Stone Girl Bone Girl
What’s inside...
Discover the story of Mary Anning, the world's best-known fossil hunter. As a baby, Mary was struck by lightning, then as a little girl she found a fossilised sea monster, the most important prehistoric discovery of its time. This spectacular tale of a little girl who dared to be different and who followed her dreams will inspire young children. Beautiful illustrations and narrative text help children to learn how Mary discovered new fossils – and how her observations rocked the natural history world. Be inspired by Mary's work as a woman in the field of science – especially as her achievements weren't recognised until after her death. Perfect for kids interested in dinosaurs and rocks, and for parents looking for strong female role models in science. If you liked this, you might like the Anholt's Artists series.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mary Anning
Mary's Father
Discussion points
How do you think Mary felt when she discovered the dinosaur fossils, and why?
What qualities do you admire in Mary Anning, and how can you apply them in your own life?
Why do you think people didn’t believe Mary at first, and how did she prove them wrong?
What did you learn about dinosaurs and the work of a paleontologist from this story?
How do you think Mary's discoveries changed the way people view the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Mary by discussing times they've faced disbelief or had to prove themselves.
Ask your child to consider what they would do if they made a similar groundbreaking discovery, fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration.
Discuss the perseverance Mary displayed and explore similar situations in your child’s experiences that require persistence.
Highlight the historical and scientific context of the book, prompting discussions on changes in both science and societal attitudes since Mary’s time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to discovery
Explanation: The protagonist, Mary Anning, demonstrates relentless curiosity and determination in fossil hunting despite the challenges she faces.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and hard work in achieving goals, which can be applied in their studies, hobbies, and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Embrace uniqueness
Explanation: Mary's passion for fossils sets her apart from others in her village, showcasing the importance of embracing one’s unique interests and talents.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate what makes them unique and to confidently pursue their own interests.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: Mary faces not only financial hardships but also societal doubts about her pursuits, yet she overcomes these to make significant discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children learn resilience and the importance of standing strong in the face of difficulties, applicable in navigating school challenges or interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Contribution to science
Explanation: Mary Anning's fossil discoveries contribute to the scientific community, highlighting the impact individuals can have on broader knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to contribute positively to their community and to appreciate the value of sharing knowledge.
Example Lesson: Learning through exploration
Explanation: The story promotes active exploration and learning from the environment, as demonstrated by Mary’s hands-on approach to learning.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to engage with their surroundings and learn through direct interaction, fostering a proactive attitude towards learning.