Stones and Bones: Fossils and the Stories They Tell

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 highly-illustrated, large format 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.

Rob Wilshaw studied geology at the University of Southampton graduating in 2018 with a masters degree focusing primarily on microfossils and their use in predicting future impacts of climate change. This is his first book.

Sophie Williams is a Cornish illustrator, author and graduate from Winchester School of Art. Her bright, informative style of drawing is inspired by illustrators such as Nick Sharrat and Gemma Correll.