Don Lessem

Set up as a easy-to-follow guide through the geologic time scale, "Dinosaurs to Dodos" brings focus to several diverse yet extinct species ranging from 4.6 billion years ago to less than thirty years ago. With accurate illlustrations and tons of information, this book would perfectly fit into a science lesson. While it doesn't cover all of the former species of Earth, the neatly organized sections, based on geologic periods and epochs, this book contains enough scientific facts and theories show more to spark interest in the topic. show less

Large format, lots of illustrations. Published shortly after the body was found and long before the arrow was found; the author goes with the froze-to-death hypothesis which was popular at that time. Good description of the initial discovery and the progress to the realization that the iceman was a vital archaeological find. Apparently the iceman had started to develop a fungus because at first he was not refrigerated at all. He had to be defungused before he was refrigerated. The book also show more covers the likely culture in which he lived, the many items with which he was found, and provides a brief and certainly incorrect reconstruction of his final days. The photographs of the body, the equipment that was found nearby, and the discovery and extraction are very good. The artist's reconstructions are middling, but really not bad. show less

National Geographic is the powerhouse when it comes to resource books for children. This updated reference on dinosaurs covers every imaginable species you could ever imagine. Paleontologists have recently discovered ten new dinosaur profiles that are included in this jam-packed book.

This large hardcover is full of detailed illustrations and begins with covering the various habitats, family tree, migration, predators, and maps of some of the greatest finds over the years. Then each species show more of dinosaur is described with a detailed illustration, basic facts, pronunciation of the name, and a descriptive paragraph.

I have to admit that I had no idea there were this many different types of dinosaurs. I think it is extremely fascinating that paleontologists have been able to decipher the various differences just from fossils. Sharing how they lived and what they ate is quite an amazing discovery, even when finding pieces of fossilized dinosaurs recently. Tempesta's illustrations are extremely detailed and show the uniqueness of each dinosaur.

Even though this is written for elementary-aged children, I think any dinosaur fan would love to read this book. I know a high school student who dreams of being a paleontologist and I think he would even be intrigued by this book. I plan to pass it on to him. This reference would be a great asset to science and history classrooms as well. show less

My son loved this book when he was young. It's comprehensive and detailed, yet easily understood.