This undercover investigation, which begins as research for a science project on iguanas and winds up as alleged evidence that dinosaurs are alive and well, is both amusing and engaging. Edwards (Alphabeasts
), otherwise known as "Wally," collects the "scientific data" in pages designed to resemble a boy's simple notebook, fashioned from corrugated paper strung together with yarn. Even the narrator's "apparatus" list of a pencil, sketchpad and other tools reveals a back-to-basics approach to proving his theorem. Each page details discoveries and observations penned in a mock-serious voice. "Many dinosaurs especially enjoy meeting in cafés to discuss movies, music, art and crushing things," reads the text opposite a pseudo-photo of teatotaling dinos labelled "T. Rex? (or Tea Wrecks?)." Facing pages include a composite of watercolor-and–colored pencil renderings peppered with brief notes, puns and humorous asides (next to a father-son dino photo, Wally has jotted, "This baby is going to need one big
diaper!").With so much prehistoric proof, even skeptics may have a change of heart by story's end. Regardless of readers' beliefs about dinosaurs' existence, this title will appeal to everyone from CSI
fans
to those who simply enjoy a good read. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)
