Wenzel's "Giant Dinosaurs of the Jurassic" (henceforth GD) is unique among day-in-the-life dino books. The Engelfried quote sums up why. Put another way, Giant is basically a "Vignette Episode" (I.e. "The episode is a series of interconnected stories, all held together by [a] common theme") with the common theme of "the dry season of the Jurassic year". As you may remember, 1 of the major problems I have with many day-in-the-life dino books is that they concentrate on the story with only limited emphasis on the science (which doesn't make sense to me given how much science there is behind a given story). However, when I originally said that, I was specifically referring to day-in-the-life dino books with individual stories. By using a series of interconnected stories, each story can concentrate on a few different aspects of the science, allowing the series as a whole to cover the broader aspects of the science.
At this point, you may be wondering why only 4/5 stars? For 1, there are several technical inaccuracies throughout GD (I.e. Sauropods with high nostrils & theropods with pronated hands). For another, there are several wrong sizes throughout GD (E.g. Ceratosaurus =/= 9 m). Otherwise, GD is very good for a less "typical" day-in-the-life dino book. I recommend reading GD in conjunction with other, more recent books (E.g. Holtz's "Dinosaurs" in general & Chapter 40 in particular).
Quoting Engelfried (See "Editorial Reviews"): "Grade 3-5–After introducing the Morrison Formation in the American West as an amazingly rich source of dinosaur specimens, Wenzel jumps back 150 million years to show what a typical day might have been like near an ancient lake in prehistoric Colorado. More than a dozen dinosaur species (not all of them "giant") are described. The author smoothly weaves specific species data into the text without disrupting the flow. For example, he describes how an Ornitholestes searches a dry carcass for small prey. A few sentences note its group classification and key physical characteristics. The small dinosaur's actions are interrupted by a Stegosaurus, and the text provides a similar mixture of fact and narrative about this animal. This approach allows children to see how species interacted, shared environments, and responded to natural forces. Eye-catching acrylic paintings illustrate each spread, while a smaller vignette neatly highlights one particular action. Without getting overly dramatic, Wenzel involves youngsters in each scene, while providing just the right amount of information. The conclusion describes how fossils form and the on-going paleontology work in the Morrison quarries. The unique approach makes this book a good complement to more typical titles that describe isolated species, and gives it broad appeal.–"
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
