New book for kids on the discovery of the skull at Maropeng

Professor Lee Berger, discoverer of the first Australopithecus sediba fossils (found in the Cradle of Humankind), has teamed up with a different kind of expert to produce a children’s book, The Skull in the Rock, along with a new website.

It was Berger’s son, Matthew, who stumbled upon the first fossils at the Malapa Cave site, and this forms the basis of the book. Berger teamed up with experienced children’s book writer Marc Aronson (who is also known for his expertise as a historian and public speaker) on the project.

It is hoped that the book, as well as the new website, scimania.org, will encourage children to engage with the ideas of exploration, discovery and, of course, palaeoanthropology. The website offers images, media, teaching aids and a discussion forum for hot topics in science.

For videos and images about the discovery of Australopithecus sediba, click here.

This book would make an ideal gift for youngsters with an enquiring mind who enjoy learning about science, biology and history.