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A Discovery in the Rocks
Brief Description
A Discovery in the Rocks is a dramatised non-fiction picture book about the rare fossil of a prehistoric whale found in the Duntroon-Tokarahi area of North Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand. The story follows Sophie's journey of discovery - from unearthing ancient bones to their display in...
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Non-fiction narrative based on a true story about the discovery of an ancient whale fossil in North Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand. Sophie's treasure hunt in the rocks around her home is interrupted by an unusual discovery. Join Sophie as Professor Ewan helps solve the mystery.
Promotional events and activities in New Zealand include:
Launch events with Vanished World Centre and Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, Otago Museum, Canterbury Museum, Otago University Geology Museum.
School visits and workshops in Otago and Canterbury.
Local and national media coverage (print, radio, online).
Dedicated teacher resources (worksheets, fossil activity sheets, cut-and-paste sets).
Active promotion on social media and through museum/education networks.
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Description
A Discovery in the Rocks is a dramatised non-fiction picture book about the rare fossil of a prehistoric whale found in the Duntroon-Tokarahi area of North Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand. The story follows Sophie's journey of discovery - from unearthing ancient bones to their display in the local fossil museum.
Children explore key questions: How did the bones get into the rock? Why was the whale so far from the sea? With approximately 800 words, this title is perfect for early primary classrooms and budding fossil hunters.
The text is ideal for children in the early school years and explains the basics of fossil formation and Aotearoa's Oligocene geology.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780473734916
Publisher: Mavesther Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 15 September 2025
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: Mavesther Books
Illustration: 32 colour illustrations
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 4.0mm
Width: 210.0mm
Height: 270.0mm
Weight: 200g
Pages: 32
About the Author
This is Mary's first publication. She has writing experience that includes travel blogs and marketing content for a bookstore software company. Mary has completed substantial independent research to support the story and has received endorsement from local iwi Wai Taha and Ngai Tahu, Otago University, Otago Museum, Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Geopark and Canterbury Museum.
Professor
Ewan Fordyce had a lifelong fascination with fossils and loved exploring rocks from a young age. He studied geology and started teaching at university the year Mary was born. They first met long ago when Mary was a child and then again in 2022 to discuss this book and Ewan gave Mary his support.
Sadly, Ewan died in November 2023.
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