An Alphabet Of Dinosaurs [Hardcover]

Dr. Peter Dodson (Author), Wayne D Barlowe (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1995 | Age Level: 4 and up

The vice president of the Dinosaur Society and an accomplished science illustrator combine talents to create an unusual ABC book that brings the world of dinosaurs to life and includes such favorites as Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and newly discovered Xenotarsaurus.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this handsome and useful work, several of Barlowe's (Expedition) intricately detailed, vibrantly colored paintings possess an almost photographic clarity. Also impressive is the artwork's semblance of motion, as these beasts scurry across vivid landscapes, doing battle or foraging for food. Opposite each full-page illustration, Dodson (Giant Dinosaurs; Baby Dinosaurs) provides brief, lively descriptions of the various species. Beneath these entries are line drawings of each creature's skeleton or skull-by Michael Meaker, staff illustrator at L.A.'s Natural History Museum-and addenda focusing on specific physical characteristics. (Meaker's clean line art also illustrates a concluding compilation of vital statistics.) Though kids at the upper end of this target audience are beyond this format, they will surely be fascinated by the subject matter-especially by such creatures as the Xenotarsosaurus and the Zephyrosaurus, said to be recently discovered (just in time to conclude the ABCs!). Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4?A standout among the scores of dinosaur books that have stock photos or overused museum art. Barlowe's original artwork, more than the text (which acts almost as captions), is what makes this alphabet book extraordinary. It shows how well illustration can work, by capturing a fine balance of realism, drama, and imagination. These dinosaurs have the weight of real flesh and blood and are shown fighting, eating, or raising their young. Backgrounds of natural phenomena, such as volcanoes, sunsets, and a torrential monsoon, create a sense of drama and mood. The lighting and backdrop tones are also affected by the illustrations' unique settings?an underwater view, a stark rocky hillside, a moonlit evening?none of them typical dinosaur locales. Like their modern relatives the gila monster and macaws, these dinos are often shown to have brightly colored skin tones. But there's always an implication of purpose in their coloration, be it camoflage, mating finery, or species recognition. That's what ultimately makes this book so good. It links the imaginative possibilities of science with facts. The only disappointment is the alphabetical arrangement, which allows for only one creature per letter. Readers are shown T. rex, but not Triceratops. One can only hope for another volume!?Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (March 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590464868
• ISBN-13: 978-0590464864
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #92 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Earth Sciences

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best A-Z book ever--not just for babies or toddlers!, May 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: An Alphabet Of Dinosaurs (Hardcover)

The book goes from A-Z with different dinosaurs for each letter. The pictures are really neat and colorful! You'll know lots more about different dinosaurs after reading this book!

KDH--Age 5 1/2

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A dinosaur book to read aloud, February 24, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: An Alphabet Of Dinosaurs (Hardcover)

My 3-year old is obsessed with dinosaurs. But most of the dinosaur books we have are for older readers, and while he loves looking at the pictures, he doesn't understand a lot of the text when I read it to him. This book is great: it organizes the dinosaurs by the letters of the alphabet, and he loves learning what dinosaurs start with what letter; the text for each dinosaur is brief enough that the entire book can be read at bedtime; and the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Highly recommended!

8 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars pictures a too graphic for 3 year old, February 17, 2003

By 

Hooliemommy "hooliemommy" (menlo park, ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Alphabet Of Dinosaurs (Hardcover)

We bought this book for our 3 year old who is fascinated with dinosaurs. I was pleased with the illustrations and the easy to follow layout, but when we got to the T-Rex, Xenotarsosaurus and the Yangchuanosaurus, the pictures became too graphic for my son. For example, the T-Rex is carrying what looks to be a severed limb from another animal in it's mouth. I realize that some dinosaurs are meat eaters, but I was hoping this book was a little less explicit. I think this book could be better for an older child.