What Parents Should Know
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 Media Review
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.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
