Unearthing an Uprising

In a time of climate crisis and environmental change, it’s the youngest voices that dig deepest.

Dodo and Dinosaur, an independent children’s publisher devoted to connecting young readers with the wonders of the natural world, recently invited three passionate young naturalists, Abi (11), Benji (11) and Jude (10), to take part in their new campaign Unearthing an Uprising, whilst sharing their thoughts on climate change, conservation, and how their love of nature fuels a desire to protect it. The campaign is focused on celebrating the past through fascinating fossils and dino designs, whilst promoting future conservation and sustainability.

Left to right: Jude, Abi and Benji wearing Dodo and Dinosaur's new collection at North Norfolk's Deep History Coast.

The initiative, which will include a brand new learning resource called Fossils of the Future, is part of Dodo and Dinosaur’s broader mission to equip children not only with knowledge, but with a sense of belonging in the natural world. Their books already champion accessibility and remove the feeling of being intimidated by long and difficult to pronounce dinosaur names, by breaking down each Extraordinary Extinct™ creature into bite-sized, factual and entertaining descriptions.

The small business has a growing audience and has already been recognised by some major organisations for its unique approach. Their book, Extraordinary Extinct™ Prehistoric Minibeasts: A First Guide to Fossils by Jill Michelle Smith and Jennifer Watson, won the Selfies Book Award for Best Children’s Book at the London Book Fair in 2024. Judges praised the title for its unique approach and “fun content that engages kids in the natural world”. Jennifer was also shortlisted for the prestigious Trailblazer Awards, which celebrate young professionals who have demonstrated creativity and innovation at the start of their publishing careers.

A Fossil‑Fuelled Awakening

Abi, Benji, and Jude might be young, but they represent a fast‑growing movement of children who are both curious explorers and powerful protectors of the Earth. All three are budding naturalists who have a deep love of fossils and an understanding of the bigger picture those fossils reveal.

They have also each individually attracted the attention of presenters, scientists and activists who are impressed by their passion and efforts to champion nature. Abi has entered her fossil finds into competitions, gaining recognition for her keen eye and knowledge. Benji is a passionate young activist who attends events advocating for climate action, such as clean water and conservation. After the Restore Nature Now march in London he commented “Wow, nearly 100,000 people marched for nature today! It was such an incredible experience.” Jude brings her love for dinosaurs and natural history into all areas of her school life. This year she dressed up as pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning for World Book Day and is always proudly promoting that girls can do anything.

Abi and Jude became great friends after their mums connected through social media and when the girls met Benji on a Norfolk beach for Dodo and Dinosaur's photoshoot to launch their new collection, they instantly hit it off - a power team of enthusiasm. While all three children possess knowledge and insight beyond their years when it comes to their Mastermind specialist subjects, it was wonderful to see them simply enjoying being kids in nature as they splashed around in the sea together.

Abi (left), Jude and Benji wearing Dodo and Dinosaur's new collection and having fun splashing in the sea.

In the photos (taken by @kate_anderson_photography) from their seaside meet, Abi, Benji and Jude are seen wearing Dodo and Dinosaur’s colourful range of t-shirts, hats, rucksacks, hoodies and accessories. The vibrant Extraordinary Extinct™ designs reflect the spirit of the brand: playful, educational and full of curiosity. The trio brought the collection to life, embodying the message that science, creativity, adventure and environmental action can be fun and accessible for everyone.

From left to right: Abi, Jude and Benji wearing Dodo and Dinosaur's new collection.

Abi, 11, shares her discoveries under the Instagram handle @raising_a_palaeontologist, where she posts photos of her fossil finds and natural history explorations. She is eager to work as a palaeontologist one day and unearth ancient treasures.

Jude, 10, shares her prehistoric adventures and discoveries under the name @jurassicjude. Her fascination with dinosaurs and impressive attention to detail fuels her ambition to become a palaeontologist when she grows up.

Benji, also 11, documents his artwork and natural studies as @benjaminfallow. Like naturalists over the centuries, Benjamin avidly sketches his finds, using art as a way to observe and appreciate the natural world. Benjamin uses his creativity to blend scientific detail with expressive flair.

*all accounts are run by their parents.

Benji, age 11, is a talented artist and is pictured wearing an Ankylosaurus t-shirt alongside a fossil pattern rucksack.

Learning Through Wonder

One of the most powerful threads uniting these young fossil lovers and the Dodo and Dinosaur team is the idea that learning doesn’t need to start with textbooks, it starts with wonder.

Author and designer, Jennifer Watson, fondly remembers the first time she visited the Natural History Museum in London with her mum, Jill “I was six and so overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the Museum, that I was instantly enthused to learn about the history of our natural world. The dinosaurs were particularly awe-inspiring and it’s no surprise that they continue to be a gateway into understanding the age of the Earth and our own existence. It is a privilege that humans are able to observe and ask questions, but it is therefore our responsibility to help conserve and maintain balance.”

Jill and Jennifer's books combine lyrical rhyming verse with scientifically accurate facts to bring extinct creatures to life in a way that inspires readers in a memorable and engaging way. The duo behind the business, Jill and Jennifer, are especially passionate about equal opportunities for all and hope to inspire more girls to explore STEM subjects, which in the past have been typically angled towards boys. They believe scientific topics can be made accessible and engaging through creative approaches, combining art, storytelling and hands-on discovery to break down barriers and ignite curiosity in all children.

Jude, age 10, is a passionate explorer. She is pictured holding a Gryphaea fossil and wearing a Pachycephalosaurus t-shirt with a Prehistoric Minibeasts shoulder bag.

Climate Action Starts Young

Learning about prehistoric life offers a fantastic entry point into natural science topics. It helps children grasp the vast age of the Earth and understand how human activity is accelerating processes that contribute to climate change, making it clear as to why protecting our planet is so urgent.

Dodo and Dinosaur provides further engagement through workshops, pop-up trail events, museum partnerships and hands‑on activities that encourage families to turn curiosity into care. Their creative approach isn’t just about publishing books, it’s about increasing awareness and nurturing a lifelong connection with the natural world.

"I always dreamt of being a children's illustrator when I was at school" says illustrator and author, Jill Michelle Smith "I use pen and watercolour to bring weird and wonderful creatures to life... at our events I really enjoy encouraging people to let their imaginations run wild when colouring and crafting, because in most cases, we don't know for sure what colours dinosaurs would have been!"

Their publishing model is refreshingly independent: all illustration, editing, design and layout is handled in‑house. The books are printed sustainably in the UK, with carbon‑offsetting through the World Land Trust. It’s a small press with a big mission, to make natural history accessible while maintaining an environmental ethos. Designer and Founder Jennifer Watson comments “we couldn’t simply create books that celebrate our Extraordinary Extinct natural world without caring about our environmental impact and the Earth's creatures today. This is why all our products are carefully considered and made using organic and sustainable materials.”

Abi, age 11, is an aspiring palaeontologist. She is modelling a Stegosaurus t-shirt, Prehistoric Minibeasts hat and ruckack with her dad, Dinesh, who is wearing a T. rex t-shirt.

Fossils of the Future - A New Learning Resource

Building on the success of their collaboration with the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences on their fascinating Gravel Hunters learning resource, which explores common fossils found on your doorstep, Dodo and Dinosaur is soon to launch Fossils of the Future. This free, downloadable resource breaks down the five past major extinction events through significant fossils and connects these examples to everyday actions that can help protect the planet’s future.

Created with thought-provoking insight from climate scientists, the resource is packed with creative prompts that encourage people of all ages to connect fossil knowledge with environmental mindfulness.

Parents, educators and young naturalists will be able to download the resource directly from Dodo and Dinosaur’s website, providing a perfect companion to their Extraordinary Extinct™ books, activities, workshops and learning experiences.

Abi (left) and Jude are pictured wearing Dodo and Dinosaur's sustainable dinosaur print hoodies.

Expanding the Extraordinary Extinct™ Universe

Extraordinary Extinct Prehistoric Minibeasts: A First Guide to Fossils  is just one gem in Dodo and Dinosaur’s expanding Extraordinary Extinct™ series. Their other titles include An A-Z of Extraordinary Extinct Creatures and Extraordinary Extinct™ Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, both celebrated for their vibrant illustrations and accessible science.

In August 2025, Dodo and Dinosaur published their first activity book Dinosaurs, Reptiles and Birds, designed to engage children with hands-on learning through puzzles, games, and creative activities. Looking ahead, the publisher is excited to announce the forthcoming release of Ice Age, Mammals and Megafauna, promising to bring the spectacular giants of the Ice Age era to life for young readers eager to explore more of the Earth’s prehistoric past.

This growing series reflects the brand's commitment to nurturing curiosity, wonder, and environmentalism through imaginative and educational storytelling. Though primarily aimed at Key Stage 1 and 2 readers, their titles consistently receive enthusiastic responses from a mature audience too, including parents, educators, experts and nature lovers. Their learning resources are ideal for classroom settings or community groups, making them versatile tools for all to increase awareness of our Extraordinary Extinct natural world.

From left to right: Jude, Abi and Benji are pictured wearing Dodo and Dinosaur's rucksacks.

Shop the collection: dodoanddinosaur.com/shop

Photographs by Kate Anderson Photography: @kate_anderson_photography kateandersonbrandphotography.com