Stones And Bones (fossils And The Stories They Tell)

By (author) Wilshaw, Rob; Illustrated by Williams Sophie
Description:
Stones and Bones is a BooksForTopics Recommended Read for Year 5, 2025-2026

Shortlisted for the 2025 UKLA Book Awards (Information 3-14+)

Explore the incredible history of life on our planet told through the fossil record!

Over the past four billion years, life on Earth has evolved from microscopic single-celled organisms to today’s incredible array of flora and fauna. In the course of this time, layer upon layer of life was buried in sediment, turning into a fossilised record of the planet’s history.

This beautifully-illustrated book looks at all the incredible things that scientists have learned from the fossil record; the ways in which continents have drifted, merged and fragmented again; the life forms that have evolved and the great extinction events that wiped them out. From bacteria to sponges to fish to tetrapods to reptiles to dinosaurs to mammals and finally to humans, Stones and Bones excavates the fascinating story of life on Earth. Clear, concise texts from fossil expert, Rob Wilshaw, along with lively illustrations, diagrams and timelines by Sophie Williams (Earth-Shattering Events and Map of You) make this hugely informative exploration accessible for readers as young as six.

With the science of Paleontology clearly broken down and a unique ''Paleontology Today'' section highlighting the importance of learning from the past to protect our future, this vital book will delight not just dinosaur enthusiasts, but anyone interested in the incredible history of our planet.
Review quote:
''Stones and Bones is like having a friendly guide to show you around Earth’s past. Each page is full of exciting discoveries waiting to be uncovered. It is full of stunning illustrations, accessible language and rich content, making it sure to ignite a spark of curiosity for Natural History. With amazing pictures that make dinosaurs and ancient worlds come alive, this book is packed with fun facts and cool stories.'' - Books for Topics - Best Books for Year 5
Biographical note:
Sophie Williams is a Cornish illustrator with a bright, informative style that is inspired by illustrators such as Nick Sharratt and Gemma Correll. She is the author of Map of You (Cicada, 2021) and the illustrator of Earth-Shattering Events (Cicada, 2019).

Rob Wilshaw studied geology at the University of Southampton, graduating in 2018 with a masters degree focussing on how microfossils might predict future impacts of climate change. This is his first book.
Promotional headline:
Excavating four billion years of history from the ground beneath our feet!