What Happened to the Dinosaurs? (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) [Paperback]

BRANLEY (Author), Franklyn M. Branley (Author), Marc Simont (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2

What happened to the dinosaurs?

For millions of years these fantastic creatures roamed our planet. Then, suddenly, they all disappeared. Scientists wonder why. What could have caused this huge extinction 65 million years ago?

In this enlarged edition, distinguished writer Franklyn M. Branley and award-winning artist Marc Simont provide the perfect introduction to an always fascinating subject - the disappearance of the dinosaurs.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1989 (NSTA/CBC)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The newest Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Book demonstrates the strengths of this dependable series: an understandable question and clear exposition of the answers that never fail to help readers to think like scientists throughout. Series originator Branley carefully lays out a number of scientific theories that answer the question posed in the title, giving the most space to theories developed after the discovery of large amounts of soot and iridium in rock layers. Simont's well-placed drawings and watercolors carefully amplify and expand the text. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Branley tackles the mystery of what did in the dinosaurs in this addition to his popular science series. True to his intention, he provides a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of several possible causes for the dinosaurs' extinction. He includes disease, temperature change of the Earth, and even the idea that small animals devoured the dinosaurs' eggs as possible causes of death. About half the book is spent discussing the theory which claims that comet showers and the ensuing fires, ash, and dust killed the dinosaurs and their food sources. Simont's soft watercolor illustrations clearly depict, yet effectively tone down the ferocity of the subject matter for young readers. Although Branley states several times that no theory has yet been proven, the attention he gives to the comet/Nemesis theory implies it is a more valid, better-researched theory, as compared to the others which receive only a page or two of attention. He is also reluctant to question the theory; for example, how is it that mammals and some reptiles (such as turtles and alligators) survived the comet catastrophe, while dinosaurs and plants did not? Perhaps this is making a Tyrannosaurus out of a molehill, but implied messages can sometimes be as influential as obvious ones. --Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Collins (March 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064451054
• ISBN-13: 978-0064451055
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 9.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( S ) > Simont, Marc
  • #32 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Dinosaurs > Nonfiction

More About the Author

Franklyn Branley was Astronomer Emeritus and former Chairman of the American Museum-Hayden Planeterium. In 1960, he originated the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, dedicated to explaining science to young children and encouraging them to explore their world. Dr. Branley is the author of over 150 science books for children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaches the concept of theories, June 9, 2010

By 

Norway Mom (Oslo area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Happened to the Dinosaurs? (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

This book has illustrations on each two-page spread with a manageable amount of text for young readers. The best part of the book is that it teaches the concept of theories. It describes 3-4 theories about what happened to the dinosaurs, and explains the theories' weaknesses or gaps in our knowledge.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dinos for Children, February 25, 2008

By 

Grandma Ga-Ga "Evie" (Columbus,, OH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What Happened to the Dinosaurs? (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

A good book for new readers. It's easy, but not boring. Bought it for a grandnephew, and he has enjoyed it. There is interesting information
for kids and is nicely presented.