THE KINGFISHER FIRST DINOSAUR PICTURE ATLAS

Using a graphically familiar format and maps from other picture atlases, Kingfisher has produced a colorful introduction to dinosaurs around the world. A prefatory spread shows all the continents, then subsequent maps of Canada and Alaska, the continental United States, Central and South America, a slice of Western Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia/New Zealand include state and country labels and boundaries. All maps are overlaid with images of dinosaurs found in each area. Although different in size, images are not to scale and coloration is not explained. On double-page spreads following each map, some specific species are shown interacting with each other and their environments; boxes add examples of dinosaur behavior. Occasional photographs of actual fossils supplement Lewis’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations. The large font, Tyrannosaurus rex bookmark and detachable foldout world map (including swimming reptiles not described in the book) add to the appeal for young enthusiasts. The presentation of hypotheses as facts and somewhat random nature of the information make this most suitable for a very young audience. (glossary, index) (Informational picture book. 5-8)