Everything Dinosaur is celebrating International Literacy Day 2026. This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of this important UNESCO initiative. International Literacy Day takes place annually on September the 8th. It provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of literacy and its role in sharing knowledge and understanding different cultures.

The 2026 theme is “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity”. Moreover, this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on six decades of progress.

Two marvellous books about prehistoric animals to celebrate International Literacy Day. The “Secret Lives of Dinosaurs” is the second collaboration between Dr Dean Lomax and Bob Nicholls examining remarkable fossils. The first book to be published was the highly successful “Locked in Time”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

International Literacy Day 2026

International Literacy Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966. Annual celebrations began the following year. Today, events take place all over the world. UNESCO regards literacy as a fundamental human right. Furthermore, literacy provides a foundation for acquiring broader knowledge, skills and understanding.

Despite considerable progress, significant challenges remain. UNESCO reports that at least 739 million young people and adults worldwide lacked basic literacy skills in 2024. In addition, four in ten children are not achieving minimum proficiency in reading.

The sixtieth anniversary therefore provides an important opportunity to celebrate progress. It is a diamond jubilee! However, it also highlights how much work remains to be done.

To read more about International Literacy Day visit the official UNESCO website: International Literacy Day (UNESCO).

Celebrating Science Communication

For Everything Dinosaur, International Literacy Day also provides an opportunity to celebrate science communication. Scientific research expands our knowledge of the world. Moreover, discoveries have a much wider impact when researchers can communicate them effectively.

Books, scientific papers, magazines, websites and other publications help make research accessible. They can take complex subjects and introduce them to new audiences.  We have played a small role ourselves.  For example, we have helped to fund scientific research.

Everything Dinosaur team members have helped fund scientific research. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

This is especially important in palaeontology and the Earth sciences in general. A newly published scientific paper might describe a fossil discovery or name a new species. Subsequently, science writers can help explain that research to a much wider audience. In our own small way, we try to help promote and publicise new research and fossil discoveries.

For example, we recently wrote a blog post about a remarkable fish skull fossil found in Yorkshire: Roundhay Park Coelacanth Fossil Discovery.

In addition, our blog recently featured an article announcing a new species of ichthyosaur: A New Species of Jabalisaurus Links Germany and Mexico.

Effective science communication can inspire questions and encourage further learning. Perhaps most importantly, it can spark a lifelong fascination with science.

Thank You to Authors, Editors and Publishers

International Literacy Day 2026 gives us the chance to recognise everyone involved in producing books and other written resources. Authors and science writers deserve enormous credit. They translate complex ideas into engaging and understandable narratives.

However, producing a book requires a team. Editors help shape the text. There is the painstaking search for errors. The role of a proof reader cannot be underestimated. Illustrators and palaeoartists help readers visualise unfamiliar worlds and concepts. Designers create attractive and accessible layouts. Meanwhile, publishers bring these different elements together and make the finished work available to readers.

Of course, researchers also play a crucial role. Their studies provide the evidence upon which science writing is based. Therefore, on International Literacy Day, we celebrate all those involved in transforming research and ideas into accessible knowledge.

Taking a few minutes break to dive into a book all about Mesozoic marine reptiles. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Time to Inspire the Next Generation

Books can have a profound influence on young people. For example, a child’s first dinosaur book could introduce unfamiliar words such as Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops or palaeontology. Their curiosity might encourage them to read further. One book leads to another. Questions are asked and new ideas are explored. That initial fascination might even lead to a future career in the Earth sciences.

Everything Dinosaur has always championed education and effective science communication. We recognise the tremendous contribution made by writers, researchers, artists, editors, illustrators and publishers.

After all, scientific knowledge becomes even more powerful when it can be shared.

So, on the sixtieth anniversary of International Literacy Day, we say thank you to everyone who helps put knowledge into our hands.

And, of course, we thoroughly recommend getting your nose into a good book about prehistoric animals!

Happy International Literacy Day 2026.

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Inspirational Prehistoric Animal Models.

What makes a scientifically accurate dinosaur model? This is a question that dinosaur fans and model collectors frequently ask us. Our understanding of the Dinosauria is constantly changing. Therefore, creating an accurate prehistoric animal figure is challenging.  For example, until recently anyone making a model of Nanotyrannus could not be certain that their figure represented a valid genus.  However, recent research has demonstrated that N. lancensis is probably a valid taxon.  Furthermore, there could be two species of mid-sized tyrannosauroids in the North American fossil record.

The new for 2021 PNSO Nanotyrannus dinosaur model.  When this model was introduced, there were some doubts about the validity of this taxon.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog posts about the recent research exploring the validity of Nanotyrannus: Nanotyrannus – A New Chapter in Tyrannosaur Evolution.

A second blog post reaffirming the validity of the Nanotyrannus taxon: New Paper on the Nanotyrannus Genus.

Manufacturers have access to more scientific information than ever before. However, producing a credible dinosaur model involves much more than simply copying a fossil skeleton.

Studying the Dinosaur Fossils

A scientifically accurate dinosaur model should reflect the known fossil evidence. For example, palaeontologists can examine bones to determine body proportions and posture. Fossils can also provide information about muscle attachment. Exceptionally preserved specimens reveal even more. Skin impressions can provide evidence about scales and other integumentary structures. Furthermore, fossilised feathers have transformed our understanding of many theropod dinosaurs.  In addition, some remarkable specimens even provide evidence of internal organs.

Even footprints can help. Dinosaur tracks provide information about stance, locomotion and how the feet contacted the ground.  Scales preserved on the footprints can provide information on the integument of the foot.

A fossil dinosaur footprint photographed at the London Natural History Museum. The exhibit features a three-toed print from the famous Lark Quarry track site in Australia. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Reconstructing the Missing Parts

Unfortunately, dinosaur skeletons are rarely complete. Consequently, palaeoartists and model makers must interpret missing information. Closely related species can provide useful anatomical clues. In addition, living animals such as birds and crocodilians can help scientists understand dinosaur soft tissues.  Some types of prehistoric creature such as the sauropods and pterosaurs have no living analogues.  Therefore, some features remain speculative.

Colour is an obvious difficulty. Scientists have identified evidence of pigmentation in a small number of exceptionally preserved fossils. For most dinosaurs, their colouration remains unknown.  However, research papers can provide hope.  For example, a paper was recently published that provided some evidence of the colour of diplodocid dinosaurs.

Evidence of the colour of long-necked dinosaurs: Sauropod Skin Study Reveals Colour Patterning.

Even so, a scientifically accurate dinosaur model can still include an element of artistic interpretation. Indeed, our own Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex model has a highly sophisticated colour scheme. Although the colour of T. rex is unknown, an informed judgement can be made by considering the palaeoenvironment, countershading, visual display behaviours and the need to regulate body temperature.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution range is now in stock. The Tyrannosaurus rex figure has an extremely sophisticated colour scheme. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range of scientifically accurate models: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus Model.

Scientific Research Changes Dinosaur Models

Scientific accuracy is not fixed. New discoveries can change how an extinct animal is reconstructed. For instance, dinosaur models from several decades ago often depicted large theropods standing upright with their tails dragging along the ground. Scientists now know that these dinosaurs held their bodies much more horizontally. Their tails helped to counterbalance the front of the body. Furthermore, we know that many types of dinosaurs were feathered, a concept that many movie franchises have yet to grasp. Moreover, there is growing evidence to support the idea that many archosaurs had lips.

Our understanding of feathers has changed too. Many dinosaurs once depicted with completely scaly bodies are now reconstructed with extensive feather coverings. As the science changes, dinosaur models change with it.

Getting the Details Right

An accurate model should consider the entire animal rather than concentrating solely on the skull. Hands, feet, limbs and body proportions are important too. Small anatomical details can make a considerable difference. The orientation of the hands of a theropod is one example. The number and position of fingers and toes should also reflect the fossil evidence.

Similarly, the arrangement of horns, crests, armour and other structures should be based on the available scientific data. Scale is another consideration. A model described as being in a particular scale should reflect reasonable estimates for the size of the prehistoric animal.  In the past, many dinosaurs were thought to have moved like extant lizards. Their limbs were not directly under the body but held to the side.  Such old-fashioned depictions can still be seen today.

The Stegosaurus motif from the Berlin Aquarium. The aquarium building was built between 1911 and 1913. The dinosaur motifs such as this Stegosaurus relief reflect the scientific knowledge at the time. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Working with Scientists and Artists

Many manufacturers consult palaeontologists and specialist palaeoartists when developing prehistoric animal figures. This collaboration can help turn scientific research into a three-dimensional reconstruction. Scientific papers, skeletal drawings and fossil photographs can all contribute to the design process. Museum specimens may also provide valuable reference material.

However, attention to detail remains essential. A beautiful dinosaur model is not necessarily an accurate one.

What Makes a Scientifically Accurate Dinosaur Model?

Ultimately, the best dinosaur reconstructions combine scientific evidence with informed interpretation. They reflect what palaeontologists currently know while acknowledging areas of uncertainty. No dinosaur model can be guaranteed to remain scientifically accurate forever. A new fossil discovery could change our understanding tomorrow. Palaeontology has a long history of correcting previously held hypotheses.  For example, the Iguanodon statues on display at Crystal Palace have horns on their snouts that we now know to be a thumb spike.

A pair of Iguanodons study the Crystal Palace landscape. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

At Everything Dinosaur, we welcome these changes. New discoveries give scientists, palaeoartists, model makers and dinosaur enthusiasts fresh opportunities to reconsider what these extraordinary animals might have looked like.

Mike commented:

“Perhaps that is part of the appeal of prehistoric animal model collecting. Dinosaur models provide a snapshot of scientific knowledge at a particular moment in time. As palaeontology advances, our models of these remarkable prehistoric animals evolve as well.”

At Everything Dinosaur, we welcome these changes. New discoveries give scientists, palaeoartists, model makers and dinosaur enthusiasts fresh opportunities to reconsider what these extraordinary animals might have looked like.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Scientifically Accurate Dinosaur Models.

Dinosaur models and prehistoric animal figures play an important role in education. However, not all figures are suitable for learning. Accuracy matters, especially in classrooms and museums. Children absorb facts about prehistoric animals like a sponge absorbs water. We spend our lives being corrected by young dinosaur fans. Educational dinosaur models and prehistoric animal figures are important.

A Bullyworld ammonite model is used to help illustrate a display of ammonite fossils in a museum.  Educational prehistoric animal models are important. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The ammonite model (above) is part of the Bullyworld model series.  To view this range of prehistoric animal figures: Bullyland/Bullyworld Prehistoric Animal Models.

Educational Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Figures

In educational settings, models act as visual teaching tools. They help learners understand scale, anatomy, and posture. In addition, they provide a visual interpretation of the fossil record. Therefore, scientific accuracy is essential. Incorrect models can easily reinforce outdated ideas. In contrast, well-researched figures support modern palaeontology.

Museums face similar challenges. Displays must inform as well as inspire. For that reason, curators often choose models that reflect current research. Accurate reconstructions also help visitors visualise extinct animals more effectively than text alone. For example, we supplied a replica of a Steppe Mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii) to a German museum for display next to prehistoric elephant teeth.

At Everything Dinosaur, many models are selected with education in mind. Teachers and museum staff frequently use them in lessons, workshops, and science communication events. As a result, these figures become practical learning resources, not just display pieces.

Moreover, tactile models benefit different learning styles. Younger learners, in particular, gain confidence through hands-on interaction. Consequently, engagement increases and understanding improves.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur states:

“Ultimately, scientifically accurate prehistoric animal models bridge a gap between the fossil record and imagination. When accuracy and education align, learning becomes clearer, deeper, and far more memorable.”

Visit the multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Educational Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

What a busy time Sue and I have had.  As one of the main sponsors of the 2025 Lyme Regis Fossil Festival we spent the weekend in the picturesque Dorset town participating in this year’s event.  Over the last few days, we have been busy catching up with all our correspondence.  However, we want to say a very big thank you to everyone who helped make the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival such a huge success.

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur thank the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival organisers and the amazing volunteers for helping to make the event such a huge success. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Thank You to All Involved in the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the organisers and volunteers who made this year’s festival such an incredible success.  It was hard work.  Sue and I never stopped, we were inundated with visitors to our stand.  In addition, our presentation on Sunday morning was extremely popular. We could have filled the Driftwood Cafe twice over.

The weather was absolutely perfect, which set the stage for an unforgettable experience. We were thrilled to unveil our new T. rex dinosaur model, and the enthusiastic response from visitors truly overwhelmed us. In addition, our fellow sponsors and exhibitors were excited too.

To learn more about the new Everything Dinosaur Evolution brand: Learn More About Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

Our presentation on Sunday morning was another highlight.  It was a great way to launch the Everything Dinosaur Evolution product range.  After all, if you are going to change the way prehistoric animal models are made, Lyme Regis, with all its heritage is a wonderful location for a product launch.

The Hard Work and Dedication of Many People

Sue and I recognise that events like the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival do not happen without a lot of hard work. Thank you to the organisers for your meticulous planning and to the volunteers for your tireless support. Also, a special thank you to our fellow sponsors.  Without financial assistance events such as this would not take place.

Thank you once more for making this event such a resounding success.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Visit the Everything Dinosaur Website.

Twenty years ago, Everything Dinosaur team members were asked whether it would be a good idea to hold an annual fossil festival in Lyme Regis.  The town is synonymous with the early days of palaeontology.  Remarkable fossil discoveries have been made.  In addition, Lyme Regis was home to Mary Anning (1799 to 1847).  Mary earned her living collecting and selling fossils.  She is now internationally recognised as one of the most important figures in the nascent science of palaeontology.  The twentieth Lyme Regis Fossil Festival starts this weekend.  Let’s make it really special!

We are attending this year’s event.  Indeed, Everything Dinosaur is one of the main sponsors.

Everything Dinosaur is a main sponsor of the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2025. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Annual Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

Everything Dinosaur is a main sponsor of the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.  Mike and Sue will be highlighting their new Everything Dinosaur Evolution range of prehistoric animal models. The team behind this remarkable project will be presenting at the Festival.  Join them on Sunday morning at the Driftwood Cafe (Baptist Church).  However, the venue is small, and we suspect this talk is going to be very popular.

Come and visit Mike and Sue at the Lister Gardens Marquee at the very heart of the Festival. Visitors to our stand will have the opportunity to vote on the next prehistoric animal figures for the Everything Dinosaur Evolution project.

To learn more about the Everything Dinosaur Evolution project and to sign up for more details: Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

A huge thank you to everyone who played a key role in organising the Festival.  Your dedication and hard work have made this wonderful event possible.  Sue and I wish all the volunteers, sponsors and participants a successful event.  Let’s make the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival a celebration of the UK’s natural heritage.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Gifts.

Ammonites were keystone taxa associated with Palaeozoic and Mesozoic marine environments.  They were both geographically and temporally diverse.  Ammonites and their ancestors inhabited the Earth’s oceans for over three hundred and fifty million years.  Ammonite fossils are easy to recognise, and a scientifically accurate toy ammonite model can bring their story to life.

Models of ammonites are often used in museum displays to help visitors to understand more about these cephalopods.

The Bullyland ammonite model is often used in museum displays to depict the living animal next to fossil material. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The model in the image above is the Bullyland ammonite.  This figure has received praise from science communicators.  It helps to provide an idea of the life appearance of these animals.

To view the range of Bullyland models and figures in stock: Bullyland Prehistoric Animal Models.

Accurate Toy Ammonite Models

These figures spark interest and curiosity. Adults and children ask, “What was this creature?” It’s the first step towards learning about these remarkable prehistoric animals.  When holding a model you connect with deep time. A plastic model is a portal to prehistoric marine environments.  An accurate toy ammonite model reflects the fossil record.  Ammonite soft tissue preservation is rare.  These figures provide information on the creature that inhabited the shell.

A selection of ammonite fossils to be used in an exercise exploring the role of index fossils with science students. Fossil ammonites are familiar, however, what was the creature actually like? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Helping to Educate

Ammonite and other prehistoric animal models are helpful science education tools.  Ammonites died out along with the non-avian dinosaurs around 66 million years ago.  However, some taxa did survive into the early Cenozoic according to some researchers.

To read a blog post from 2014 which references ammonite survival into the Palaeocene Epoch: Unravelling an Ammonite Mystery.

 Illustrating extinct animals opens conversations about climate change, extinction and conservation.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Home educators, palaeontologists, researchers, schools and museums are supplied with these figures.  They help provide a tangible impression of what ammonites looked like.  Ammonite toys add context to lessons about ancient life, fossils and geology. Moreover, they help the wider public to make a connection between the rocks and a living animal.”

Many toy ammonite figures are designed in collaboration with invertebrate palaeontologists.  They help to inform and educate. A toy ammonite model is more than a replica. It is a pathway to understanding science.

In a child’s hand or on a collector’s shelf, it keeps the ammonite story alive. And that’s powerful.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Toys.

Fancy a personalised tour of some of the most significant Jurassic fossil sites in England?  Thanks to Ancient Odysseys, a company that specialises in amazing palaeontology themed experiences you can get privileged access to some remarkable fossil locations.  As well as an incredible experience you will be helping to fund paleontological research!  Multi-award-winning palaeontologist, author and presenter Dr Dean Lomax will take a lucky few on a fantastic Jurassic journey.   A week-long exploration of England’s major Jurassic hotspots.  An opportunity to explore iconic fossil locations with experts and to get behind the scenes access to amazing fossil discoveries and world-renowned museum collections.

Ancient Odysseys and Dr Dean Lomax have teamed up to offer an incredible and exclusive travel experience. A Jurassic journey!

A Jurassic Journey with Dr Dean Lomax

Ancient Odysseys have teamed up with Dr Dean Lomax to create a week-long Jurassic adventure.  Running from July 6th to the 12th (2025), participants will be able to explore Yorkshire’s breath-taking Whitby Coast.  Hunting for ammonites, marine reptiles and the famous, rare, semi-precious organic gemstone Whitby Jet.  From the beautiful North Yorkshire coast, the tour party will encounter the enormous “Rutland Sea Dragon” the largest most complete ichthyosaur ever found in the UK.  Dr Lomax will be your guide providing exclusive access to this astonishing fossil discovery.

To read more about the amazing “Rutland Sea Dragon”: The Incredible Rutland Ichthyosaur Discovery.

Visit some of the most important Jurassic fossil locations in England. Your very own personalised tour.

The following day, the VIP tour party have the opportunity to visit the dreaming spires of Oxford and receive a personal tour of the stunning Oxford University Museum of Natural History.  A chance to view the iconic Megalosaurus jaw.  This type specimen could be considered one of the fossils that kick-started the dinosaur global phenomenon.  In addition, the newly discovered “Dinosaur Highway” trackway site is on the itinerary.  Your opportunity to go “Walking with Dinosaurs” accompanied by Dr Emma Nicholls, (Collections Manager, Vertebrate Palaeontology at the Oxford Museum).

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about this amazing trackway site: Remarkable Dinosaur Trackways Unearthed in Oxfordshire.

The tour concludes with a visit to picturesque Lyme Regis to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site the “Jurassic Coast” and to walk in the footsteps of Mary Anning.  A personal guided tour of the Lyme Regis Museum is included as is a special screening of the amazing “Why Dinosaurs?” documentary.

The Jurassic Journey Itinerary

• Sunday July 6, 2025 | Arrival in Whitby.
• Monday, July 7, 2025 | Fossil Hunting with Dr Lomax and Yorkshire Fossils on the Whitby Coast.
• Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | Whitby Museum | Rutland Sea Dragon.
• Wednesday, July 9, 2025 | Oxford Natural History Museum | Britain’s Dinosaur Highway.
• Thursday, July 10, 2025 | Lyme Regis Museum | Mary Anning’s Home | WHY DINOSAURS? Screening.
• Friday, July 11, 2025 | Full-Day Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunt | Farewell Dinner.
• Saturday, July 12, 2025 | Departure.

Dean Lomax will personally accompany you on your very own Jurassic adventure.  What an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

​For further details and to make an enquiry about booking: Jurassic Journey (Dr Dean Lomax).

Helping to Fund Real Research

A portion of the revenue from this fantastic tour will go to support Dr Lomax’s research. Funding for fieldwork and paleontological research is highly competitive.  Funding from this special holiday tour will help to contribute to scientific studies and will be acknowledged directly in upcoming papers.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“What an incredible opportunity!  Fourteen people have the chance to visit and explore some of the most remarkable fossil locations in the world.  To go behind the scenes at prestigious museums and to pick the brains of leading academics and professional fossil hunters.  Ancient Odysseys, a company that specialises in palaeontology themed tours has teamed up with the multi-award-winning Dr Dean Lomax to offer an amazing vacation experience. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this extraordinary Jurassic journey.”

The website of Dr Dean Lomax: British Palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax.