Encyclopedia Prehistorica : Dinosaurs
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book is both too delicate, and possibly too scary (on one page the jaws of a T-rex come out at the reader) for young kids. Also, though thoroughly researched, some of the information presented, both verbally and pictorially, is controversial, though the author is usually careful to indicate this.
Families who read this book could discuss the science behind it, the sleuthing and inferences made by paleontologists. How did they figure out what the dinosaurs looked like and ate? What has caused their ideas to change? Families can also do further research together on the types of dinosaurs presented, or find out about other species.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
It's hard to imagine any dinosaur-loving kid not wanting this book. Sabuda is the undisputed reigning king of pop-ups, and this book amply shows why: it provides a profusion of intricate marvels of paper-engineering, both large and small. Each pop illustrates the latest thinking about the species depicted, some so cutting edge (such as the coloring) that they may be controversial among dino-buffs. As much fun as seeing the 3-D models is watching the clever ways they open: a T-rex head appears to lunge out to bite the reader, while an archaeopteryx unfolds its wings and appears ready to fly away from the reader, an allosaurus pulls strips of meat from its dead prey, stegoceras butt heads, and an ankylosaurus bops you with its armored tail.
The author employs humorous titles and clear text that uses very accessible comparisons (such as to cars, school buses, and cafeteria trays) to convey a lot of information in a short space, and even includes pronunciations. Beware of the tendency to see this book, with its brightly colored pops and only 12 pages, as aimed at younger kids. Both the language of the text and the delicacy of the pops make it more appropriate for older readers, though the little ones will have trouble keeping their hands off it. But at 27 bucks (and worth every penny), you'll want to keep it safe for as long as possible.
From the Book:
Heavily armored bird-hipped dinosaurs called thyreophorans (THY-ree-uh-FOR-anz), or "shield-bearers," were the reptilian tanks of the Mesozoic. Rows of vertical plates or gruesome spikes lined the arched backs and tails of stegosaurs (STEG-uh-SAWRZ). Like giant spiked tortoises with clubbed tails, ankylosaurs (ANG-kuh-lo-SAWRZ) squatted low to the ground, shielding their vulnerable bellies from hungry predators.
Plot Summary:
In six double-page spreads, and numerous sidebars, the authors present information about dinosaurs in text and pop-up illustrations. Each spread deals with a category of dinosaurs: Raptors, Long-necked Giants, Frill-heads, etc. Each spread includes a large, central pop-up, and from two to four mini-books, each with their own smaller pops, some with several pages of them, and one with its own sidebar mini-books with even smaller pops. These sidebars each relate to the central theme of the page, adding details about specific species and scientific theories.
Related Books:
More Amazing Sabuda Pop-up Books
The Christmas Alphabet
The 12 Days of Christmas
Cookie Count: A Tasty Pop-up
The Movable Mother Goose
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Brooklyn Pops Up
The Night Before Christmas
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
America the Beautiful
Winter's Tale
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ViolenceCarnivores and raptors are shown fighting and eating dead prey, including one pop-up where an allosaurus pulls a strip of flesh out of a dead dino as you open the page. |
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