Snakestone A Historical Adventure for 8-12 Year Olds Based on the True Story of Mary Anning
Snakestone A Historical Adventure for 8-12 Year Olds Based on the True Story of Mary Anning by Emma Bayley is a historical novel published by Lila Press on January 22, 2025. This engaging story invites readers to join 11-year-old Mary Anning as she embarks on an adventure along the Dorset coast in 1810. The narrative centers around Mary’s discovery of a skull in a cave, which she believes could change her family’s fortunes and contribute to the field of science, particularly in relation to the study of fossils and prehistoric creatures.
In this thrilling tale, Mary faces challenges including a crumbling rock face, local superstitions, and the mystery of a stolen book. The book explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the pursuit of knowledge, making it suitable for children aged 8 to 12. With a page count of 252, Snakestone combines elements of historical fiction with adventure, providing a captivating glimpse into the life of a young girl who played a significant role in the history of paleontology.
Official synopsis Publisher
Come on an adventure with 11-year-old Mary Anning!
A gripping historical novel for 8-12 year olds based on the true story of Mary Anning’s childhood.
Released in 2025 to celebrate 200 years since the discovery of dinosaur fossils in southern England, and to celebrate 225 years since Anning’s birth. Snakestone is perfect for readers of 8+ and is a page-turning story about mystery and discovery, fossils and giant prehistoric sea creatures, and of course one incredible, plucky heroine – the science and fossil hunting legend, Mary Anning. This is the story of Mary discovering a skull in the cliffs of Lyme Regis when she was only 11 years old that changed the course of science and influenced Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is written as a thrilling historical adventure story for children.
Dorset coast 1810. A dark cave, a mysterious tree, a strange creature… When Mary and her brother Joe discover the skull of a strange creature in a cave, Mary believes it can transform the fortunes of her family. But the rock face is crumbling, and the tide can race up the beach dangerously fast. Rumours swirl around town about Mary bringing bad luck. And then there is the matter of a stolen book…Can Mary unravel the tree’s secrets and make the discovery of a lifetime before her past catches up with her?
“Snakestone is an amazing achievement. As a Palaeobiologist, I know a good deal about Mary Anning and consider her to be one of the most important people in the history of my science. By following the science and history of Mary’s life and giving her a voice of her own, Emma Bayley has brought a relatable and likeable Mary Anning to life in quite the most extraordinary way, allowing her to inspire another generation. I loved this book.”
– Dr Neil J. Gostling, Lecturer in Evolution and Palaeobiology at the University of Southampton, and Fellow of the Linnaean Society
The perfect book to curl up with and begin the new year. A beautiful and heart-wrenching middle grade debut for children aged 8 to 12, full of love, bravery, friendship, discovery, fossil-hunting, giant sea creatures, all set on the storm-battered beaches of the Dorset coast in the nineteenth century. Perfect for fans of Emma Carroll.
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