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DINOSAURS: Exploring Prehistoric Life and Geological Time – Interview with Rachel Ignotofsky

Today I’m interviewing Rachel Ignotofsky author of Dinosaurs: Exploring Prehistoric Life and Geological Time. And boy oh boy is this a spectacular book of “educational art” (Rachel’s moniker)! Readers are taken on a visual journey through deep time from single-celled organisms to early humans (which happens to also include dinosaurs!)  Fans, like me, of Rachel’s What’s Inside books will be delighted discover that this book is another stunner – in art and information.

And now, let’s blast to the past!

Emily Starr: Kids love dinosaurs! That means there are a lot of dinosaur books. What made you want to create a dinosaur book, and how did you convince editors your book was different? (As if your incredible illustrations and focus on geological time don’t speak for themselves!)

Rachel Ignotofsky: This book is a lot more than just a Dinosaur book. It goes through Earth’s over 4.5-billion-year history! I have never seen a book do that with cartoony illustrations before. Of course, the Mesozoic Era, when the dinosaurs lived, is a real focus in the book, but I also talk about everything that happened before and after as well.

I also wanted the art in this book to really feel alive, pretty and even silly at times, but also make sure it was scientifically accurate. All my art is based on real fossil beds, so everything in scenes together are plants and animals that lived at the same time and place. With each turn of the page, you can see how much our planet has changed.

Emily Starr: I think most children (and adults) will be shocked to learn that “T. rex lived closer in time (by about 16 million years) to the first automobile than to a Stegosaurus, whose bones would be long fossilized by the time T. rex was on the hunt.” What other information from your research surprised you most?

Rachel Ignotofsky: I was amazed by how far technology has come looking at fossils, since I was a kid. For example, Scientists know the colors of certain dinosaurs by looking inside the microscopic cells of fossilized Dino-feathers. This is how they know that Microraptor had shiny black feathers just like today’s crow.

Emily Starr: It can be difficult even for adults to wrap their minds around the length of time represented by billions of years. Do you have any tips for helping children to understand vast timescales?

Rachel Ignotofsky: It is hard to understand deep time! For me, it really hit when I learned that the dinosaurs during the Jurassic Period were already fossils by the time the Cretaceous period, Triceratops walked around. Scientist have come up with a nifty system called the Geological Time Scale that breaks down earth history into Eons, and smaller and smaller units called Eras, Periods and Epochs. This helps you keep track of where you are in time, and I had a lot of fun using that system to create the chapters in my book.

There is also a great video showing all of earth history laid out on football field, where human history only took up 1/8th of an inch. That really helped me understand it as well!

Emily Starr: Illustrating animals that we have only seen fossils of is a unique challenge. How do you decide how to represent features that aren’t revealed though bone structure–like color, body shape and skin features?

Rachel Ignotofsky: Because the art in my book was very stylized, I had a lot of fun with what was unknown! You look at patterns and color combos that you find in nature to make something really cool. I also had my book fact checked by Paleontologist Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, and there were times that the colors of feathered dinosaurs were known for certain. When that is the case, I let facts tell me what to draw.

Emily Starr: What do you hope young readers notice in your illustrations?

Rachel Ignotofsky: There are a lot of little hidden jokes. I hope kids can find all of them!

Emily Starr: In your acknowledgements you mention your husband organized trips to museums and dig sites. What were some of your favorites? Were there specific details you learned during an in-person trip that you didn’t know from previous research?

Rachel Ignotofsky: My all-time favorite was U-dig Fossils. This is a shale quarry out in the middle of nowhere in Utah. You feel like you are on the moon in the desert, and you are surrounded by a giant mound of Trilobite fossils from over 500 million years ago.

I chiseled opened giant slabs of shale to reveal perfectly preserved trilobites that I got to take home with me! And I looked at my little fossils while drawing the Cambrian period creature feature artwork. Digging up my own fossils was so inspiring for making the art in the book.

Emily Starr: One of my favorite features in the book are the “Stories of Discovery.” They really connect young readers to the science of paleontology and spotlight how we know about Earth’s ancient creatures. Were there any interesting fossil sites that didn’t make it into the book? Similarly, are there any additional unbelievable organisms that ended up on the cutting room floor?

Rachel Ignotofsky: I wish I talked more about the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, which are filled with ice age animals like Giant Ground Sloths. Columbian Mammoths, and Saber-Toothed cats. The tar pits were a naturally occurring death trap that animals would fall into. It was also the perfect conditions to become a fossil. I love visiting the Tar Pit and the museum’s fossil lab is super cool!

One dinosaur that I wish I featured more was Spinosaurus. I did draw a small spot illustration for Spinosaurus, but wish I had the space to give this dino a larger feature. It was a large carnivore found in Africa that lived over 94 million years ago and splashed around swamps. Scientists think it had a large sail on its back that might have been part of an elaborate mating display.

Emily Starr: Do you have upcoming projects you can share with our readers?

Rachel Ignotofsky: I sure do! This March I am publishing a Dinosaurs Coloring Book and a sticker book called Dinosaurs: Stickerology. I am super excited to see what both kids and adults make with these hands on books!

Rachel Ignotofsky is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Women in Science, Women in Sports, Women in Art, The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth, The History of the Computer, and the What’s Inside picture book series. Rachel’s art has been embraced by the science community and she has spoken at and partnered with institutions like NASA, the San Diego Natural History Museum, The Field Museum, and many more. When she is not drawing, you’ll find her hiking and fossil hunting for fun.

Emily Starr

As a former fourth grade teacher and founder of StarrMatica, a STEM publishing company, Emily Starr has developed award-winning K-5 science curriculum and professional learning materials for 20 years. She is a member of the Iowa State Science Leadership Team, a peer reviewer for the National Science Teaching Association’s journal Science and Children, and a frequent presenter at state and national education conferences. Her debut middle grade nonfiction book will be released in 2026 from the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation.

Interview with Author Sara Shacter

I have known author Sara Shacter since we were both on the newer side to writing for children. I am so excited that I got a first-look at her debut novel Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign which just came out October 14, 2025.

About the Book

Hi Sara! Congrats on your debut middle grade novel! Can you give us a short summary about the book?

After years of moving, Georgia’s family is staying put. What’s the best part of her new forever home? Fellow science fan Izzy! Georgia feels lucky to be starting sixth grade with her first true friend. But when Georgia’s science project accidentally reveals a secret—one Izzy trusted her to keep—their friendship unravels. Even worse, Georgia’s archenemy swoops in to steal Izzy away, leaving Georgia cut off and lonely. How can Georgia fix her mess? She’s surprised to find the answer in a science fact: genetically, all human beings are more than 99 percent the same. Really? Georgia can’t believe she and the friend-stealer are even 1 percent the same! But as Georgia fights to win Izzy back, she discovers that enemies can struggle with loneliness too—and Georgia is stunned to discover why. It will take a 99 percent campaign to make things right.

Who did you have in mind when you got the idea for this book?

Honestly, this book started out as a completely different story. I don’t even remember when it began to morph into what it is today. So I guess my answer is that I just told the story in my head and trusted it would speak to kids.

 

About the Author

Did anything from your childhood/school experience help shape this book?

The photo of the writing is evidence of a series of stories I wrote as a kid: The Adventures of Inspector Toenail. He was a giant toe who (that?) solved crimes. Why was he a toe? I have no idea.

In third grade, I dealt with a girl who constantly picked fights with me and tried to get the other girls to stop talking to me. Georgia’s nemesis arose from these memories. With an adult’s hindsight, I understand that my tormenter was unhappy and made herself feel better by picking on me. Wish I had known that back in the day! But at least I’m able to make that point in my book: most unkindness comes from others’ unhappiness.

Do you share any personality traits with Georgia (or one of the other characters)?

Definitely. I enjoy science, just like Georgia, and I like asking questions. As an elementary school kid, I had many, many friend worries.

Is there anything in particular from your childhood that you snuck into the book?)

When I was at music camp, there was a big, muscle bound jock of a counselor who loved to yell at kids. I always tried to avoid him. Then one night, we had a faculty concert. The counselors and music teachers could perform for the campers. To my surprise, he walked out on stage. He sat down with his baritone horn and began to play. His eyes closed. He swayed to the melody and melted into the music. Everything about the moment was beautiful. I sat in my seat gobsmacked. In Georgia’s story, the character Zelco is modeled after that counselor, though Zelco is a visual artist, not a musician.

What authors (and/or books) would you say influenced your writing style and/or this book?

Judy Blume. I loved her books when I was growing up: contemporary, realistic, honest. (Don’t do any math if you know when most of her books were published…)

You shared with me that you began writing this book over fifteen years ago. (I had a similar experience with my first novel!) For those writers who are surprised, can you explain why it sometimes can take years for a novel (or even picture book) to go from start to finish? And can you explain why this could also be a good thing?

I started this book when my twin boys were in 1st grade. Now they’re seniors in college! One reason it took so long was that there’s a steep learning curve when one writes a novel. I had to learn how to juggle characterization, pacing, theme, etc. After the 7th draft, I found an agent and she submitted to four editors. They all had the same critique: the emotional stakes weren’t high enough and there wasn’t a marketing hook. I knew pretty quickly how to solve the first problem but it took five months to find my hook. At that point, I deleted half of the book and rewrote it from the ground up. Then my agent and I parted ways (amicably). So I started submitting to editors on my own. Two years later, Regal House Publishing bought it! Most publishing houses take about two years from contract to publishing day. And that’s how this project took fifteen years from start to finish.

Having it take so long wasn’t all bad. The book that’s now out in the world is exactly what I had hoped it would be. In addition, I’ve met many writers along the way, been to many conferences, and I know what to expect post-publication. I have PR/marketing ideas, school visit contacts, and relationships with people throughout the industry.

Besides, during those 15 years I wasn’t just writing. I was teaching, raising my kids, helping my parents, and volunteering. We all have many identities, and that’s essential in this business. No matter how thrilling the writing life can be, it can also be unbelievably frustrating. Everyone needs other outlets to achieve balance.

 

Research/Writing

What was your original spark for Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign?

I have no idea! The first scene I wrote was about people who aren’t in the book doing things that don’t happen in my story. I don’t remember when it started to resemble what young readers will actually be reading.

Did you need to do any research for this book?

Yes. I needed to delve into genetics/heredity, spiders, and the life of Thomas A. Watson.

 Any scenes that you cut out? And why did you (or your editor) remove them?

Oh, yes! So many, and for so many reasons. One reason was that the external goal I had originally chosen for Georgia proved to be underwhelming. So all of that material got scratched. Her antagonist was also too mean at the outset. Unrealistically so. Hence those scenes got deleted and replaced. As Georgia’s character deepened over multiple drafts, I realized her actions were no longer true to her new self. More deleting and rewriting. I have to say, revision is my jam. The spark of creation is fun, but the molding and shaping is what I enjoy most.

 I like how your antagonist is multi-layered. Any words of advice for writers on shaping antagonists?

There are few villains who believe they are villains. From their perspective, their actions make perfect sense. So crawl into your antagonist’s world and look around. What has shaped that person? What does that person value? What are that person’s goals?

 

For Teachers

Do you have a curriculum guide or discussion questions posted online?

Coming soon on my website!

 Are you doing school visits related to this book?

Yes, and I LOVE school visits. I make sure there are good doses of active participation and humor. My presentation for Georgia is geared toward grades 3-6 and covers revision, genetics/heredity, the power of human connection, and the importance of believing in yourself.

How can we learn more about you?

Instagram/Bluesky/Twitter: @SaraShacter

Website: www.sarafshacter.com

 

Thanks for your time, Sara!

Interview with Author Karen Latchana Kenney and her book: Fascinating Fungi and a Giveaway!

Fascinating Fungi book

I am delighted to welcome one of our very own Mixed-up Files and STEM Tuesday members for her new release!

A huge welcome to Karen Latchana Kenney!

 

Karen Latchana Kenney

 

Karen Latchana Kenney is an Indian-Irish children’s author, born near the equator in Guyana, and raised far north in Minnesota. She writes both fiction and nonfiction stories about immigrant and biracial experiences, scientific wonders and discoveries, momentous historical events, and civil rights struggles.

Her books have received several starred reviews and have been named a 2025 Minnesota Book Awards Finalist, 2025 Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards Finalist, 2023 Mathical Book Prize Honor, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and a Book of Note from the TriState Review Committee. She lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her family, where they explore all the wild places they can find.

 

Her newest book is a star-studded look at… FUNGI!

(The book received THREE stars from major reviewers. Congrats, Karen!!)

Fascinating Fungi book

 

Kirkus (starred review): An extraordinarily well-researched, well-presented, and visually appealing book on a fascinating subject.

Booklist (starred review) : Highly recommended to seasoned “fungi-philes” and those unfamiliar with the threading marvels.— Sharon Rawlins

School Library Journal (starred review): VERDICT A thoroughly researched, visually appealing, and reader-friendly title that brings the hidden world of fungi to life—highly recommended for all collections. –Jenna LaBollita

 

 

Thanks so much for joining us here today to talk about your awesome new STEM book for kids, Karen!

JS: What drew you to writing about fungi? 

KK: It was a really strange mushroom I found in my garden—one I’d never seen before. One day there was a giant puffball growing on its own, all of a sudden it was there. So, I started investigating and learning more about this mushroom that puffs clouds of spores into the air and I wanted to know more and more. I watched some incredible documentaries too, like Fantastic Fungi, and then I knew I wanted to write a book about these fascinating organisms.

 

JS: How did you figure out the organization of this topic? 

KK: There was so much to tell that it was hard to whittle down the topics, but I really wanted to showcase all of the amazing qualities of different kinds of fungi. I thought it was important to start off with a biological background and then move into different aspects of how they look, what they can do for people, and then what they can do within nature. Two chapters, “The Beauties” and “The Oddities,” were especially fun to write. They highlight all the beautiful and unusual forms fungi can take, including the terrifying Bleeding Tooth fungus that oozes a red liquid to the brilliant green Parrot Waxcap covered in slime.

 

JS: It seems like this is something many people don’t know, but how important are fungi to our world? 

KK: They are incredibly important. I don’t think we even know yet how important and pervasive they are yet. They nourish the soil, connect plants, provide food for all kinds of creatures, and decompose all kinds of materials. Without fungi, leaf litter and plant debris would pile up to make a thick layer covering our planet. Scientists are discovering different ways they can restore our planet as well—from breaking down plastics to cleaning toxic sites and water, and much more.

 

JS: Can you give us three intriguing fun facts that you learned while writing this book? 

KK:

  1. A bioluminescent fungus was used to illuminate the controls in America’s first combat submarine, called the Turtle, during the Revolutionary War.
  2. That fungi are genetically and biologically more like people and other animals than they are like plants.
  3. The concept of “wet computing” or wetware, which uses biological components along with hardware to create living, adaptable computers. A researcher I interviewed in England, Dr. Adam Adamatzky, is experimenting with fungi to create these kind of computing devices.

 

JS: What would you like readers to get out of this book?

KK: A sense of wonder about these organisms they may never have really thought about before, and a respect for the complexity and beauty of the natural world.

 

JS: How would you like teachers/librarians to use this book?

KK: I think this book would be perfect for science research or kids interested in ecology or biology.

 

JS: Can you give any tips to writers who want to break into nonfiction children’s books?

KK: Read the top nonfiction books out there and study how writers craft trade nonfiction. It’s filled with fictional elements that add so much interest. Having a great, high-interest angle is important. Also talk to experts in the area you are writing about. I often get the best research tips from the experts I interview.

 

JS: What are you working on now? 

KK: I’m working on a really exciting, top-secret STEM picture book right now!

That sounds fabulous, Karen. We can’t wait to read that one. Thanks for sharing about your new STEM book. Everyone go check out Karen’s website HERE for more of her fabulous books!

 

Want a chance to WIN a Copy of Karen’s New Book? She is doing a giveaway at Goodreads. Click HERE to enter!