Dinosaurs Rule

November 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-Starting with the first appearance of life on Earth, this series covers a large span of prehistoric history, highlighting one or two animals with well-chosen facts and useful, eye-catching illustrations. An anthropomorphized animal from the Devonian era introduces the species and appears in each scene as an observer or participant. The writing is conversational but also clear, with informative details that capture readers' attention. Illustrations include action scenes and straightforward species drawings; both support key points of the text effectively. Spreads include three or four text boxes, along with a time line and fact box. Careful, varied layouts avoid overcrowding for the most part, although the haphazard placement of the guide's introductory word balloon is potentially confusing. Information about evolution concerns more the "what" and "when" than "how," which is an appropriate treatment for this level. VERDICT High-quality individual titles stand alone, and the whole set provides a strong introduction to prehistoric life.

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2015
Grades 3-5 With Ackerley the Acanthostega as their guide, readers are given a tour of the Triassic and Jurassic periods and introduced to many of the dinosaurs alive at that time. After a quick look at the evolutionary time line, Ackerley takes to the sea, land, and air, pointing out aquatic beasts like the ichthyosaur and the flying Eudimorphodon. On land, readers see a range of dinos, including a Stegosaurus waging battle with an Allosaurus. The book's tone and layout are inviting, utilizing quick-fact boxes, conversational asides, and dynamic digital illustrations. A confusing adherence to millions within the timescale2,300 million years ago, rather than 2.3 billionand incorrectly placed spot illustrations in the time line detract from the text slightly, but kids will still enjoy browsing this volume in the Prehistoric Field Guides series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)