The Amazing Dinosaur Detectives: Amazing Facts, Myths and Quirks of the Dinosaur World

Gr 2–5—Jam-packed with browsable bits of information, this title will find its most enthusiastic audience with readers newly bitten by the dino bug. Each spread covers a different prehistory-related topic and resembles a cross between DK's "Eyewitness" books and a graphic novel. Comical illustrations of dinosaurs and archaeologists (who serve double duty as a size comparison reference for readers) are interspersed with factual tidbits. In a particularly humorous turn, the "Carnivore" spread imagines a T. rex and a velociraptor sharing a roasted triceratops for dinner, complete with a pie for dessert and a bottle of wine. Amid the page's facts on carnivorous dinosaurs, T. rex is awarded a trophy for "Scariest Dinosaur." Other spreads discuss the basics of fossil formation, extinction theories, and dinosaur camouflage and armor. While the material presented is accurate and up-to-date, the lack of in-depth content will disappoint established dinosaur fans. At the same time, the absence of a glossary or pronunciation guide may mean that this title won't meet the needs of readers new to the subject. There are some activities and simple games listed on the last several pages, and a small magnifying glass set into the cover invites readers to take a closer look at all the detailed illustrations.