Customer Reviews

Dinotopia

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I think of Paradise, I envision Dinotopia. True, it is a book designed mainly to describe a Utopia. But somehow, it comes across as much more than merely some fairy-tale dream or some idealistic imagined land with strange mythology mixed in. Yes, much more.

When you read Dinotopia, the first thing you notice is how it is illustrated. A wonderfully concept art styled, somewhat sketchy looking, yet ultimately gorgeous art is displayed throughout the book. Many of it's illustrations have been "borrowed" (or stolen) as inspiration for other books and movies. Waterfall City and the Canyon City in particular continue to impress me.

But the art of Dinotopia is only half of the book. The other half is the way it is written. Dinotopia is written like it is the lost journal of a scientist who washed up on the island after a shipwreck. Much of the book is seen from his perspective as you discover and learn about the science, technology, scenery, and way of life of Dinotopia and its inhabitants. You come to care about him and his son. And you may indeed come to love Dinotopia as if it were a real place.

It's hard to say what exactly is so compeling about the reality of Dinotopia. For a book without a real source of conflict, without some sort of crisis, it is remarkably interesting. Perhaps it is the technology. Like a wanderer walking through a distant dimension, we find outselves amazed by the wonders of a civilization we never knew existed. Perhaps it is the unity of the people of Dinotopia, combined with their diversity (each region has a different culture, way of living, and style of life, but everyone believes in the same things). Perhaps there is something romantic and exciting about the Skybax riders who soar through the air, which hints at the exciting and wonderful things in life we all dream of experiencing. Perhaps it is the mysteries of the lost World Beneath, which hint at all the wonders of nature and humanity alike which we have yet to discover.

At any rate, Dinotopia touches on something wonderful about human nature and the world we live in. It is full of a scientists longing to understand, and child's sense of wonder. I love Dinotopia. I really think everyone should read this book. Maybe if they did, the world we live in could be a little more united, a little more beautiful, a little more hopeful. A little more...like Dinotopia.

This book is based on a fictional diary found by James Gurney, which tells the story of Arthur Denison and his son William Denison, shipwrecked during one of their voyages and saved by dolphins only to find themselves on an incredible island, unknown to the world, and habituated by dinosaurs.

The incredible thing is that the dinosaurs in this island live side by side with humans. Arthur and his son soon find out that the people in Dinotopia are very friendly as are the dinosaurs. Arthur and his son travel trough the island discovering and learning about the island and about a civilization where there is virtually no violence or war or prejudice of any kind. This island is a true Utopia.

The way the story is written you can't help it but fall in love with this place. The illustrations are so beautiful you feel like Dinotopia could exist. The story is very touching. This book is one of those books that really make your imagination come to life. The whole journey trough the island is incredible. Although this is a children's book, this book can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Having always been fascinated by those giants who roamed the planet eons ago, I had to have this one upon its initial publication. "Dinotopia's" tale of a land jointly inhabited by man and dinosaur is a truly captivating adventure.

As fanciful as the premise is, the author logically develops the dinosaur characters based on the uniqueness of each respective species. Most are "good" and commune well with their fellow humans; but the T-Rex is still his usual grouchy self, much to the appreciation of us who were raised with the knowledge that the animal was one mean carnivore!

By placing the setting in the 1800's, the book could have been written by Wells or Verne, which gives it the feel of a classic.

And a classic, it is.

This book has a lot about dinosaur names and how the dinosaurs lived, even the plants they eat. There are a lot of pictures that can help you to learn to recognize them. It is all very well drawn.

But it has a different perspective because they think of time differently, not as 1 o'clock but as when to do certain things, such as times to harvest.

It is very good realistic fiction because it makes you feel like you are a part of the story. It is written as a journal, kind of like talking to you, which makes the story seem more real.

The plot is very complicated. So it always keeps your attention and keeps you turning the pages. There is not a lot of action, but when there is it is very realistic because you feel the danger and excitment.

Anyone with an imagination, a love of art, or an interest in dinosaurs will love this book. The illustrations are the best I've ever seen in a book and the story is great. It reminds me of something H.G.Wells would write. I will take good care of this book and pass it down from generation to generation like a family treasure.

I found this book in on my brother's bookshelf thinking it would be a nice bedtime story. The cover looked interesting enough, but from the first page I was hooked. As an 18 year old, I was surprised at how this book captured my attention with its detailed illustrations and maps. It was an easy read, but I took longer than usual to finish it, because I lingered on each page, simply marveling at the pictures! In a fictional world of dinosaurs and humans, this book will touch your creative side like few others. I highly recommend Dinotopia, especially for reading aloud to a younger audience. I could just imagine myself in such a world and I'm certain you will too!

Dinotopia is the creation of a world where dinosaurs and man work as a team. Yes, that sounds corny to anyone who hasn't read any of the Dinotopia books. At least, that's what I thought when a friend recommended that I read them. Normally, I'm not into fantasy and/or fiction books, but this one definitely grabbed my attention and kept it. When an author is THIS good at creating a complete world no one has ever seen and convincing ME that perhaps it actually DOES exist somewhere....well, then that author is a "master." Way to go!

A family book that everyone can enjoy. A book of peace, not war. Refreshing! Dinotopia and Dinotopia, the World Beneath as well as the Allen Dean Foster novel, Dinotopia Lost are great reads. Although I feel like the Trix rabbit when I do it, I look in the Childrens section for new Dinotopia books all the time, nice to see that I can check here with out wearing the kids mask! :-) There are 6 young reader books out. Windchaser by Scott Ciencin, River Quest by John Vornholt Hatchling by Midori Snyder, Sabertooth Mountain by John Vornholt and Thunder Falls bt Scott Ciencin. Comming soon: Firestorm by Scott Ciencin. Only gripe: NOT ENOUGH ADULT Books like Allen Dean Fosters Dinotopia Lost, book! The young reader books are OK, but I want more adult novels written on Dinotopia. BTW, even the Pop Up book is great! :-) And I'm 38!! Have fun!

I first discovered this book the year it was released. I skimmed through it's pages, but never bought it for myself...just others (nieces, nephews, friends). Now, I am a dad... so, of course I had to buy it for my kids (and for me).
The story is good. However, it is the pictures that sell the book. What a talent!

When I first read this book, I was very young. The story captivated me, and when I took the time to look up from the words, the illustrations left me completely speechless. There is nothing quite like flipping the full page open that contains Gurney's sketch of Waterfall City...perhaps the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Now, I know the story very well, and I find it very difficult to keep my midn focused on reading it again, because the artwork is captivating. I cannot say enough about Gurney's creative talent. His world where a group of beings with 65 million years of experience now teach humans, who considered themselves the ultimate beings on the planet, about philosophy, metallurgy, writing, building...The story conveys the incredibly complex simplicity that makes up all believable fictional worlds. And let's not forget the incredible incredible art.