Kids are fascinated by dinosaurs, and love the idea of the fossils they have left behind. New Zealand has a rich fossil record which is accessible to the amateur fossil-hunter in locations around New Zealand, including shells and plant remains as well as the bones, teeth and other remnants of ancient reptiles, birds and fish.

This handy pack-sized guide features 30 accessible locations around the country where kids and their families can find fossils. Each location contains specific information on where to look and what to look for, as well as the geological background and other details of each site, and colour images of fossils that could be found there. What the sites look like now is supplemented by colourful mini-posters showing reconstructions of New Zealand in the past by well-known artist Dave Gunson. The book will be released in February to coincide with the opening of the 'Dead Precious' touring exhibition at Te Papa, which will run until the Easter school holidays.

Author Biography

Geologist Dr James Crampton is the head of GNS Science's Global Change Through Time programme. He has worked closely on the creation of the Dead Precious fossils exhibition which has been touring New Zealand since 2008 and is passionate about getting young people into fossils.