Yvonne Mes (text), and Sylvia Morris (illustrator), The Opal Dinosaur, CSIRO Publishing, August 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781486316793
Did you know that some opals are actually fossilised dinosaur bones? The Opal Dinosaur follows the death of an iguanodontid dinosaur in the late cretaceous period (100 million years ago) to the eventual discovery of its fossils by an opal miner at Lightning Ridge, NSW. Palaeontologists later study the fossils and determine them to be the most complete opalised dinosaur fossil ever found.
Yvonne Mes explains the process of fossilisation, discovery and classification in an engaging and age-appropriate way, adding interest with fictional elements and characterisation of the dinosaur. The story blends fact and fiction to engage a wide range of young readers – younger readers will be drawn to the story, while older readers will likely engage with the factual elements. Further details and a glossary are provided at the end of the book.
Sylvia Morris’s illustrations really bring the adorable dinosaur to life and she has done a great job depicting the soft opaline colours. Just like the text, the illustrations find the right balance between entertaining and informative.
The Opal Dinosaur is recommended for children aged 4-9, especially those with an interest in dinosaurs, palaeontology and nature. There are teaching notes available at the CSIRO website.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
