April 1, 2016
Gr 2-4-Each title profiles a dozen or so related dinosaurs with a list of facts and full-page digital illustrations. A corner fact box lists basic data, including pronunciation and meaning of names, time period, size, diet, and key physical features. Assorted fact boxes scattered within each spread offer additional information related to fossil discoveries, physical characteristics, and species behavior. Though the dinosaurs in each book are related, group names, such as theropods and sauropods, are not introduced. Also missing are size scales to help readers visually distinguish among dinosaurs that look very similar. The digital images are clear and engaging, though not especially varied. With a few exceptions, most visuals are large full-body views, with only a few close-ups focusing on specific features or of the dinosaur interactingwith other species. VERDICT Serviceable but unexceptional dinosaur species introductions.
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2016
Field-guide-like spreads give superficial statistics (including Latin name, pronunciation, size, and period of existence) for about a dozen dinosaur species. Regrettably, the species are organized alphabetically in each slight volume, rather than by any more illuminating scientific scheme. Computer-generated images of what the dinosaurs and their environments may have looked like include helpful pop-up comments. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)