At age 12, Mary Anning found the first ichthyosaurus, a lizard/fish-like creature from the Jurassic Period. It was more than 17 feet long. But according to many of the men in London's Geological Society, the fossil could not be real due to several reasons:

• Mary was female.
• She was 12 years old.
• She had no formal education.
• She was poor.

This story follows Mary and her journey with the ichthyosaurus and offers a look into the childhood of someone who would eventually become the "Mother of Paleontology." Featuring friendships, fossils, and found family, Mary Anning's tale is sure to inspire young readers and scientists alike!