JURASSIC SMARTS

A compendium of dinosaur discoveries with vibrant illustrations and paleontology facts.

The title may refer to the Jurassic period, but the book also includes dinosaurs from across the Mesozoic era (and even some mammals). A flow chart directs readers to choose their own path for exploring the book, asking questions that lead them to the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous periods. The book covers familiar ground, with entries for dino celebrities like Tyrannosaurus rex and the Stegosaurus, while also highlighting more recent discoveries from around the world. The individual entries include fossil facts, details about diet, and scientists’ beliefs about social habits alongside richly colored, highly realistic illustrations of the animals in action. “Dino Pro” spotlights interspersed throughout introduce readers to the work of professionals from diverse backgrounds. “Destination Dino” segments show readers locations around the world, from the Jurassic Coast of southern England, where renowned 19th-century paleontologist Mary Anning made many discoveries, to the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in Sichuan, where visitors can see a dig site in progress. Though the organization is loose, the rhythm is right, balancing specific facts with sharing the broader context. Readers will also be intrigued and inspired by how much is yet to be discovered.

A visually enticing, high-energy dinosaur fact book that both satisfies and sparks curiosity.