A Discovery in the Rocks
by Mary Duff
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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 ~800 words, this title is perfect for early primary classrooms and budding fossil hunters. The text is perfect for children in the early school years and explains the basics of fossil formation and Aotearoa's Oligocene geology.
Author: Mary Duff
ISBN: 9780473734916
Publisher: Mavesther Books
Published: 15/09/2025
Format: Paperback / softback
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.