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PALEO BUGS by Timothy J. Bradley Kirkus Star

PALEO BUGS

Survival of the Creepiest

by Timothy J. Bradley & illustrated by Timothy J. Bradley

Pub Date: June 1st, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6022-2
Publisher: Chronicle Books

Long before the age of dinosaurs, the first arthropods appeared, over 500 million years ago. This attractive and informative guide introduces a variety of these early animals, explaining that some disappeared, some survived nearly unchanged and others evolved into the insects, scorpions, crabs and lobsters we know today. A timeline and helpful description of arthropod characteristics provide a brief introduction. Making clear that scientific understanding in this area is continually developing, Bradley summarizes current thinking about 14 different species of Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic arthropods, introducing them chronologically, one or two at a time on colorful double-page spreads, and providing clear, careful drawings of the creatures on a background appropriate to their environment. Sidebars connect the fossil species to modern ones, and show sizes in comparison to silhouettes of a modern-day “explorer”—a child with a magnifying glass or just a hand. Elegantly designed and thoughtfully written, this is a worthy companion to the author’s Paleo Sharks (2007) and an intriguing step backwards in time for dinosaur fans. (glossary, reading suggestions, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 8-12)