BILLIONS OF YEARS, AMAZING CHANGES

BILLIONS OF YEARS, AMAZING CHANGES, by Laurence Pringle, ill. by Steve Jenkins (Boyds Mills 2011)(ages 8+), offers a fine overview of the science of the theory of evolution, covering fossils, Charles Darwin, "missing links," "survival of the fittest," "natural selection," and more.  The text is eminently readable and the drawings are an engaging complement.

Not nearly enough dinosaurs, though. :-).     

DINOSAUR MOUNTAIN

DINOSAUR MOUNTAIN, by Deborah Kogan Ray (FSG 2010). This picture book tells the story of Earl Douglass, bone prospector for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (who discovered some of that museum's most prized specimens, including Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, Barosaurus, and Camptosaurus) and the creation of Dinosaur National Monument.

Text is informative and compelling. Sidebar quotes from Douglass's journals and facts about the Mesozoic provide added context. The art elegantly complements the text, showing not only Douglass in action, but also the "tools of the trade," and maps of the Jurassic West. A fine introduction to the "down and dirty" of the Golden Age of dinosaur paleontology.

BORN TO BE GIANTS

BORN TO BE GIANTS: HOW BABY DINOSAURS GREW TO RULE THE WORLD, by Lita Judge (Roaring Brook/FlashPoint 2010), is a 48-page picture book exploring how dinosaurs started out so small and grew so big. Text is straightforward and clear, and the illustrations are rich, detailed, and, occasionally, cute, but not cutesy (because all baby animals are cute, including dinosaurs. Really.).

Of particular interest are the juxtapositions of the prehistoric creatures with contemporary "counterparts," illustrating conjectured behavior. An excellent introduction to the science of juvenile dinosaurs.

DINOSAURS

Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages, by Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr., and illustrated by Luis V. Rey (Random House 2007). This is a terrific book and, as the title suggests, both comprehensive and appropriate for ages middle grade and up. Particularly novel is the complete dinosaur genus list in the back.

Paleontologist Holtz provides excellent explanations of, and descriptions of, all of the dinosaur families. He also includes extensive discussions on the science of paleontology, cladistics, geology, etc. Illustrator Rey adds color and verve to the account, providing radical and eye-catching interpretations of dinosaur soft tissues and feathers, reminding us that we really have no idea what dinosaurs may have looked like in the flesh.

Definitely a must-read for dinosaur aficionados of all ages.

Dr. Holtz has a web page full of updates and supplemental material here.

WHEN FISH GOT FEET, SHARKS GOT TEETH, AND BUGS BEGAN TO SWARM

WHEN FISH GOT FEET, SHARKS GOT TEETH, AND BUGS BEGAN TO SWARM: A Cartoon Prehistory of Life Long before Dinosaurs, written and illustrated by Hannah Bonner, National Geographic (2007). Ever wonder what the world was like before the dinosaurs? In this lively picture book, author/illustrator Bonner tells of the Earth during the Silurian and Devonian periods of the Paleozoic Era, from about 430 million years ago to about 350 million years ago.

Filled with fun facts about the evolution of fish, the development of forests, and how animals got feet. A quirky and engaging introduction to the development of life on land.