Book of Dinosaurs: 10 Record Breaking Prehistoric Animals by Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sam Brewster. Phaidon Press, 2022. 9781838664299
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
What did you like about the book? This oversized text is brimming with fascinating facts about ten remarkable dinosaurs. First off, it’s important to note that the touch and feel aspect of the illustrations is not only ingenious and sophisticated in its approach, it’s also fun and inviting. Children aren’t the only ones who will enjoy touching the bones, scales, skin, and beaks of these magnificent creatures! Each of the record-breaking dinos is introduced by two pages that invite the reader to guess its name using some background information and clues along with a detailed skeletal diagram of the mysterious creature. The following two page spread presents the dinosaur in its lush habitat and provides further information about its lifestyle, features, and the time period it roamed the Earth. Children are inherently curious about dinosaurs and this book is sure to satisfy their need to know more. The end matter introduces the reader to the idea that modern day birds have evolved from dinosaurs, and it explains that what we know about dinosaurs is also constantly evolving. A glossary provides key vocabulary needed to navigate the text independently, and a specialized species index allows for quick access to dinosaurs of particular interest.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Young children will enjoy scanning and touching the illustrations, while elementary aged children will also appreciate the guess and check nature of the text, along with the detailed information that is easily accessible to them.
Who should buy this book? Elementary schools and libraries
Where would you shelve it ? J 567
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Linda Broderick, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Northboro, MA
Date of review: April 17, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
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