From bones to hair, and teeth to shells, fossils tell the most amazing stories about the history of life and the planet we live on. Many kids are fascinated with prehistoric animals and plants in a way that sparks curiosity, inspires questions, and fun conversations. We can incorporate books about fossils into our at-home reading, as well as in our classrooms.
Here are 20 book recommendations you and your kids can use as the guide to fossils every enthusiastic reader has been digging for!
1. Fossils Tell Stories
Here is a creative children's book illustrating fossils in a unique and artistic way casual readers will love leafing through. Each picture of a fossil is made of a collage of colorful paper with informative descriptions and facts included on each page!
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2. Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist
Mary Anning is one special fossil collector all kids should read about when learning about ancient bones. She was the first female paleontologist, and this beautifully illustrated book tells her story in a kid-friendly and inspiring way.
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3. How the Dinosaur Got to the Museum
From discovery to display, this book about fossils follows the path of a Diplodocus skeleton as it makes its way from the ground in Utah, to the Smithsonian Museum in the capitol.
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4. When Sue Found Sue: Sue Hendrickson Discovers Her T. Rex
A remarkable book about Sue Hendrickson and the T. Rex skeleton with her namesake. This charming picture book encourages children to never lose their spark to uncover and discover, because there is deep, insight-packed history to be found!
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5. Digging Up Dinosaurs
A beginner book for early readers who enjoy learning about the environmental history of dinosaurs and their extinction. With easy-to-follow ideas and basic words, your kids can learn about fossils while improving their reading skills.
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6. Fossils Tell of Long Ago
How are fossils formed? What process does organic matter undergo to be preserved in stone and other materials? Read and follow along with these detailed and informative descriptions sharing the origin of fossils.
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7. Curious About Fossils (Smithsonian)
The title says it all! This picture book gives a concise and engaging overview of important people and discoveries for the precious fossils we know and love.
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8. Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth
A fossil guide your kids will use religiously as they become more interested in fossil collection. With realistic images, clues, and tips for fossil identification and stories of the past.
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9. My Visit to the Dinosaurs
A book written for kids to look at pictures and read about the most popular land fossils on earth, dinosaurs! A tour around a museum with age-appropriate descriptions geared to be read aloud.
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10. My Book of Fossils: A Fact-Filled Guide to Prehistoric Life
Now here is your kid's ultimate guide to all things fossilized! From plants and shells to insects and larger mammals, this book has the clearest and easy-to-reference images your little archeologists can use to go out and discover their own!
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11. Where Do Fossils Come from? How Do We Find Them? Archaeology for Kids
We got the facts to get your kids crazy about archaeology and what mysteries it can dig up. The age of fossils can tell us a lot about the past, help us understand the present, and plan for the future. Give your kids this informative book today!
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12. Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist
Do your kids hope to become fossil hunters and huntresses? Here is their guide to all things fossils and what they need to know before they head out into the world looking for their own, with insight about a very special paleontologist!
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13. Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs
Fly Guy always has a fresh outlook on fun topics, and this book is all about dinosaurs and their bones! Buzz along and learn about these giant extinct beasts and their fossil formation.
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14. Fossils for Kids: Finding, Identifying, and Collecting14. Fossils for Kids: Finding, Identifying, and Collecting
Explore all the exciting things buried under the ground with this guide to finding and studying fossils! Whether you're going out searching for your own or observing them in a museum, this book has all the info you need to get started!
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15. The Fossil Whisperer: How Wendy Sloboda Discovered a Dinosaur
A captivating and inspiring story of little Wendy, a 12-year-old girl who has a knack for uncovering hidden treasures under the earth. The perfect book to get your kids excited about fossils and the history of life.
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16. Fossils and Paleontology for Kids: Facts, Photos, and Fun
The history of science does not have to be a complicated or boring topic for kids. Make learning about fossils and deep history fun with this interactive and engaging picture and facts book!
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17. Fossils: Discover Pictures and Facts About Fossils For Kids
Do your kids want to impress their friends with crazy cool fossil facts? From water to land and everywhere in between, this book has all the far-out information to make your little paleontologists the talk of their classroom!
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18. Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Paleontologists: With Stem Projects for Kids
This female-focused view on fossils will inspire your little boys and girls to get excited about earth science, life history, and exploring ancient worlds through collecting and analyzing remains. Includes stories about famous female paleontologists and STEM projects to try at home or in class!
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19. Explore Fossils!: With 25 Great Projects
We can uncover so many things as we explore fossils and other primitive organic matter whether it be plants or animals. Once the remains are found, what tests can be done? Read and find out!
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20. Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life
Widely recognized as the greatest discoverer of fossils in history, Mary Anning started from humble beginnings and her story is sure to inspire wonder and curiosity in young readers.
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