Tools for this page
Print

Encyclopedia Prehistorica : Dinosaurs

Book Summary

Reviewed by Matt Berman

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.

Is It Any Good?

5

It's hard to imagine any dinosaur-loving kid not wanting this book. Robert Sabuda is the reigning king of pop-ups, and this book amply shows why with a profusion of intricate marvels of paper engineering. Each pop-up illustrates the latest thinking about the species depicted, some so cutting-edge (such as the coloring) that they may be controversial. A T-rex appears to lunge out to bite the reader, while an archaeopteryx unfolds its wings and appears ready to fly away, an allosaurus pulls strips of meat from its prey, and an ankylosaurus bops you with its armored tail.

The author employs humorous titles and clear text that uses accessible comparisons (such as to cars, school buses, and cafeteria trays) to convey a lot of information in a short space, and includes pronunciations. Both the language and the delicacy of the pops make it more appropriate for older readers, though little ones will have trouble keeping their hands off it.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.