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 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. ( )

Dinopedia is an interactive iPad e-book app from National Geographic that grabs the reader from the outset with a moving and roaring image of Tyrannosaurus Rex on the title page. It has multiple and easy options for moving through the book, and the numerous dinosaurs found here are covered through great colour images (with descriptions of the scenes), statistics, paragraphs with further information with optional voice narration, fun facts, and in some cases, the bios include short computer-graphics videos.

Fortunately, the consultants are credited with short bios, and there is also a glossary. While I personally found the voice narration annoying, many young kids will enjoy the “cool” and dangerous factor of someone talking about each dinosaur as though he was doing a radio advertisement for a monster truck rally.

Recommended age range: 7-12

Subjects/themes/curriculum connections:
• biology, paleontology
• could inspire students to try to multimedia projects for other topics on a smaller scale. ( )

The Ultimate Dinopedia is organized by the periods that are well known to young enthusiasts: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. It includes every dinosaur ever discovered, and highlights 125 species that scientists know sufficiently to describe in rich detail. Special features include "How We Know What They Looked Like?", "Baby Dinosaurs," "Great Dinosaur Goofs," and much more. Every featured dino gets a fact box that delivers important information at a glance: scientific name, discoverer, place and date of discovery, length, habitat, diet, fossils, fun facts, and range map. This book provides—in fabulously illustrated, kid-friendly form—all the information an 8-year-old fact hound needs to lord that knowledge over parents and teachers! ( )