Written by Jack Horner the world-famous scientist of Jurassic Park fame, this children's book about dinosaurs, families, friendship, science, and fantasy time-travel is a compelling STEM read aloud for parents and young readers . Read more...... Lily, an empowered third grader who loves dinosaurs and considers herself a paleontology expert tells her story in this richly illustrated book of juvenile fiction . She convinces her parents to take her to Montana so she can find dinosaur bones. In her wildest dreams, she never imagines she would meet a real dinosaur.... but she does: a one-year-old Maiasaura named Maia. Lily follows Maia out of the badlands and toward a big adventure as they "time travel" back to the Upper Cretaceous Period of Montana (seventy-seven million years ago). Maia is eager to show Lily the dinosaur nesting grounds where she was born and how Maiasaura dinosaur families take care of their babies until they are strong enough to safely leave their nests. "Jack Horner ranks among the greatest dinosaur paleontologists of all time. He has also played an outsized role in popularizing the new science of dinosaurs, forever changing the way we look at these amazing ancient animals and inspiring many to pursue fossil-hunting careers." "With Lily and Maia , Horner taps into this vast experience to create a wonderful children's book. Readers will head out into the field in search of dinosaur remains, and even set off on some time-traveling adventures! For the legions of young dinosaur lovers out there, here is a story guaranteed to spark imaginations!" Scott D. Sampson, PhD, "Dr. Scott the Paleontologist" - PBS Dinosaur Train TV Series Executive Director and William R. and Gretchen B. Kimball Chair California Academy of Sciences "Lily and Maia is a delightful introduction to paleontology for kids. Many children are aspiring fossil-hunters and will likely be inspired by this story of a young student making discoveries in the field. I appreciate that the book introduces tools and practices of science, including making and recording observations and using evidence to draw conclusions." "The young child in the story may even have made an observation that upends an argument made by an established scientist - a wonderful notion that will keep kids on their toes. The author's clever device of allowing Lily to dream that she meets an actual dinosaur brings the story to life. I highly recommend this book for all families and schools with curious kids." Anne Richardson, PhD , Chief Global Officer, Exploratorium Author of Octopuses Have Zero Bones: A Counting Book About our Amazing World Selected by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the top ten children's books of 2022 and by Science Friday as one of the 6 best science books for kids "The wonder and curiosity with which young people explore the natural world is reflected in Lily's adventure with her new dinosaur friend, Maia. Young girls especially will be inspired by Lily's confidence, creativity, and her excitement in doing research to discover truths about dinosaur lives. What's more, the vibrant, engaging illustrations make it easy for young girls to relate to Lily and see themselves as scientists like her." "Lily shows young scientists, and young girls in particular, that they can make important discoveries about the world around them- all it takes is searching for the truth to a question!" Holly Woodward , PhD, Associate Professor of Anatomy and Paleontology, Oklahoma State University "As the mother of two elementary-aged girls who enjoy books with strong female protagonists, I appreciate that Lily is a confident and capable explorer. Readers will be inspired by Lily's curiosity, enthusiasm for paleontology, and her deep interest in science." "Lily and Maia.... A Dinosaur Adventure will encourage young readers to learn more about the world of paleontology and sets a great example for girls who are interested in science and nature." Heather Bonander Scott B.S. Cell Biology and Neuroscience M.A. Evolutionary Anthropology "Thanks to Audrey O'Connell for sending a copy of #Lilyandmaia to me which I read last night. It is a page turner, as I followed with intrigue the adventure of Lily. I also learned some new things reading it, even as an adult, and a biologist not less. Lily is a very brave girl, and her passion with courage and determination as a young paleontologist literally jumps out from the pages. The narrative is effectively enhanced like a motion picture through the beautifully illustrated drawings, by Grace Hattrup, which children and the child-within-adult will resonate with instantly. The story ends with a cliff hanger effect. I found myself turning all the pages to the end of the book and wondering if there is any indication of a continuation of the adventure n scientific exploration of Lily with her secret friend Maia. Because I read the book twice, I found a word missing in one sentence in Chapter 3. T