Young dinosaur fans can discover how our understanding of prehistoric animals has changed over time with the forthcoming publication of “Great Dinosaur Mistakes”. It is a fascinating new children’s book written by Jonathan Emmett and Nottingham-based palaeontologist Dr Adam Smith. Beautifully illustrated by Stieven Van Der Poorten, the book is due to be published on 6th August.

It celebrates the remarkable journey of scientific discovery. It explains that many early interpretations of prehistoric animals were based on incomplete fossil remains. During the nineteenth century, palaeontologists had far fewer fossils to study than scientists do today. In addition, they lacked modern imaging technology and could not instantly share information with colleagues around the world.

Full of fascinating facts about amazing dino discoveries. A book entitled “Great Dinosaur Mistakes” – the puzzling prehistoric creatures the experts got wrong. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

“Great Dinosaur Mistakes”

This clever and engaging book explores how scientific understanding changes as new evidence comes to light. Scientific ideas are not static, they are continually tested and revised as new evidence becomes available.

The story follows a young palaeontologist who meets the ghost of an earlier fossil expert. Together, they travel through time and compare historic reconstructions with our current understanding of prehistoric life. As a result, readers discover how new fossil discoveries and improved research methods have transformed palaeontology.

The ornithischian dinosaur Stegosaurus features in “Great Dinosaur Mistakes” a new book written by Jonathan Emmett and Dr Adam Smith with illustrations by Stieven Van Der Poorten. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

How Science Changes with New Discoveries

The book introduces readers to a wide range of prehistoric animals, including Anomalocaris, Stegosaurus, Therizinosaurus, Deinocheirus, ammonites, pterosaurs and the famous Iguanodon. Each chapter explores how these animals were originally interpreted and explains why scientists now reconstruct them differently. Naturally, the first dinosaur to be scientifically described – Megalosaurus features too.

Every fossil discovery, every paper, every new study helps palaeontologists build a clearer picture of life in the distant past.

This engaging approach encourages young readers to think like scientists. It also highlights that changing an idea in the light of new evidence is one of the greatest strengths of scientific research.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Palaeontologists

At Everything Dinosaur, we know that palaeontology is constantly evolving. New fossil discoveries and innovative research techniques regularly improve our understanding of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. Consequently, books such as “Great Dinosaur Mistakes” provide an excellent introduction to the scientific process while encouraging curiosity about the ancient world. Look out for an appearance from the “ghost of palaeontology future”.

Book Details – “Great Dinosaur Mistakes”

Title: “Great Dinosaur Mistakes”
Authors: Jonathan Emmett and Dr Adam Smith
Illustrator: Stieven Van Der Poorten
Publisher: Fox & Ink Books
Publication Date: 6th August 2026
Format: Paperback
Pages: 30
ISBN: 9781917894166
Classification: Early Years/Non-fiction

List Price: £7.99 GBP

Whether readers are already enthusiastic about fossils or are just beginning their prehistoric adventures, this beautifully illustrated book offers an entertaining and educational look at some of the most famous scientific misconceptions in palaeontology. Most importantly, it reminds us that every new fossil discovery has the potential to rewrite what we thought we knew about prehistoric life.

Visit Fox & Ink Books: The Publisher’s Website.