The incredible story of Blessed Nicolas Steno—a brilliant scientist who became a Catholic bishop and a pioneer in fossils, rock layers, and anatomy—shatters the myth that faith and science are at odds.
Complete with fascinating field guide sketches, a kid-friendly glossary, and a cover designed to look and feel like a centuries-old scientific notebook, this captivating book will ignite your child’s sense of wonder, love of discovery, and faith in God!
The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones:
How Blessed Nicolas Steno Uncovered the Hidden History of the Earth
Written by Thomas Salerno
Illustrated by Dillon Wheelock
Word on Fire Votive | February 3, 2025
Hardcover | 56 Pages | 5” x 7”
Suggested Age Range: 8 - 14
Retail Price: $24.95 $19.96
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About The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones
Journey into the exciting life of Nicolas Steno, the father of geology whose passion for truth led him to groundbreaking scientific discovery and a deep religious devotion. Interwoven into this biography of a scientist and Catholic bishop is the story of fossils and the hidden history of the earth beneath our feet. With an extensive glossary of scientific terms and delightful field guide sketches, this beautifully crafted book will inspire any young person eager to learn about the natural world and its Creator.
In The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones, you’ll find:
- Blessed Nicolas Steno’s remarkable journey of faith and reason
- Stories about his discoveries and contributions to science
- Fascinating field guide sketches of fossils and geological discoveries
- A cover that looks weathered and worn with age as if it were a recently rediscovered, centuries-old scientific notebook
- And a glossary of terms that makes science accessible and fun for kids
Here’s What People Are Saying...
“The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones is a remarkable journey into the life and legacy of Blessed Nicolas Steno. Gifted author Thomas Salerno invites readers of all ages to consider how the unlikely life of one curious young man forever impacted our world intellectually and spiritually. Illustrations by Dillon Wheelock and a thoughtful layout invite readers into a phenomenal learning adventure. Blessed Nicolas Steno’s life reminds us that the call to sainthood invites each of us, in our unique ways, to explore, love, worship, and share God by living with curiosity, passion, and generosity. Masterful!”
– Lisa M. Hendey, author of I’m a Saint in the Making
“Young and old who find themselves fascinated by fossils and the history of our planet will find here a holy companion, inspiration, and hero. Blessed Nicolas Steno is that hero, and here we meet him in story and beautiful images. This is the perfect companion volume for a middle or high school earth science text.”
– Christopher T. Baglow, PhD, Academic Director, Science & Religion Initiative, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame
“Just the thing for science-loving kids!”
– Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author of Saints Around the World
About the Author
About the Author
Thomas Salerno is an author, freelance writer, and podcaster from Long Island, New York. He has a bachelor of arts in anthropology from Stony Brook University and has also worked in the fossil collections of the American Museum of Natural History. Thomas hopes to inspire young readers to embrace a spirit of curiosity and wonder about the natural world. The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones is his first children’s book.
About the Illustrator
About the Illustrator
Dillon Wheelock is an illustrator based out of the Midwest with a focus on the fantastical. He loves fairytales, folklore, and fantasy! He also works in the toy world as a concept artist on both original and established properties. When he’s not creating art, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife and son, wandering bookstores, exploring nature, plucking away on the ukulele, or tending to his house plants.
