Dinosaurs (Reader's Digest Pathfinders) [Paperback]

Paul Willis (Author)

Book Description

Introducing a revolutionary new series that combines dynamic, multi-layered visuals with stimulating and accessible text plus easy-to-follow cross references. The result enables readers to chart their own paths of discovery through a range of high-interest nonfiction subjects. Each path is completely unique, and readers can choose a new path every time they pick up the book.

Superb photographs and vibrant, varied color graphics enliven every page. The lively text, written to stimulate young imaginations, has been checked for accuracy by experts from such institutions as the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History.

More than "museum tours in books," these kid-friendly guides offer a true hands-on approach to learning.

Open Dinosaurs and slip back through time on a journey to the prehistoric world of these amazing creatures. Kids can start by learning just what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, then read straight through to the end and puzzle over why they disappeared from Earth. Or they can follow their own interests! If they want to read about some of the scariest meat-eating dinosaurs, they can jump straight to "Tough Guys" and move through the book from there.

Each of these features is found on every spread:

* VISUAL SECTION OPENER stimulates curiosity.

* INSIDE STORY puts a human face on important scientific discoveries.

* HANDS ON describes fun projects and activities.

* WORD BUILDERS explores the fascinating history of words and phrases

* THAT'S AMAZING! highlights extraordinary facts and figures.

* PATHFINDER provides cross-references to other spreads.

Dimensions (inches): 9 1/2 x 13 1/4

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Yes, this is a Reader's Digest book, but don't think it's something you can stick into your back pocket. This oversize dinosaur of a book in the new Pathfinders series is a handsome, well-thought-out, and highly colorful guide to practically everything we know about dinosaurs. In less than 75 pages readers can learn what a dinosaur is, which dinosaurs lived in which era, how fossils are found, when the dinosaurs died, and how we bring them back to life in displays and art. Each two-page spread is packed with information but organized so it's manageable. Each chapter features a painting of dinosaurs in their natural habitats eating, fighting predators, or caught in death. There are "Word Builders" boxes that explain the meanings and origins of words. "That's Amazing" boxes offer facts and records. There's enough here to keep dinosaur lovers engrossed for hours. Denia Hester --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Reader's Digest (July 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575849844
• ISBN-13: 978-1575849843
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,027,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dynamic Dinos!, June 7, 2000

By 

"mamaof3" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dinosaurs (Reader's Digest Pathfinders) (Hardcover)

We used this book to get a complete overview of these wonderful creatures. The book is large sized and has wonderful color pictures. The text is easy to read for ages 9 and up and can be read aloud to younger kids, so the book works for whole families. There are all sorts of hands on projects, great little pieces about some famous dinosaur excavators and dinosaur moments in history. Of course all the information about how the shape of the continents took place, how fossils are made, the geological time, etc. is there and complete. We were really impressed with the ease in which we could gather information from the book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting, surprising book, September 11, 2001

By 

Just plain ole me (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dinosaurs (Reader's Digest Pathfinders) (Hardcover)

I got this book as a gift. From the first page, I knew that I liked it! The detailed pictures show texture and are colorful. It is easy to read and understand. On each page there are different boxes with crafts you can do and interesting facts. (for example, some small carnivore dinosaurs ate their young when they were starving.)

I use this book for research in school and when I write stories. I have read it many times and it seems like it's new every time! If you know any kids that like to read and like dinosaurs, this is a book for them. There are exciting and surprising things on every page!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - great drawings and well-prepared text, February 8, 2000

By 

JerseyDad (NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dinosaurs (Reader's Digest Pathfinders) (Hardcover)

Actually got this book from the library and it's great! Very realistic drawings and concise, well-done text, with many "paths" to follow to maintain a child's particular interest.