Dinosaurs!

September 1, 1987
Gibbons begins with a clear introduction to dinosaurs and paleontology for young readers. Two-page spreads illustrate and highlight well-known dinosaurs and give an idea of each one's size, habitat, eating habits and behavioras well as a phonetic pronunciation of its name. In closing, Gibbons describes the two leading theories on the decline of the dinosaurs: either the planet grew too hot or meteoritic dust in the atmosphere caused it to cool down. An appendix describes the information gained from fossilized dinosaur footprints. Pleasant and informative, but the number of more elaborate dinosaur books render this one mostly supplemental. Ages 4-8.

December 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-This is a simpler book than the author's "Dinosaur Discoveries" (Holiday House, 2005) but still adheres to the "nonbird" dinos, meaning those without feathers. Gibbons present a parade of Prosauropods, Therapods, Sauropods, Ceratopsians, and others for neophyte perusal, along with notes on the fossilization process, paleontology in general, and dinosaurian behaviors. Her rather slapdash illustrations do not include a time line, so young readers may not be aware that a variety of Ankylosaurs existed from the Middle Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous (a period of some 150-plus million years) and did not all exist at one moment in time. Statements indicating that Prosauropods were plant-eaters may be confusing when a blade-toothed Herrerasaurus (admittedly a confusing critter in his own right) is included in the illustration. Gibbons's books have proved popular in the past, and this new one should prove attractive as well."Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2008
In this simple, brightly illustrated book, Gibbons introduces dinosaurs. After discussinghow long ago they lived and how their remains were sometimes preserved, she showsthe way paleontologists use fossils to deduce information about the anatomy and behavior of beasts they have never seen. The books middle section focuses on the five main types of nonbird dinosaurs, with several different species identified in each ink-and-watercolor illustration. Gibbons concludes witha discussion of the giant-meteor-impact theory of the dinosaurs end and a cheerful scene in a natural history museums dinosaur exhibit. As in many nonfiction picture books, no sources are cited. An appended page entitled More about Dinosaurs includes five additional fast fact presentations along with small pictures. Throughout the book, the combination of clear writing and lively artwork makes this an accessible choice foryoung dinosaur enthusiasts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)