EMMA BAYLEY
AUTHOR
British Science Week 2025
Visit to Ardingly College Prep School
Author visit testimonial
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Emma came to speak to our Year 5 & 6 children about her beautiful novel Snakestone, based on the life of Mary Anning, as part of our Science Week. She spoke to the children about her work, her interest in the people from history who have shaped our understanding of science and about how to become a writer. She also read passages from the book and showed the children examples of the fossils Mary found. The children responded well to Emma’s calm and gentle manner, with most choosing to take a copy of the book home with them to finish learning about Mary’s life! I was left inspired by Emma’s determination to bring this book into the world.
Kate Popplewell
Prep School Librarian at Ardingly College
Book review
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I so enjoyed reading Snakestone. Emma writes with real clarity, and as well as telling the incredible story of a young girl making discoveries which would change our understanding and knowledge of prehistory, she captures the grind and desperation of the lives of the poor in nineteenth century England and weaves it all into an absorbing tale.
Kate Popplewell
Prep School Librarian at Ardingly College