Dinosaur Days

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 27, 2015

Review

Revised from the 1985 text. This brief introduction to dinosaurs will appeal to newly independent readers. Pronunciation guides follow most dinosaur names, assisting the reader in decoding. Dinophiles will recognize the popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Ankylosaurus. Other dinosaurs may be new, such as Panphagia and Citipati.

In some cases, the use of easy words makes the text unclear. For instance, dinosaurs are described as being "small, big, or very, very big" (p.16). Argentinosaurus is described as being as big as a house, yet the accompanying illustration clearly shows the neck and tail extending beyond the pictured farmhouse. Climate change due to an asteroid strike is presented as a given for why dinosaurs mostly disappeared. Birds are described as living dinosaurs of today.

Full color illustrations new to this edition reflect current research. No tails are dragging, and dinosaur skin is mottled with varied colors. Herbivores are shown eating, while carnivores are shown in the chase, teeth bared, avoiding any goriness.

No table of contents, index, glossary or source notes will limit the usefulness in the classroom, yet dinophiles will enjoy being able to read the text and learn on their own. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: good