"They called the fossilized shells and bones
"curios," short for "curiosities."
Mary hated to sell the curios. She longed to
slip a few treasures into her pocket to study
alone later. She knew they contained forgotten
stories and hidden secrets."
Spring books bring an assortment of new and intriguing picture book biographies. I have read others about Mary Anning: Dinosaur Lady (Sourcebooks, 2020), Stone Girl, Bone Girl (Frances Lincoln, 2006), Rare Treasure (HMH, 1999) and Mary Anning's Curiosity (Groundwood, 2017). There are others, of course.
This one is focused on Mary's childhood, and her early penchant for hunting treasure. The family lived near the sea, and storms would often force them from their home because of flooding. The aftermath of those storms led the family to search the cliffs for any treasure to be found there.
Mary, her brother Joseph, and their father would work diligently to see what the storm had left in its wake. Mary always wanted to be first to find treasure. Once found, the treasures all had to be sold to support the family through hard times. Reluctantly, those many finds were sold with Mary wondering all the while what they were giving up.
The three made quite the team. When Mary's father died, it was left to the children to continue the family's work. Mary led the way, always imagining that one day they would find something very special. Her brother made quite an amazing discovery. When her brother grew tired of the work, it was left to Mary to continue working to unearth a giant crocodile. It made the news.
As the years passed, Mary continued making many more important finds. She pursued new learning at every dig, and making discoveries ... all on her own. A big find led to many scientific papers. Not one mentioned Mary. Mary faced discrimination as a scientist in a world that took little stock in women who proved themselves worthy of attention for their fine work. Mary persevered, finally opening her own shop where she could show others what she had discovered. She never gave up looking for more.
Back matter includes further information about Mary, her dragons, and guidance on how to become a paleontologist. Finally, a selected bibliography is shared.
Engaging, accessible, and accompanied by excellent digital art, this is a book that readers are sure to experience with a sense of awe for Mary's perseverance through some very hard times.
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