Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th ; Hard Cover, Nonfiction, Picture Book ; Highly Recommended

The Fossil Whisperer by Helaine Becker and Sandra Dumais

This picture book biography of Wendy Sloboda shows how nurturing her curious and adventurous nature as a child helped her develop the skills she needed to become a world renowned fossil hunter. While always fascinated in exploring and documenting the world around her, it was during a field trip when she was 12 that she found her first fossil and was hooked. Wendy is now recognized as one of the preeminent fossil hunters alive today. She is most well known for the discovery of a new species of ceratopsian, the Wendiceratops. Over the course of her career, she discovered more than 3000 fossils.

Wendy Slobada’s energy is captured in the engaging illustrations. Endpapers include more information about Wendy, fossil hunting, Alberta’s bone beds, and the Wendiceratops.

The story of a female fossil hunter with dreadlocks and a tattoo reminds all students build on their strengths and interests – be themselves as they follow their dreams. A great choice for dinosaur lovers and to promote women in STEM.