaging biography of the Canadian fossil hunter, Wendy Sloboda, shows how an observant, nature loving, "treasure hunter" discovered her first fossil (a piece of coral) on a field trip to the Arizona badlands at the age of twelve and triggered a life-long adventure as a fossil hunter.

Exploring her discoveries of a dinosaur eggshell, an ancient turtle, and a new species of dinosaur (named for her) with fun almost crayon-like illustrations and fun gatefold pages, the book explores the new stories that came to light for Wendy and the world as a result of her remarkable eye for details and discover of over three thousand fossils. Additional information about Wendy, "How to Be a Fossil Hunter," fossils, and Wendiceratops round out this fun biography.

You Can Be a Paleontologist!: Discovering Dinosaurs with Dr. Scott by Scott D. Sampson (National Geographic Kids 2017) - Photo-illustrated and enthusiastic, this book delves into where fossils are found and the mechanics of finding them. After exploring the tools needed and how to hunt for them, the reader is taken through the process of carefully digging & removing the fossils, safely transporting them, studying, and storing them.

Enthusiastically using the analogy of a detective, the book explores the author's favorite fossils - Dinosaurs. Highlighting a number of the amazing discoveries of their appearance, diet, environment, and living relatives. A fun section on how to become a paleontologist and glossary conclude this delightful book.

All About Fossils: Discovering Dinosaurs and Other Clues to the Past by Cody Crane (Scholastic 2021) - A fun introductory book on fossils. After examining how fossils were created and types of fossils, the book explores earth's history, fossil hunters and their remarkable finds, and a few "living fossils." Brief introductions to some historic and current paleontologists are followed by "Fantastic Fossil Facts," as well as fossil dating and make your own fossil activities. Enticing photos, illustrations, and graphics pair well with succinct text and sidebars to create a great first look at fossils.

Hope you enjoy these great picture books on fossils and pop over to the STEM Tuesday blog post for the middle grade book list about "Ancient Stories Cast in Stone." Then be sure to check out the "In the Classroom," "Writing Tips & Resources," and "Author Interview" posts on fossils posted each Tuesday this month.