Dinosaur Desert
Nick Crumpton
Illustrated by Ola Plocinska
Ages 7 to 9
Hardback
Buy the book
31 July 2025Imprint: Templar Books
Synopsis
Travel back in time with the incredible true story of Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska - a fearless scientist who uncovered some of the most astonishing fossils the world has ever seen. From the massive claws of the mysterious Deinocheirus to the delicate bones of the earliest mammals, her discoveries helped rewrite the history of life on Earth.
But Zofia's journey wasn't easy. As a girl growing up in Nazi-occupied Poland, she studied in secret, refusing to let war silence her dreams. With unstoppable courage, she became a world-renowned palaeontologist and travelled all the way to the Gobi Desert - one of the windiest, wildest places on Earth - where she uncovered fossils hidden for millions of years.
"A touching tribute to one of the unsung heroes of science... Captivating, educational and beautifully illustrated, this book is a proud homage to a scientist who learned and endured so much. This is a story that every young scientist should read." -Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
But Zofia's journey wasn't easy. As a girl growing up in Nazi-occupied Poland, she studied in secret, refusing to let war silence her dreams. With unstoppable courage, she became a world-renowned palaeontologist and travelled all the way to the Gobi Desert - one of the windiest, wildest places on Earth - where she uncovered fossils hidden for millions of years.
"A touching tribute to one of the unsung heroes of science... Captivating, educational and beautifully illustrated, this book is a proud homage to a scientist who learned and endured so much. This is a story that every young scientist should read." -Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs
Details
31 July 2025
9781800786653Imprint: Templar Books
Reviews
This is a book full of detailed information - of people, places, expeditions, the natural and prehistoric worlds - all presented in a fun and accessible way. It will be interesting to dinosaur lovers as well as lovers of historical information, and to any readers who enjoy a good story.
Bright, bold and beautiful, it is inspiring, fascinating and beautifully written with short text blocks of easy to digest information. For any dinosaur lover, or budding palaeontologist, this is a must read which reminds us that hard work and determination can leave a big mark on history.
