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The Long-Lost Secret Diary
The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Dinosaur Hunter
Meet Anna smart but unlucky teenager keeping a diary of her life as she hunts for dinosaur bones. When she gets an opportunity to search for fossils in the American West, Ann is determined to turn her luck around and show the world her discoveries.
- GenresMiddle GradeChildrens
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 28, 2018
I blame myself for needing wanting to read every book with ‘dinosaur’ in the title. Not being familiar with this series it took me a little while to realise that our main character Ann lived in the 1800’s. It took me until the end of the book to find out that it’s set in 1870. Ann’s story is told in diary form and is inspired by the life of Mary Anning who, along with her brother, found the first complete Ichthyosaur skeleton in 1811.
Ann finds fish lizard bones and her father, who’s essentially a snake oil salesman, sells them to tourists as a “cure” for whatever he deems wrong with them. His scams and tactless sales pitch tends to get him into trouble and Ann appears to take on somewhat of a parental role, trying to keep him out of trouble and entertained.
One day a surgeon who collects fossils encounters her father’s stall, realises the scientific importance of her discovery and after some setbacks Ann and her father wind up visiting the New World (America) on an expedition to hunt dinosaurs. Despite the old men at the Geological Society dismissing her due to her age and gender Ann is determined to become a great scientist.
I never really connected with Ann’s character although the story did grow on me over time. I found the writing to be very matter of fact and mostly a series of “I did this”, “I went there” and “That happened”. Ann’s continual references to believing she was cursed each time something went wrong irritated me after a while. Perhaps it just wasn’t my type of humour but there was only one part that I found smirk worthy and based on the blurb I’d expected ‘hilarity’.
I still don’t know how Ann qualifies as the “World’s Worst Dinosaur Hunter” as she seemed pretty great at it, so much so that even though she is uneducated, unqualified and a girl (shock, horror!) she is the first to discover several dinosaur species.
I did like the ‘Get Real’ facts scattered throughout the book, my favourite of which involved William Buckland who “attempted to eat his way through the entire animal kingdom, and is known to have served his guests mice on toast and roasted hedgehog.” Ew!!
The sections at the end of the book where I learned about Mary Anning’s life and some other notable dinosaur hunters were interesting. Also included are a timeline and glossary.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jolly Fish Press, an imprint of North Star Editions, for the opportunity to read this book.
Ann finds fish lizard bones and her father, who’s essentially a snake oil salesman, sells them to tourists as a “cure” for whatever he deems wrong with them. His scams and tactless sales pitch tends to get him into trouble and Ann appears to take on somewhat of a parental role, trying to keep him out of trouble and entertained.
One day a surgeon who collects fossils encounters her father’s stall, realises the scientific importance of her discovery and after some setbacks Ann and her father wind up visiting the New World (America) on an expedition to hunt dinosaurs. Despite the old men at the Geological Society dismissing her due to her age and gender Ann is determined to become a great scientist.
I never really connected with Ann’s character although the story did grow on me over time. I found the writing to be very matter of fact and mostly a series of “I did this”, “I went there” and “That happened”. Ann’s continual references to believing she was cursed each time something went wrong irritated me after a while. Perhaps it just wasn’t my type of humour but there was only one part that I found smirk worthy and based on the blurb I’d expected ‘hilarity’.
I still don’t know how Ann qualifies as the “World’s Worst Dinosaur Hunter” as she seemed pretty great at it, so much so that even though she is uneducated, unqualified and a girl (shock, horror!) she is the first to discover several dinosaur species.
I did like the ‘Get Real’ facts scattered throughout the book, my favourite of which involved William Buckland who “attempted to eat his way through the entire animal kingdom, and is known to have served his guests mice on toast and roasted hedgehog.” Ew!!
The sections at the end of the book where I learned about Mary Anning’s life and some other notable dinosaur hunters were interesting. Also included are a timeline and glossary.
Thank you to NetGalley and Jolly Fish Press, an imprint of North Star Editions, for the opportunity to read this book.
May 15, 2018
Ann is a teenager living in 1870s England. She enjoys looking for dinosaur bones, and gets an opportunity to search for fossils in America. Ann seems to be a bit unlucky, but thinks her luck has changed with this opportunity.
Written as a diary, Ann recounts her travels across America with her conman father. Humorous, yet informative. I liked how the characters were inspired by real people, and dinosaur facts were featured throughout the book. At the end of the book is a brief history of dinosaurs, details about the people that were the inspiration for the characters, and a glossary. A good read for older kids.
I received a digital copy of this book from Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Written as a diary, Ann recounts her travels across America with her conman father. Humorous, yet informative. I liked how the characters were inspired by real people, and dinosaur facts were featured throughout the book. At the end of the book is a brief history of dinosaurs, details about the people that were the inspiration for the characters, and a glossary. A good read for older kids.
I received a digital copy of this book from Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2019
This was my first time reading a Tim Collins book. This one is for a younger audience, nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the book. You meet Ann (a character inspired by Mary Anning) - a teenager from England who is an expert fossil hunter. She maintains a diary of her life & the bones that she collects. Her father sells these bones as cures for random diseases and scams the tourists. One day a surgeon who is a collector of fossils visits her father's stall and realizes the significance of these fossils. He invites Ann and her father to America to hunt dinosaur fossils. The kid is mocked by the Geological society, undeterred she continues on the journey and discovers different species of dinosaurs. The book also had cute illustrations of the creatures from the assembled bones which made it interesting.
An interesting read for the child in you 😃
An interesting read for the child in you 😃
June 6, 2018
As a fan of paleontology i am very lucky that i came across this beautifully written book . This book is funny and knowledgeable for those who have interest in paleontology .
This book is inspired by 19th century famous fossil hunter Mary Anning
Ann is a young girl who lives in a small coastal town of England . She has huge interest in fossil hunting . Her father sells fossils to the tourists . One day a tourist from London who is known by Mr. Armstrong ,saw their stall wjere they were selling fossils . He bought all of the fossils and tell Ann how they were formed millions of years ago . From here start Ann's journey to London and then to New york and to the mid wests of United States . There she finds fossils that were never discovered before and took them with her and shows them to the scientists of the geological society . She learns new things during her journey and some bad experiences . But in the end she finds her way .
I recommend this book to all those who have interest in paleontology or like to watch dinosaur movies . Happy Reading
This book is inspired by 19th century famous fossil hunter Mary Anning
Ann is a young girl who lives in a small coastal town of England . She has huge interest in fossil hunting . Her father sells fossils to the tourists . One day a tourist from London who is known by Mr. Armstrong ,saw their stall wjere they were selling fossils . He bought all of the fossils and tell Ann how they were formed millions of years ago . From here start Ann's journey to London and then to New york and to the mid wests of United States . There she finds fossils that were never discovered before and took them with her and shows them to the scientists of the geological society . She learns new things during her journey and some bad experiences . But in the end she finds her way .
I recommend this book to all those who have interest in paleontology or like to watch dinosaur movies . Happy Reading
August 30, 2018
Ann is a young and aspiring paleontologist/fossil hunter, who spends her days combing the shorelines for fossils. Her dad sells them to tourists, touting their healing properties for any and every ailment. But when a famous paleontologist stumbles past the stand, he sees the fossils for what they really are and encourages Ann to continue her collecting, suggesting she go on a trip to America to search for fossils in the west. Along the way, someone tries to sabotage her finds, and take the glory for themselves!
The characters are heavily inspired by real life paleontologists and events surrounding fossil hunting–Ann is just a younger version of Mary Anning, the Bone Wars provide the sabotage plotline, and the adult paleontologists are all based off of real life ones. There is a decent section at the end of the book that provides brief bios of the people the characters are based off of, as well as a timeline of major discoveries and a glossary. “Get Real” paragraphs throughout inform the reader of additional facts, providing a strong link between the facts and the fiction.
Told in epistolary form, it actually felt like reading a diary. It wasn’t full of verbatim conversations like many books this type do (which annoys me to no end) and Ann’s voice and overall style fit her age without being overly whiney or pompous, considering her adventures.
While the context clues give this away as being set in the mid- to late-1800s (the facts in the back say it’s set in 1870), it is not completely obvious and it doesn’t play a huge role in how the main story itself unfolds. While the prejudice against women in such a field is still touched upon, what Ann does not come across as nearly as taboo as it truly was in Victorian times. This could be positive or negative, depending on your exact views; I found it to be a slightly good thing, as it does’t heavily discourage girls who are reading it from wanting to learn more about dinosaurs and paleontology, while still providing context of the prejudices of the time.
I wasn’t a fan of the illustration style–it wasn’t period-accurate and it didn’t add anything visually or contextually to the story. Fortunately, there weren’t tons of illustrations, just a nice peppering of them throughout, so the story was still front and center.
Definitely recommended for any kids who love dinosaurs, especially those who are just starting to dive into the dino fandom. Or, you know, for adults who like dinosaurs too and want a quick read. Because you never grow out of your dinosaur phase.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
The characters are heavily inspired by real life paleontologists and events surrounding fossil hunting–Ann is just a younger version of Mary Anning, the Bone Wars provide the sabotage plotline, and the adult paleontologists are all based off of real life ones. There is a decent section at the end of the book that provides brief bios of the people the characters are based off of, as well as a timeline of major discoveries and a glossary. “Get Real” paragraphs throughout inform the reader of additional facts, providing a strong link between the facts and the fiction.
Told in epistolary form, it actually felt like reading a diary. It wasn’t full of verbatim conversations like many books this type do (which annoys me to no end) and Ann’s voice and overall style fit her age without being overly whiney or pompous, considering her adventures.
While the context clues give this away as being set in the mid- to late-1800s (the facts in the back say it’s set in 1870), it is not completely obvious and it doesn’t play a huge role in how the main story itself unfolds. While the prejudice against women in such a field is still touched upon, what Ann does not come across as nearly as taboo as it truly was in Victorian times. This could be positive or negative, depending on your exact views; I found it to be a slightly good thing, as it does’t heavily discourage girls who are reading it from wanting to learn more about dinosaurs and paleontology, while still providing context of the prejudices of the time.
I wasn’t a fan of the illustration style–it wasn’t period-accurate and it didn’t add anything visually or contextually to the story. Fortunately, there weren’t tons of illustrations, just a nice peppering of them throughout, so the story was still front and center.
Definitely recommended for any kids who love dinosaurs, especially those who are just starting to dive into the dino fandom. Or, you know, for adults who like dinosaurs too and want a quick read. Because you never grow out of your dinosaur phase.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
February 20, 2018
This was my first time reading a Tim Collins book and even though I don't fall into the age range for its intended readers I did really enjoy it. It was an easy, fun and light-hearted read that gave you a little thrill as the book progressed. I did start off pretty lost as to the when and where at the beginning of the book, but a simple stating of the year and the location at the start of every diary entry within the book is a quick fix for that. I enjoyed the protagonist and her almost analytic recounting of events, and that she didn't let her youth or gender (especially for the time) deter her from pursuing her goal.
Thanks to Net Galley and the author for giving me an ARC (e-book) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Net Galley and the author for giving me an ARC (e-book) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2018
The latest in the 'The Long-Lost Secret Diary' series is a joyful little read. Much like the earlier book, 'The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate', this educative volume too is aimed at children.
It's about Ann, a young girl with a budding interest in paleantology, who lives in rural England with her snake-oil salesman of a father. A chance visit by a paleantology enthusiast sets off this charming little tale.
The writing is uncomplicated and the illustrations are quaint and fun. Throughout the book, there are little nuggets of information that will be of interest to children and adults alike.
As a matter of special interest, I understand the character of Ann is based on eighteenth century fossil hunter Mary Anning.
A well deserved four stars for this one.
Note: Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a free copy for review via Netgalley.
It's about Ann, a young girl with a budding interest in paleantology, who lives in rural England with her snake-oil salesman of a father. A chance visit by a paleantology enthusiast sets off this charming little tale.
The writing is uncomplicated and the illustrations are quaint and fun. Throughout the book, there are little nuggets of information that will be of interest to children and adults alike.
As a matter of special interest, I understand the character of Ann is based on eighteenth century fossil hunter Mary Anning.
A well deserved four stars for this one.
Note: Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a free copy for review via Netgalley.
April 1, 2018
This is the first of Tim Collins' "long-lost diary" series I have read, and this was a fun little book. The storyline isn't anything too amazing - but I enjoyed the fact that it was inspired by real-life people and events. I especially liked the nod given to Mary Anning. I quite enjoyed the "facts" interspersed throughout the book - although given this title would attract dinosaur enthusiasts, many of them seemed a little basic and contained information the target audience would already know.
I didn't really understand why Mary was "the world's worst" dinosaur hunter...she seemed pretty good at it to me!
I didn't really understand why Mary was "the world's worst" dinosaur hunter...she seemed pretty good at it to me!
September 7, 2018
Mix history (1870s dinosaur hunting), science, and fiction, and you have this book. It's fun, engaging, and perfect for the classroom (and your dinosaur fan).
My only criticism is that it took me a little bit to figure out that this wasn't 'just' a humorous book--there are quite a few dinosaur facts in here. So read the fine print here, don't judge the book by its cover and title, and you'll find the right kid reader for this book.
Recommended for your kid who is totally into dinosaurs.
**NetGalley provided copy for review**
My only criticism is that it took me a little bit to figure out that this wasn't 'just' a humorous book--there are quite a few dinosaur facts in here. So read the fine print here, don't judge the book by its cover and title, and you'll find the right kid reader for this book.
Recommended for your kid who is totally into dinosaurs.
**NetGalley provided copy for review**
September 11, 2018
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley*
I have not read any other books in this series, but this was a fun epistolary novel (diary format) telling of a girl's adventures hunting for dinosaur fossils in the American west of the late 1800s. Although apparently based on a real person, it was obviously fiction with some over-the-top humor that I think young readers will enjoy. There is also extensive backmatter about people and other material related to the topic. I look forward to seeing a print copy.
I have not read any other books in this series, but this was a fun epistolary novel (diary format) telling of a girl's adventures hunting for dinosaur fossils in the American west of the late 1800s. Although apparently based on a real person, it was obviously fiction with some over-the-top humor that I think young readers will enjoy. There is also extensive backmatter about people and other material related to the topic. I look forward to seeing a print copy.
December 26, 2018
Interesting premise, but the story was SO slow. Found it odd that instead of highlighting and actual female paleontologist of the time period, the author chose to create a fictitious character. I did enjoy the true fact sections though.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, and have willingly provided an honest review.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, and have willingly provided an honest review.
January 10, 2020
This book was recommended to me when i was looking for science based reads for our school library. Just finished reading it, it's perfect for young Dinosaur fans or future archaeologists! Full of facts & pictures, & a 'Mary Anningish' main character to aspire to. Perfect blend of fact & fiction for young readers 7+ 😍
twitter @thebookwhisper2
twitter @thebookwhisper2
September 10, 2018
If you have have dinosaur enthusiasts at your house you’ll want to read The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Dinosaur Hunter.
The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Dinosaur Hunter is a terrific book! While most is a woven story of intrigue that weaves fact and fiction the end outlines the 100+ years of dinosaur hunting that parents and true dinosaur lovers will cherish.
This would have been a great book for my reluctant readers (who are now adults…) and an even better book for my Dino loving nieces & nephews. I can’t wait to share it with them!
Review will post 9/13/18 at http://www.hottbooks.com/?p=50840
The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Dinosaur Hunter is a terrific book! While most is a woven story of intrigue that weaves fact and fiction the end outlines the 100+ years of dinosaur hunting that parents and true dinosaur lovers will cherish.
This would have been a great book for my reluctant readers (who are now adults…) and an even better book for my Dino loving nieces & nephews. I can’t wait to share it with them!
Review will post 9/13/18 at http://www.hottbooks.com/?p=50840
October 12, 2018
This is a good book for kids. An easy read and with educational facts sprinkled in along the way, kids will enjoy the story and learn while they are reading.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley, and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley, and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
November 12, 2018
Fun, historical fiction, epistolary novel with illustrations. Young British girl discovers fossils of giant, extinct, marine creatures. A visiting scientist persuades her to embark on a fossil hunting expedition to the American West. Get Real text blocks help separate fact from fiction.
August 18, 2024
Another of this series down, and they continue to impress. Fossil hunting is big bucks… and when you go to the US to hunt for fossils, it’s even bigger! I really enjoy learning all about the people and dates behind the stories! And I love that these are illustrated!
October 30, 2018
Set in 1870’s England this Juvenile fiction is written in the style of a diary. Told from the female perspective, it’s quite inspirational for young teen females.
June 5, 2025
🦖I love Dinosaur books, they bring me such great joy!
The desire to read them comes from having an encyclopedic dino fan in my son (when he was between the ages of 3 and 7), and now as a soon to be librarian it is just a genre that excites me as well as children and adults alike. It sparks creativity.
Whether they are pooing (thanks Tom Fletcher) or scaring the bejesus out of you! (The same goes for you, Michael Crichton!)
Dinosaur books are fascinating, and this one practically jumped off the shelves at me.
🦖I loved the diary writing style displayed within the book, and it was great to see a female lead character displaying great girl power to younger girl readers!
I was also pleased to see that there are other secret diaries to read, so I plan to search these out when I next visit the library.
It was also interesting to see that at the back of the book, there was the historical evidence behind Ann's story so that children could pick up extra facts about paleontologists to wow their friends and parents. I certainly learnt some new information!
🦖T-Rex rific!
🦖🦖🦖🦖/5
The desire to read them comes from having an encyclopedic dino fan in my son (when he was between the ages of 3 and 7), and now as a soon to be librarian it is just a genre that excites me as well as children and adults alike. It sparks creativity.
Whether they are pooing (thanks Tom Fletcher) or scaring the bejesus out of you! (The same goes for you, Michael Crichton!)
Dinosaur books are fascinating, and this one practically jumped off the shelves at me.
🦖I loved the diary writing style displayed within the book, and it was great to see a female lead character displaying great girl power to younger girl readers!
I was also pleased to see that there are other secret diaries to read, so I plan to search these out when I next visit the library.
It was also interesting to see that at the back of the book, there was the historical evidence behind Ann's story so that children could pick up extra facts about paleontologists to wow their friends and parents. I certainly learnt some new information!
🦖T-Rex rific!
🦖🦖🦖🦖/5
July 17, 2018
The Long-Lost Secret Diary series is a great series for elementary age children. The stories are entertaining, and there are facts scattered throughout the books, making them educational as well.
This book is all about fossils, and the search to discover new species. The title makes it clear that the journey is not smooth sailing. This book was okay, but so far in the series, I like The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate the most. Not that this isn't a good book, just my preference.
Kids starting to read chapter books will love this series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Tim Collins
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press
Publication Date: 2018
This book is all about fossils, and the search to discover new species. The title makes it clear that the journey is not smooth sailing. This book was okay, but so far in the series, I like The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate the most. Not that this isn't a good book, just my preference.
Kids starting to read chapter books will love this series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Tim Collins
Publisher: Jolly Fish Press
Publication Date: 2018
February 21, 2018
Can You dig It? I Knew That You Could.
This is a fine addition to Tim Collins' series of "Long-Lost Secret Diary..." books that include Knights, Astronauts, and Pirates, (I most liked the Pirate book). This time around we are in the company of Anne. Her character is inspired a bit by Mary Anning, a real person who prospected for fossils in the famous coastal fossil beds around Lyme Regis in England.
Our young Anne also looks for fossils on the coast of her little fishing village, but what she really yearns for is a chance to prospect in the Western United States, which was, in the 1870's in which this book is set, a hotbed of dinosaur fossil hunting. Taking a cue from the cut-throat competition between real life fossil hunters Edwin Cope and Othniel Marsh, our author has young Anne brave the sabotage and shenanigans of other fossil hunters during the course of her western adventure.
As in the other "Secret Diary" books, there is a nice mix of action, sly humor, slapstick, and suspense. There is also a good deal of real info, (historical bits, biographical sketches, and of course descriptions of great dinosaur fossil finds), that add a bit of weight and legitimate interest to the tale. The Collins heroes are plucky and determined, but often tend toward deadpan and even a bit put upon. It is left to supporting characters, (in this case Anne's Dad, some grumpy old scientists, and a monologuing villain), to provide the more obvious humor. I sort of liked having Anne be the most responsible and grown-up character in the bunch, and that gave the story a good deal of dignity and I guess what you could call light-hearted seriousness.
So, these are very interesting books, and they sort of break out of the usual antic or silly adventure mold. I would expect that they would be appealing to kids who like a bit of meat on their fictional bones, and they certainly are directed to kid friendly topics.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is a fine addition to Tim Collins' series of "Long-Lost Secret Diary..." books that include Knights, Astronauts, and Pirates, (I most liked the Pirate book). This time around we are in the company of Anne. Her character is inspired a bit by Mary Anning, a real person who prospected for fossils in the famous coastal fossil beds around Lyme Regis in England.
Our young Anne also looks for fossils on the coast of her little fishing village, but what she really yearns for is a chance to prospect in the Western United States, which was, in the 1870's in which this book is set, a hotbed of dinosaur fossil hunting. Taking a cue from the cut-throat competition between real life fossil hunters Edwin Cope and Othniel Marsh, our author has young Anne brave the sabotage and shenanigans of other fossil hunters during the course of her western adventure.
As in the other "Secret Diary" books, there is a nice mix of action, sly humor, slapstick, and suspense. There is also a good deal of real info, (historical bits, biographical sketches, and of course descriptions of great dinosaur fossil finds), that add a bit of weight and legitimate interest to the tale. The Collins heroes are plucky and determined, but often tend toward deadpan and even a bit put upon. It is left to supporting characters, (in this case Anne's Dad, some grumpy old scientists, and a monologuing villain), to provide the more obvious humor. I sort of liked having Anne be the most responsible and grown-up character in the bunch, and that gave the story a good deal of dignity and I guess what you could call light-hearted seriousness.
So, these are very interesting books, and they sort of break out of the usual antic or silly adventure mold. I would expect that they would be appealing to kids who like a bit of meat on their fictional bones, and they certainly are directed to kid friendly topics.
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 18, 2018
I picked this book after a string of serious reads, and I should admit how much this book relaxed my nerves, meanwhile engaging me to bits.
This book is well developed on a simple plot that portrays beautiful themes like father-daughter love, Ann’s never give up attitude, and this also deals with worldly politics. I liked how honest Ann is about everything. I was moved when Ann’s father was ready to spend all his savings for Ann’s talent and how much he wanted her to prove herself to the world. Though he doesn’t look very serious and responsible person, he definitely is a very supportive parent every kid needs to shine.
Ann’s character impressed me very much. I loved the fact that she is very cool and takes things light. The way she handles her failures and how she never gives a second-thought to take the next possible step is so adorable. This book is a mini pack of humour and life lessons that we tend to overlook in our daily life.
I enjoyed the narration so much that there were places I re-read to have another good laugh. The info bits in between scenes were very interesting.
This is definitely a feel good read of the month. I loved the cute illustrations so much.
This book would be a perfect read for kids and adults who still cherish the kid part of them.
This book is well developed on a simple plot that portrays beautiful themes like father-daughter love, Ann’s never give up attitude, and this also deals with worldly politics. I liked how honest Ann is about everything. I was moved when Ann’s father was ready to spend all his savings for Ann’s talent and how much he wanted her to prove herself to the world. Though he doesn’t look very serious and responsible person, he definitely is a very supportive parent every kid needs to shine.
Ann’s character impressed me very much. I loved the fact that she is very cool and takes things light. The way she handles her failures and how she never gives a second-thought to take the next possible step is so adorable. This book is a mini pack of humour and life lessons that we tend to overlook in our daily life.
I enjoyed the narration so much that there were places I re-read to have another good laugh. The info bits in between scenes were very interesting.
This is definitely a feel good read of the month. I loved the cute illustrations so much.
This book would be a perfect read for kids and adults who still cherish the kid part of them.
March 24, 2018
This was over all a fun read, though at times felt a little slow.
In my opinion, it felt like it was missing a lot of details and actions. I could not get a clear picture of the surroundings or characters. However the descriptions of the bones and dinosaurs was handled really well.
I liked the main character. She was spunky, spoke up for herself and knew what she wanted to be and didn't let stuffy scientist guys stop her.
This is a fictional take on what if a little girl discovered some of the most known dinosaurs. The story was cute, there was segments that told the true facts of the dinosaurs she discovered, which I found really neat.
Any dino loving kid sound read this and hopefully it turns into a series of kids doing great things.
But, let's forget about age; anyone who enjoys middle grade may like this book. It is well written and if you like diary format, that is a plus. I also want to point out that I loved the artwork by Sarah Horne.
*Provided by Netgally*
In my opinion, it felt like it was missing a lot of details and actions. I could not get a clear picture of the surroundings or characters. However the descriptions of the bones and dinosaurs was handled really well.
I liked the main character. She was spunky, spoke up for herself and knew what she wanted to be and didn't let stuffy scientist guys stop her.
This is a fictional take on what if a little girl discovered some of the most known dinosaurs. The story was cute, there was segments that told the true facts of the dinosaurs she discovered, which I found really neat.
Any dino loving kid sound read this and hopefully it turns into a series of kids doing great things.
But, let's forget about age; anyone who enjoys middle grade may like this book. It is well written and if you like diary format, that is a plus. I also want to point out that I loved the artwork by Sarah Horne.
*Provided by Netgally*
May 17, 2018
I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A fun adventure book told in diary-form about Ann, a teenager around 1870s, in England, that has a huge passion for bones and fossils. Ann writes down all the adventures and misfortunes she has while following her dreams of discovering even more exciting species of dinosaurs.
The character is inspired by Mary Anning, a famous fossil-hunter, and I love how throughout the book there are a lot of educational blurbs about famous fossil-hunters and dinosaurs. It is not only a fun book, but also educative and might instill a passion for dinosaurs in the little ones (if they don't have one already).
It's a fast paced adventure, filled with comedy and suspense as well!
A fun adventure book told in diary-form about Ann, a teenager around 1870s, in England, that has a huge passion for bones and fossils. Ann writes down all the adventures and misfortunes she has while following her dreams of discovering even more exciting species of dinosaurs.
The character is inspired by Mary Anning, a famous fossil-hunter, and I love how throughout the book there are a lot of educational blurbs about famous fossil-hunters and dinosaurs. It is not only a fun book, but also educative and might instill a passion for dinosaurs in the little ones (if they don't have one already).
It's a fast paced adventure, filled with comedy and suspense as well!
February 20, 2018
Ann is a young girl living in a coastal British town during the Victorian era. She spends her days digging fossils, which had father tries to tell to tourists, from the coast. When a man of science comes across Ann's fossils, he sets in motion an adventure that will result in travel to America for Ann and her father, danger, and the discovery of multiple new dinosaurs. This book, which seems to be part of a series, melds cute, easy reading fiction perfect for children 8-11 or so with actual historical facts. A charming, slight and educational novel. Thanks to NeGalley and Jolly Fish Press for the ARC.
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