“A charming and quirky portrayal of one of the greatest scientists of our time. A delightful read.”
—Dr. Anjana Khatwa /// Award-Winning and acclaimed Earth Scientist, Engagement Specialist, and TV Presenter.
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“A funny, accurate, beautifully written and researched account of the greatest palaeontologist that ever lived.”
—Dr. Dean Lomax /// Palaeontologist (Visiting Scientist), Author, and Science Communicator.
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“Wonderful, accessible insight into life, history and science of Anning and her prehistoric curios, sure to inspire.”
—Natalia Jagielska /// Palaeontologist and Illustrator
Mary Anning’s Grewsome Beasts
A short illustrated biography about the life and discoveries of British palaeontologist, Mary Anning. We’re with her from the moment she is nearly killed by the sky as a baby, all the way to her untimely death at 47. Illustrated by the wonderful Linki Brand.
The book explores six key fossils discovered by Mary, all of which advanced humanity’s knowledge — sometimes in dramatic ways. Set against this are her social and financial circumstances. Particular attention is paid to the scientific community’s treatment of Anning, as well as the various manifestations of early 19th Century patriarchy in hindering and erasing her work.
The book describes how Mary, as determined child with a curious mind, grows into a scientist who not only scoffed at ugly social norms, but was instrumental in creating the science we know as palaeontology.
It’s for kids aged 8-12, but it may appeal to younger folk. Kids are sharper than any well-intentioned publisher’s box.
Art by Priscila Arandiga
Narrated by Olivia Colman — Hear an excerpt
6th December, 2021
Well, this is unexpected, delightful and strange. I cannot believe Olivia Colman read words I typed. I’ve spent the day blinking too much and shaking my head. Have a look at the Think Equal EQlicious program - it’s really good and you get loads of books to introduce your kids to Social and Emotional Learning.
This was one of my early books for Think Equal. Priscila and I had never worked together before, and I think we did a pretty good job on this story, about a little beetroot who learns that strength comes from variety.
The Tale of Baby Beetroot
A note about Think Equal — Founded by the brilliant, fierce, mercurial Leslee Udwin, Think Equal is a not-for-profit charity working in education. TE work with Ministries of Education to incorporate a Social and Emotional Learning into the national curriculum. It’s so obviously a good idea, you wonder why no one has done it before.
Art by Awai
Published by @thinkequal
A story about self esteem and the specific loneliness of feeling unwanted.
Yoshi had been in my head for years - ever since my kids were little. He was there whenever my children felt bad about themselves, or were treated badly by others. Whenever they drew the hurt into their hearts.
I was glad Think Equal offered Yoshi a place to tell his story.
Mind you, the book sings because of Awai's elegant, ethereal approach to line and colour. She perfectly captured Yoshi’s spirit.
Note: The cover image above is my original design (because I love it).
Yoshi is Different
Art by Shamim Ahmed
Published by @thinkequal
When Bim’s village is attacked, the adults fear it’s the work of angered spirits but when Bim and his friends object they become suspects, too. Bim begins a risky investigation that will make enemies of everyone he knows; including the violent, local chicken.
Tricky one to write, this. It’s a Humanist detective story set in a world of the religious, where the religious are parents and the Humanists are the kids.
I enjoyed writing Bim - such a cranky little boy, but kind at heart. In his own way he showed me a way to navigate the story.
The Monster In The Smoke
LEFT: My original title and design for the book. I still love the horizontal version so now you have to look at it, too.
This book is about anger; how it starts, how it feels, how it lasts, and how it can be used for good.
And I got to work with extraordinary paleoartist, Emily Willoughby!
If your small human is very particular about dinosaurs, please let them know Emily and I did take some liberties: I remember Emily saying she used Stygimoloch’s horns as a model for Rory’s horns even though he’s a Pachycephalosaurus. Also, er, our Saurornitholestes wears sunglasses.
This book is available in all schools that implement the Think Equal curriculum.
Rory the Roarasaurus
Art by Emily Willoughby
Published by @thinkequal
Art by Isuri
Published by @thinkequal
My first non-fiction children’s book. Thanks to an introduction by the excellent Isuri, I was commissioned to write a book for Think Equal’s Social and Emotional Learning curriculum. This book tells the story of the first Sri Lankan to summit Everest, the awesome Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala: @jrock2012
If your kid goes to a school that has implemented the program in their curriculum (20 countries and counting!), they’ll get to read it from 2019.
The Girl Who Climbed The Tallest Mountain
Art by @linkibrand
Published by @thinkequal
A story about inclusivity and the stigma surrounding a pre-existing medical condition. This was a difficult but rewarding book to write. I have a cousin who suffered from the same condition Gokul faces, and I wish I’d a book like this when I was little.
Gokul’s Game