Reign of the Sea Dragons [Paperback]

Sneed B. Collard (Author), Andrew Plant (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

While dinosaurs dominated Earth during the Mesozoic era, an astonishing collection of reptiles, often referred to as sea dragons, filled the oceans. But where did these sea dragons come from? Where did they go? Award-winning science writer Sneed B. Collard III delivers a dramatic account of our growing understanding of the evolution, survival, and finally, the extinction of these extraordinary animals.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—An arresting dust jacket depicting a humongous pliosaur snapping huge toothy jaws at a small, long-necked plesiosaur is an attention-grabber, but it is the informative text that brings these real sea monsters to life. Collard follows his usual pattern of careful organization, with a readable text and up-to-date information to present these Mesozoic marvels to budding marine paleontologists. Plant has provided five full-color paintings, but it is his numerous black-and-white drawings that lend sturdy anatomical and physical information. Several shaded boxes discuss such topics as Mary Anning's contributions to marine reptile discoveries. Collard's discussion on extinction theories is cogent as well. While not as large or as colorfully dramatic as Mike Everhart's much more difficult Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Creatures of the Deep (National Geographic, 2007), this simpler work gives a lucid look into strange prehistoric seas.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

While dinosaurs walked the earth, the sea dragons ruled the seas. So explains Collard in this exciting volume that looks at some of the ancient reptiles that filled the oceans during the Mesozoic period. Chatty and informal, his text is packed with scientific fact (some of it quite technical and detailed) about several of the extraordinary marine creatures, including information about size, weight, anatomy, and behavior. Plant’s illustrations—small diagrams in black and white as well as glowing acrylic full-page pictures—will attract readers to the astonishing science, as will the sometimes gruesome detail about curved daggerlike teeth, massive jaws, and other features that made the reptiles “efficient killing and eating machines.” For each dragon, Collard includes a chart summarizing facts, including the creature’s first and last appearance in fossil record. The discovery of the fossils is part of the drama, and so is the mystery of the beasts’ extinction. Grades 4-8. --Hazel Rochman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing; 1 edition (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158089125X
• ISBN-13: 978-1580891257
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #904,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These almost mythical Sea Dragons in this book will fascinate you!, May 12, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reign of the Sea Dragons (Paperback)

Many children are dinosaur crazy, but it has just become apparent in recent years that there are other creatures that may equally fascinate this young set. These almost mythical creatures, who once lived beneath our vast ancient seas, are referred to as "Sea Dragons." They were alive during the Mesozoic era and their temperament ranged from a mild porpoise-like personality to outright terrifying monsters (who looked the part). In the early 19th century "scientists began discovering the remains of these ancient marine reptiles" and began "piecing together their lives." What would you do if you found the fossilized remains of a pterodactyl? Mary Anning found one in 1828!

In Holzmaden Germany people began finding Sea Dragons in large numbers when they were digging up slate and were wondering what they were and why they were there. In this book you will learn about Icthyosaurs, Plesiosaurs (includes Elasmosaurs and Pliosaurs), Mosasaurs and the possible reason for their extinction (K-T). It tells us what scientists once believed, new evidence and the evolution of their thoughts about each species of Sea Dragon. These creatures "not only fire our imaginations, they drive us to learn more about the incredible power of evolution and the miracle of life on earth."

This was a fascinating book. I found myself making a chart to figure out which critter was which and who ate whom as the names of the Sea Dragons were unfamiliar. The illustrated end pages are an excellent size comparison diagram. There are six stunning full color, full page illustrations of Sea Dragons and the rest are b/w sketches. There are comprehensive factual sidebars, a glossary, index and additional recommended book and websites. Now, just what would you do if a Kronosaurus, who had rows of eleven-inch teeth, came after you? I know what I'd do!