Dinosaurs
Author Long, John
Review
Source Publishers Weekly™ - 06-04-2007
This informative volume is one of four-the others are Oceans, Space and Egypt-launching the INsiders series of paper-over-board books that explore various subjects in arresting visual detail. The textured, glossy cover art of the books features close-up images (in this case a ferocious-looking dinosaur bares its sharp teeth) hinting at the attention-grabbing illustrations within. Richly hued, crisp computer-generated art and 3-D model imagery serve as a stunning and sophisticated graphic counterpoint to the educational text. The series' format breaks the information into two categories: "INtroducing" and "IN focus," the former offering an overview and the latter providing "fast facts at your fingertips." Dinosaurs' first section covers such topics as occurrences in the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods; dinosaur anatomy, attack and defense strategies; how they raised their young and the discovery and interpretation of fossils. The following section zeroes in on specific dinosaur species, spotlighting physical characteristics, behavior and the locations where their fossils have been found. Throughout, facts are presented in concise blocks of text and extended captions. This and the other INsiders titles conclude with an extensive glossary and index, recommending this accessible, eye-pleasing series as a reference tool as well as diverting recreational reading. Ages 8-12. (July) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Copyright Publishers Weekly™ - 2007. Used with permission.


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Review
Source Booklist™ - 08-01-2007
*Starred Review* Aiming for readers who devour the visually rich nonfiction of DK’s Eyewitness series, the Insiders series debuts with Egypt, Oceans, Space, and this title on dinosaurs, sure to be the most popular. The eye-catching qualities of the unjacketed book begin with the embossed, metallic cover and extend to the interior, where unusually realistic renderings of the Mesozoic’s denizens dominate each double-page spread. Like others in the series, this follows a two-part format, the first (“Introducing”) offering broad background and the second (“In-Depth”) going into greater detail about specific topics. For instance, the first section includes paleontological periods, extinction theories, and a striking pictorial time line tracing the first bird archaeopteryx to the earliest feathered dinosaurs. The second section contains profiles of a diverse selection of species, including such popular dinos as Allosaurus, Tryannosaurus, and Triceratops. Throughout, Long finds opportunities to highlight the evolving paleontological consensus: For instance, a sidebar shows four vastly different interpretations of Iguanadon, from depictions that resemble mythical dragons to the less-fanciful view of today. Apart from the lack of information about any scientific rationale behind the reptiles’ predominantly gray-green tones, this is an otherwise valuable, high-interest entry in a promising new series, reasonably priced for its detailed content and appealing packaging. Glossary and a dinosaur “family tree” appended.
Copyright Booklist™ - 2007. Used with permission.