From School Library Journal Grade 4-6-Benton covers lots of recent revisions in dinosaur theory in this attractive resource. Readers will find clear explanations of the debate over whether dinosaurs were cold or warm-blooded; whether or not they were related to birds (and also mammals and reptiles); and the various hypotheses of what led to their extinction as well as discussions on anatomy, birth and death, eating, hunting, and self-defense. What really makes this book, however, are the vivid full-color drawings at every turn. For example, a small cross section of a dinosaur's stomach shows how swallowed stones called gastroliths helped grind up the creature's food. A double-page illustration of a Tyrannosaurus rex helps explain dinosaur anatomy, while a look at two skulls demonstrates how some dinosaurs made trumpeting noises through extended nose holes. Plenty of attention is given to the step-by-step process of fossil discovery and recovery, from field work to museum assembly. Try the Macmillan Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals (Macmillan, 1988) for specifics on individual dinosaurs. This book provides quite a spark to fuel the fires of paleontological excitement.
