"We lose ourselves in books, we also find ourselves there!" -Unknown
From a very young age, I have loved to read, and I firmly believe reading sparked my interest in natural history. I can remember visiting the Greenville Public Library and checking out books on rocks, minerals, fossils, and seashells. These books filled my curiosity and I delighted in gaining knowledge that I could share with others!
Now as I have gotten older and started on my career path I have had many parents who ask me about Christmas or birthday presents for their fossil loving kids, and I always recommend books! So I have put together a list of some of my favorite paleontology books for children! Enjoy!
Fossils for Kids by Ashley Hall. This latest addition to my collection was authored by one of my biggest paleontological and science communication role models. This book takes youth on a journey through deep time and explains everything you need to know about geologic time, what are fossils, how they are made, and how they are discovered and cared for! The book also highlights dozens of prehistoric creatures your kids will surely fall in love with! This is by far one of the best fossils books for youth on the market. You can view and purchase Fossils for Kids at https://www.amazon.com/Fossils-Kids-Scientists-Dinosaur-Prehistoric/dp/164739368X
The Street Beneath My Feet by Charolette Gullian and Yuval Zommer. While this book is not strictly about paleontology it is still an excellent visualization for youth interested in fossils! This beautifully illustrated storybook takes a journey through the entire earth from the streets we walk on to the inner core, give youth all the dirty details about what is going on! From animals to bones, to minerals, to lava, to insects youth will delight in discovering their world! You can view and purchase The Street Beneath My Feet at https://www.amazon.com/Street-Beneath-My-Feet/dp/1682971368/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FINHM2CJFBE9&dchild=1&keywords=the+street+beneath+my+feet&qid=1595368531&s=books&sprefix=the+streert+be%2Cstripbooks%2C161&sr=1-1
Geology Lab For Kids by Garret Romaine. This book is ideal for those kids who love hands-on learning and getting sticky! It includes 52 projects you can do at home or at school for kids to explore rocks, gems, geodes, crystals, fossils, and other wonders of the earth's surface! This is also an excellent guide for geology or science teachers, girl scout troop leaders, 4-H advisors, and museum educators! You can view and purchase Geology Labs For Kids at https://www.amazon.com/Geology-Lab-Kids-Projects-Crystals/dp/1631592858/ref=sr_1_2?crid=146TUIFLTTYBU&dchild=1&keywords=geology+lab+for+kids&qid=1595368691&s=books&sprefix=geology+lab%2Cstripbooks%2C160&sr=1-2
Dig Into Fossils by GeoCentral. This book was my first guide to fossils, and I loved it! This gives good details about fossils and how they are made but also serves as an identification book for common fossils that youth can find depending on where they live. Join Geosaurus and Dig into Fossils! You can view and purchase Dig into Fossils at https://www.amazon.com/Dig-Into-Fossils-book/dp/B000SSP004/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dig+into+fossils&qid=1595368918&s=books&sr=1-2
Where on Earth? Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Life by Chris Barker and Darren Naish. Do your kids ever want to dig in the backyard for dinosaurs or was that just me? Dinosaurs are not found in every state, or every town but certain geologic exposures of the right age. This book takes youth throughout the world and gives details on over 40 dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures and where they lived. Remember the world looked a lot of different millions of years ago! You can view and purchase Where on Earth? Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Life at https://www.amazon.com/Where-Earth-Dinosaurs-Other-Prehistoric/dp/1465479635/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=where+on+earth+dinosaurs+and+other+prehistoric+animals&qid=1595369868&s=books&sr=1-2
The World Encyclopedia of Fossils and Fossil-Collecting by Steve Parker. This illustrated guide is geared towards older children and adults but serves as one of the best tools to begin to identify and collect fossils. You can view and purchase The World Encyclopedia of Fossils and Fossil Collecting at https://www.amazon.com/World-Encyclopedia-Fossils-Fossil-Collecting-Illustrated/dp/1780193947/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QC9OU9MZCE6&dchild=1&keywords=the+world+encyclopedia+of+fossils&qid=1595370091&s=books&sprefix=the+world+en%2Cstripbooks%2C175&sr=1-1
While there are many other wonderful geology and paleontology books out there for you to discover I hope you enjoy this list and consider looking into these books. And don't worry, though these books are marketed for children they are also excellent additions to the book collection of fossil lovers of all ages. Thanks for reading!
