Molly and the Mastodon

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) announces the publication of Molly & The Mastodon on October 25, 2021. The new children’s book from author Denise Dias and illustrator Tara Winterhalt tells the imaginative story of a spirited young girl and the giant-tusked, prehistoric mammal she conjures to life at the Museum.

Readers follow this unlikely pair on a journey of discovery as they explore the incredible diversity of animals on Earth and along the way uncover an assortment of fascinating facts about mammals living on land, in water, and air. With exquisite illustrations and evocative storytelling, Molly & The Mastodon will be enjoyed by booklovers of all ages.

“This captivating book celebrates the wonder and beauty of our natural world, and the magic in sharing it with someone you love,” says Nita Reed, ROM Trustee, Honorary Governor, and longtime Museum donor and volunteer, who funded the project. “It’s a wonderful way to support ROM and enjoy a small piece of it at home.” 

Molly & The Mastodon is published by ROM with the generous support of longstanding ROM supporters Nita and Don Reed in honour of their grandchildren Bennett, Kyle, Max, Molly, and Zella. The book features the Museum’s Reed Gallery of the Age of Mammals as well as the Reed Family Plaza in the cover art. 

• Published by Royal Ontario Museum with the generous support of Nita and Don Reed 
• Author: Denise Dias 
• Illustrator: Tara Winterhalt 
• Ages 3-7 
• Hardcover, 32 pages 
• ISBN: 978-0-88854-527-5 
• Available: October 25, 2021 at ROM, and online 
• All proceeds support the Museum.