EMMA BAYLEY
AUTHOR
A bit about me
I was always reading as a child. My favourite book was The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper.
Now I live in Sussex with my husband, three children and two dogs. I have had a number of different jobs, including working on a magazine where I got to interview famous scientists - the absolute highlight was an hour spent with David Attenborough, one of my biggest heroes. Currently, I divide my time between writing, and working as a midwife in my local hospital.
I am particularly interested in writing stories based on real historical events and people. Snakestone, based on the true story of Mary Anning, is my first middle grade book to be published, and I am writing two more based on brilliant female scientists from history who made discoveries when they were children. Additionally, look out for my YA ghost story set during the First World War coming out this Autumn 2025.
If you would like to get in touch, please contact me using the form below, and I promise to reply as soon as I can.
Snakestone
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A middle grade novel for 8-12 year olds
DORSET COAST, 1810
A dark cave. A mysterious tree. A strange creature.
Mary thinks she has found something that could change the fortunes of her family forever. But the rock face is crumbling, and the tide can race up the beach dangerously fast. Rumours swirl around town about Mary bringing bad luck. And then there is the matter of a stolen book...
Can Mary unravel the secrets the tree holds about her and make the discovery of a lifetime before her past catches up with her?
A gripping historical adventure based on the true story of Mary Anning.
Praise for Snakestone
"I love this book because it's really gripping. It's totally awesome because I know a bit about Mary Anning and fossils already. It's about her life as a child, not much older than me, and because it's written in the first person, it makes me feel like I'm really there. I feel like I can see the crocodile in the cave because of the powerful description. I also feel sad or hungry when she is talking about being sad or hungry."
- Alden, age 10
"Snakestone is an amazing achievement. As a Palaeobiologist, I know a good deal about Mary Anning and consider her to be one of the most important people in the history of my science. By following the science and history of Mary's life and giving her a voice of her own, Emma Bayley has brought a relatable and likeable Mary Anning to life in quite the most extraordinary way, allowing her to inspire another generation. I loved this book."
- Dr Neil J Gostling, Lecturer in Evolution and Palaeobiology, University of Southampton
Get in touch!
Do get in touch about anything at all, from questions about SNAKESTONE to school visits or events, using this contact form. I promise to reply as soon as I can. Please ask an adult to help you if you are under 13.
