Book Reviews by Mike Fredericks from the pages of the
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Dinosaurs, Paleontology, and Prehistoric Life. Book Reviews by Mike Fredericks from the pages of the <<<Back to search4dinosaurs.com |
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From Issue #83 Fall 2007 Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara by James Gurney 29,95 Hardcover: 160 pages, Andrews McMeel Publishing ISBN-10: 0740764314 ISBN-13: 978-0740764318 World famous artist and author James Gurney again escorts readers, both adults and children alike to the wondrous lost island of Dinotopia, an enthralling world of art, science, exploration, and invention in which humans and dinosaurs live peacefully together. In his fourth, and possibly best yet, new book, Dinotopia-Journey to Chandara Professor Denison and his saurian companion, Bix set out on a perilous journey to the long-forgotten empire of Chandara in the exotic eastern realm of Dinotopia. When their personal invitation from the emperor goes missing, they are forced to cross the border penniless and in disguise. The entries in Arthur's journal tell the tale. Every step of the way, Denison documents in colorful detail the creatures, characters, architecture and cultures he encounters. James Gurney continues to illustrate amazingly realistic images of many prehistoric animals, exotic locations, and brilliant costumes. Both new fans and loyal followers of the original Dinotopia will love the interesting story, inventive world and of course the amazing art of James Gurney. Dinosaurs - The Most Complete, Up-To-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of all Ages by Thomas R Holtz Jr., Illustrated by Luis V Rey, Random House $34.99 ISBN: 978-0-375-82419-7 Hardback. 432 pages. Save up your pocket change for another book you are defi-nitely going to want to possess. From dinosaur expert (spe-cializing in T. rex) Tom Holtz and amazing artist Luis Rey comes a very good bet for favorite 2007 dinosaur book in our PT PIX. This new coffee table book covers pretty much everything we know about dinosaurs with tons of all new brightly colorful and amazing new artwork from Luis Rey. As the subtitle says this is one of the most comprehensive, up-to-date, eye-popping and easy to use collec-tions of dino info available today and truly sets a standard for reference material. I'm proud to say that the book starts off with a photo of a pair of dinosaur toys I gave Tom Holtz as a gift (he thanks me in the book). The toys show a couple of favorites of Tom's that got him interested in dinos at an early age and also illustrates that the way we envision dinosaurs has changed; even in just our life times. Chapters then cover everything from a his-tory of dinosaur dis-covery to evolution and much more to then cover all of the different groups of dinosaurs and the members within each group. Its 42 chapters end describing dinosaur behavior and life in the various ages of the Mesozoic. It's all here in a beau-tiful format and in language that doesn't talk down to anyone but can be understood by most everyone. All you need in your dino library in one fantastic volume. Mystery Predator of the Cambrian - Searching Ancient Seas for Anomalocaris by Jan Roach. "The first known book about the first known predator." Most review books are received here at PT through the mail. This one arrived at our front door delivered by the author who lives near by. Jan has completely researched and created a beautiful book on this most ancient crea-ture known from the Burgess shale and elsewhere. She tells us that Anomalocaris was every bit as ferocious as Tyrannosaurus rex when it swam the seas of the Cambrian period; long before the dinosaurs existed. We are first taken on a virtual underwater ride to see the world of the Cambrian. When we spy our first Anomalocaris, it is com-pletely described to us utilizing the best information paleontologists have on this amazing creature. We learn how the creature moved and attacked prey like trilobites. The book then covers the discovery of the animal's fossils in many areas around the world. We even learn that it existed as several dif-ferent species. Written in a style somewhat for young readers, the 110 page book, however, is so full of information difficult to find anywhere else that I am confident interested readers of all ages will enjoy this valuable refer-ence book. Look for more books in this series soon. Here is where to get your own copy of this original book. The author can be reached at jan@deeptimepress.com or www.deeptime-press.com or 916-941-1754 When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach (Author), David Small (Illustrator) 40 pages Atheneum Press ISBN-10: 0689869223 ISBN-13: 978-0689869228 In her new children's book author Broach imagines what would happen if a dinosaur were the free giveaway of the day instead of stickers and candy that bored kids sweep up at busi-nesses as parents do errands. A boy's increasing delight at the freebies he col-lects from the bakery, the doctor, and bar-ber contrast with his mother's increasing panic and dismay as the lumber-ing beasts start to accumulate. When they acquire the fourth behemoth, Mom decides that the errands are done and whisks everyone home. Once there, she finds some unique ways to put the Stegosaurus, Triceratops, hadrosaur, and pterosaur to good use doing household chores. Small's fun watercolor-and-ink artwork captures well the boy's excite-ment, the dinosaurs' size, and the chaos that a city full of these reptiles would cre-ate. Young (and old) dinosaur lovers will enjoy seeing their favorite dinosaurs and the humor in the text, and in the illustra-tions. First Picture Dinosaurs by Jo Litchfield $11.99 Usborne Books; ISBN-10: 0794517528 ISBN-13: 978-0794517526 A very colorful new dinosaur board book for very young children with basic info for inquiring young minds enriched with very three dimensional, yet friendly appearing dinosaurs for those just beginning to show interest in prehistoric animals. Well done in a sturdy, padded book that should last in little hands. Hidden Dinosaurs by Joseph P. Kchodl (Author), Jim DeWildt (Illustrator) Hardcover: 32 pages Mackinac Island Press, Inc.ISBN-10: 1934133000 ISBN-13: 978-1934133002 Join Joe "PaleoJoe" Kchodl, a real paleontologist (a member of the Paleontological Research Institute), as he takes you on this dinosaur search to find hidden dinosaurs and dinosaur treasures! He will share with you the art of paleontology and the thrills you get when discovering new fossils left millions of years ago. Have fun with PaleoJoe as he sits inside the roaring mouth of the T. rex, rides a Stegosaurus, goes on a fossil dig, and on to museum alley with the famous dinosaur Sue and Jane walking right down the street. We also received three paperback books in the PaleoJoe's Dinosaur Detective Club series also from Mackinac Island Press. Secret Sabertooth, The Disappearance of Dinosaur Sue, and Stolen Stegosaurus each allow kids to read these CSI-type stories while learning facts about their favorite dinosaurs and paleontology written by PaleoJoe and Wendy Caszatt-Allen. Puzzle Dinosaurs by Susannah Leigh (Author), Brenda Haw (Illustrator) Ages 4-8 Paperback: 32 pages Usborne Books ISBN-10: 0794517781 ISBN-13: 978-0794517786 Abby and Isaac make an amazing dinosaur dis-covery and then need the help of young readers on each double page to find hidden dinosaurs, move through mazes and answer questions to solve the mystery. This is a fun and colorful book for school aged children. The Usborne World Atlas of Dinosaurs by Susanna Davidson (Author), Stephanie Turnbull (Author), Rachel Firth (Author), Todd Marshall (Illustrator), Barry Croucher (Illustrator) Ages 9-12 Paperback: 144 pages Usborne Books (June 2007) ISBN-10: 0794517390 ISBN-13: 978-0794517397 The good folks at Usborne publishing have again updated this fine atlas that takes the reader through a fresh and exciting look at the amazing world of dinosaurs. Packed with info and with beautiful artwork mostly from Luis Rey and Todd Marshall, all aspects of dinosaurs are discussed, including where and how their fossils are found and how they may have lived when they dominated the planet. Can be used on it's own or in conjunction with the internet. Dinosaurium Hardcover: 20 pages $24.99 Publisher: DK CHILDREN ISBN-10: 0756632064 ISBN-13: 978-0756632069 What's better than a book on dinosaurs? How about ten dinosaur books-in one! A completely revolution- ary approach to illustrated reference, Dinosaurium is a mega-book that contains nine removable mini-books, each focusing on a different aspect of the world of dinosaurs-from the life of a T. rex to the different theo-ries of extinction. With so much information in one place, the past doesn't just speak-it roars! Using mostly dinosaur models or computer-generated art, this thick, new book is rather original and a child-thriller for sure! Troodon (North American Dinosaurs series) by M. J. Cosson $25.64 Ages 9-12 24 pages Rourke Publishing ISBN-10: 1600442544 ISBN-13: 978- 1600442544 Troodon is one of a half dozen or so attractive new hardback books in this series, each featuring a popular dinosaur (T. rex, Allosaurus, Ankylosaurus, etc) and tells basic facts about the prehistoric animal both in life and through paleontological discovery in modern times. This is a very nicely done series with beautiful artwork. This was another dinosaur book series in which the publisher came to me and asked if I personally had any art and if I could recommend other artists to fill out the series with great illustration. They used the Troodon illustration I did (and you can see in this issue) for this book along with much art from Jan Sovak (who had already completely illustrated anoth- er book on Troodon) and then the artwork of many other artists I led the publisher to for the other books. Again, this is why I say that while PT does not pay for artwork used within the magazine, paying work may come from other sources after your art is seen in PT. If you would like to be added to my list of paleo artists, please e-mail me. Extreme Dinosaurs by Robert Mash (Author), Stuart Martin (Illustrator) $21.99 Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Atheneum ISBN-10: 1416939520 ISBN-13: 978-1416939528 Not to be confused with Luis Rey's book of the same title from a while back, this is a cool idea for a child's dinosaur book. Dinosaurs were the most incredible creatures ever to walk this Earth. From small beginnings around 230 million years ago, they evolved into colossal killers with jaws big enough to swallow a human, gigantic plant eaters who shook the ground as they moved, and streamline-bodied runners, capable of sprinting at sustained speeds. From the biggest Argentinosaurus, which was as heavy as twenty elephants, to the tiny meat-eating Microraptor, which was smaller than a chicken, here are the dinosaur record breakers. Read about dag-ger-like fangs, switchblade claws, gigantic skulls, and flesh-ripping horns. Discover how the best-armed dinosaurs deterred their enemies with fearsome suits of armor or how the tallest of the tall stood as high as five-story buildings. This book of nicely illustrated dinosaurs is full of info with plenty of "special effects" like pop-up dinosaurs, a layered dinosaur from skeleton to flesh, life-size pull-outs, a skull x-ray, plus flaps and fold-outs galore. A young dinosaur fan's dream (or nightmare) come true and just in time for Christmas. |
Just released, (and the movie is on tour!) Click the Amazon link above to learn more about this great new book by Michael Everhart. |