Not necessarily casual reading but for the enthusiast, a treasure trove of information.
A comprehensive look at the when, where, and why of dinosaurs.
Introducing the predecessors of true dinosaurs, which lived 250 million years ago in the early Triassic Period, and moving forward to the middle Triassic, when true dinosaurs evolved, and then to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, 200 million-66 million years ago, the narrative contains, in its first five chapters alone, a dizzying amount of information regarding dinosaur fossil species, their skeletal characteristics, and the geographic locations where they have been found. This rather dry information is, happily, interspersed with boxed segments that recount more personal stories of fossil digs by the author and male and female paleontologists from many different countries working in many parts of the world, leaving readers with a yes-you-too-can-do-this feeling. Ensuing chapters offer interesting in-depth stories about ever popular dinosaurs like the giant Brontosaurus and the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex and then go on to explore the ways dinosaurs evolved in different geographic areas, introducing the science of plate tectonics and various climate changes along the way. The mass dinosaur extinction from an asteroid impact and the evolution of birds as today’s dinosaurs are presented with comprehensive scientific evidence in an upbeat, kid-friendly way. Photographs and realistic drawings help bring the science to life.
Not necessarily casual reading but for the enthusiast, a treasure trove of information. (further reading, glossary, pronunciation guide, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)Pub Date: March 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-06-293017-0
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This glossy, colorful title in the “I Want To Be” series has visual appeal but poor organization and a fuzzy focus, which limits its usefulness. Each double-paged layout introduces a new topic with six to eight full-color photographs and a single column of text. Topics include types of environmentalists, eco-issues, waste renewal, education, High School of Environmental Studies, environmental vocabulary, history of environmentalism, famous environmentalists, and the return of the eagle. Often the photographs have little to do with the text or are marginal to the topic. For example, a typical layout called “Some Alternative Solutions” has five snapshots superimposed on a double-page photograph of a California wind farm. The text discusses ways to develop alternative forms of energy and “encourage environmentally friendly lifestyles.” Photos include “a healer who treats a patient with alternative therapy using sound and massage,” and “the Castle,” a house built of “used tires and aluminum cans.” Elsewhere, “Did You Know . . . ” shows a dramatic photo of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, but the text provides odd facts such as “ . . . that in Saudi Arabia there are solar-powered pay phones in the desert?” Some sections seem stuck in, a two-page piece on the effects of “El Niño” or 50 postage-stamp–sized photos of endangered species. The author concludes with places to write for more information and a list of photo credits. Pretty, but little here to warrant purchase. (Nonfiction. 9-11)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-15-201862-X
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Gearing his text to older dinosaur lovers, McGowan assumes prior knowledge and leaves out many explanatory details, such as...
In-depth facts about 13 dinosaurs are interspersed with activities that teach readers about anatomy and how paleontologists understand body structure.
Gearing his text to older dinosaur lovers, McGowan assumes prior knowledge and leaves out many explanatory details, such as a prehistoric timeline, map and definitions of the different types of dinosaurs. But for enthusiasts who can grasp the advanced vocabulary and concepts, this is a great resource for learning more about both dinosaurs and anatomy in general. The 27 activities and experiments illustrate the concepts presented and focus on the featured dinosaurs. By following the well-written directions as well as the picture steps, budding paleontologists will explore how a tail affects balance, discover binocular vision and learn how the two parts of a bone make them both stiff and elastic. While most use common household materials, there are some interesting ones that require supplies such as plaster of Paris and a long length of board. Schmidt’s detailed acrylic illustrations give life to the dinosaurs, and her scientific renderings of bones could have come straight out of an anatomy textbook. The spreads are also interspersed with photos, showing readers real fossil remains.Pub Date: June 28, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4169-4764-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2011
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