An Alphabet of Dinosaurs

In this handsome and useful work, several of Barlowe's (Expedition) intricately detailed, vibrantly colored paintings possess an almost photographic clarity. Also impressive is the artwork's semblance of motion, as these beasts scurry across vivid landscapes, doing battle or foraging for food. Opposite each full-page illustration, Dodson (Giant Dinosaurs; Baby Dinosaurs) provides brief, lively descriptions of the various species. Beneath these entries are line drawings of each creature's skeleton or skull-by Michael Meaker, staff illustrator at L.A.'s Natural History Museum-and addenda focusing on specific physical characteristics. (Meaker's clean line art also illustrates a concluding compilation of vital statistics.) Though kids at the upper end of this target audience are beyond this format, they will surely be fascinated by the subject matter-especially by such creatures as the Xenotarsosaurus and the Zephyrosaurus, said to be recently discovered (just in time to conclude the ABCs!). Ages 6-10. (Mar.)