The Clues Are in the Poo: The Story of Dinosaur Scientist Karen Chin

The Clues Are in the Poo: The Story of Dinosaur Scientist Karen Chin

2024 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 Embark on a Dinosaur Adventure with Karen Chin in "The Clues are in the Poo" by Jane Kurtz and Karen Chin! Prepare for a wild ride into the past! Paleontologist Karen Chin is on a quest for treasure, and it's not the kind you might expect. She's delving deep into the world of fossilized dinosaur poo, unraveling mysteries that have remained buried for millions of years. Forget gold and jewels; Karen's curiosity leads her to fascinating discoveries about how dinosaurs lived and what our planet looked like in ancient times. Discover Prehistoric Secrets: Ever wondered what stories fossils could tell? Join Karen Chin as she deciphers the secrets hidden within prehistoric feces. Through her sharp wit and keen observation, she's uncovering the daily lives of dinosaurs, painting a vivid picture of a world long gone. From the textures of ancient droppings, a wealth of knowledge emerges! Curiosity Knows No Bounds: The Clues are in the Poo isn't just a book, it's an exhilarating journey into the heart of scientific discovery. Karen Chin's tenacity and curiosity inspire us to look beyond the ordinary, reminding us that treasures are often found in the most unexpected places. Why You'll Love This Adventure: Educational Excitement: Dive into the wonders of paleontology, learning alongside Karen as she deciphers ancient mysteries in an engaging and accessible way. - Inspirational Exploration: Encourage young minds to explore the world with curiosity, sparking a passion for discovery and scientific inquiry. - Uncover the Past: Travel back in time through vivid storytelling and let your imagination roam the ancient landscapes where dinosaurs roamed. Interview with Dr. Karen Chin: "I was always fascinated by science," says paleoecologist Dr. Karen Chin. As a child, her father taught her how to garden and the "miracle of growth" amazed her. "I still garden a lot and I have a huge collection of indoor plants as well," she says. But the rest of her scientific pursuits look a little different these days. Now a paleoecologist and a professor and curator of paleontology at the University of Colorado, Dr. Chin studies extinct organisms and is one of the world's leading experts in coprolites, also known as fossilized feces of prehistoric animals or, more colloquially, really old poop! "I became fascinated with how challenging it is to reconstruct what ancient life was like with relatively little fossil evidence," she says, sharing how working at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana galvanized her interest in paleontology. "I just began to think about paleontology all the time," she laughs. "It was just so interesting to think about, to read about, to talk about." "I hope people appreciate that we can get very useful insights about this world we live in-the modern world-by examining life from the past. We can see and understand patterns of evolution. We can see how environmental conditions have affected ancient life in the past and how in turn, ancient life has affected environmental conditions. For example, we wouldn't have all the oxygen in our air today if it were not for photosynthesis. So, the environment, the climate, these things affect life and life also affects the environment. By examining what has happened in the past, we get valuable insights into what is happening in our modern world." 2024 NSTA OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TRADE BOOKS FOR STUDENTS K-12 Award-winning author Jane Kurtz has published more than 40 books-fiction and nonfiction, picture books and novels. She grew up mostly in Ethiopia where she now does a lot of volunteer work helping kids get books. She also is on the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Children's and YA Literature where she works with adults who want to become professional writers. Karen Chin is a paleontologist who is considered one of the world's leading experts in coprolites, or fossilized dinosaur poo. She teaches at the University of Colorado in Boulder and travels the world in pursuit of clues about life during the dinosaur era. Francisco Riolobos is an illustrator from Seville, Spain, who moved to Barcelona to pursue his passion, illustration. Nature and pop culture, cartoons, dinosaurs, and video games inspire me to create new images and characters. He likes to come up with new visual languages, where clear shapes and bright colors are always present.