The 50 State Fossils: A Guidebook for Aspiring Paleontologists

What youngster hasn’t dreamed about finding interesting old fossils in the big dig he or she is making in the back yard? This fun non-fiction book will inspire youngsters to learn about the different states and the fossils that have been declared to represent each state. Not every state has one — three states have state dinosaurs and one has a state stone but no fossil and six have nothing, but the book includes recommendations for those states. A good introduction explains what fossils are and how they formed, excellent information about fossil hunting, and more. Then there are pages for each state that include a map of the state, a drawing of the animal or plant from which the fossil comes, well-written and well-researched information about the plant or animal, and a good photograph of the fossil. While many states have chosen dinosaurs, there are many other animals and some plants chosen — fish, sea creatures, trees, and other plants, even a special kind of wood. The variety is amazing and fun to read about. Budding paleontologists will love this book, as will kids interested in animals and fossils, which is just about every kid out there.