Darwin and the Great Beasts

When Darwin's class takes a field trip to the La Brea Tar Pit and museum, they learn about different prehistoric animals and how they met their demise. The boy is certain he could have saved them, if only he'd had the chance--and so begins Darwin's adventures in the days of the dinosaurs. Following each factual chapter is an episode in which our intrepid hero befriends an extinct creature or saves the prey of a prehistoric beast. The ingenious juxtaposition of fact and fiction proves enticing; after learning about a prehistoric animal in one chapter, readers will enjoy predicting what Darwin's fantasy might be in the next. In the final chapter Platt comically blends his two story lines when it seems a classmate has shared Darwin's experiences. This book brims with information about subjects of perennial fascination to youngsters--who will no doubt be impelled to learn more about this engrossing period. Ages 7-up. (May)