cover image Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs

Steve Parker. Random House Books for Young Readers, $12 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-679-86715-9

This paper-over-board book presents a rather arbitrary roundup of facts while challenging readers to locate 10 differences in each of 10 pairs of paintings. Depicting species from one or more chronological periods, the busy scenarios illustrate various dinosaur habitats and habits, physical characteristics, survival tactics and defense strategies. After viewing the illustrations side-by-side, readers can find a description of the scene on the following spread along with notes about the 10 alterations in the pictures. While each change gives Parker (Inside Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures) the opportunity to examine a specific aspect of dinosaur history or lore, the resulting text is an often disjointed hodgepodge of information. The ""spot-the-difference"" feature is also uneven, as the changes range from the painfully obvious to the barely decipherable. On the other hand, Fuge's (Funimals) spirited paintings, featuring electric colors and considerable creature combat, will grab the attention of dino fans. Ages 6-10. (May)