With this one-of-a-kind STEM gem, unearth Ice Age fossil stories in STUCK! The Story of the La Brea Tar Pits by debut author Joyce P. Uglow and illustrator Valerya Milovanova publishing on March 4, 2025 from Bushel & Peck Books.
"Join fellow science lovers in this creative non-fiction, poetical exploration surrounding the history, and little known origins, of the ice age and the La Brea Tar Pits--including what scientists are learning about climate change. For tens of thousands of years, animals and plants fell into the natural trap of what we now call the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. Millions of fossils, from hundreds of species, have been collected in this one unique site. We don’t get stuck in the past when we read, ask questions, and learn."
Joyce's lyrical lines sing and tell the story of one of the greatest fossil finds in the world. It makes me want to take a field trip there! Lucky for us who live far away from the La Brea Tar Pits, Valerya's evocative illustrations guide readers into an entire ecosystem of plants and animals--all found stuck. (And, for all of us whose knowledge about the La Brea Tar Pits comes from the 1992 movie Encino Man, this informative and beautiful book is long past due!)
Sidebars include interesting details such as how changes in the shape of the dire wolf's skull and snout are tied to climate changes. I also learned that there are no dinosaur fossils among the fossils in the La Brea Tar Pits. (I was a kid when I last watched Encino Man, but I'm blaming Brendan Frasier and Pauly Shore for my woefully incorrect memory.) An author's note at the end provides additional historical and scientific details. Thank goodness today's generation of kiddos have this outstanding lyrical non-fiction picture book to learn about this incredible paleontological site!
Build your own mammoth from small blocks. You can see gigantic fossils at La Brea Tar Pits!
STUCK! The Story of the La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow and Valerya Milovanova
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Joyce has generously offered to give away a copy of STUCK! The Story of the La Brea Tar Pits and these woolly mammoth blocks! Please go to my Instagram to enter the giveaway and X (Twitter) for an extra chance at winning this informative book and perfect gift pairing! (U.S. only)
ICYMI
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