Stone Girl Bone Girl: The Story of Mary Anning of Lyme Regis

This picture book tells the story of Mary Anning emphasising the influence of her father on her developing interest in fossils. Spiritual, almost supernatural elements are introduced into the story – Mary was struck by lightning as a baby, also the little dog who helps her to find the icthyosaurus embedded in the cliff at Lyme Regis mysteriously disappears afterwards. The colours used convey a dark and stormy mood, and contribute to the sense of timelessness surrounding the ancient layers in which the icthyosaur is encased.

See also: Lightning Mary by Anthea Simmons (9781783448296), Andersen Press £6.99

Mary Anning (History VIPs) by Kay Barnham (9780750299145), Wayland £8.99