Archeopteryx and Other Flying Dinosaurs

Children's Literature

The archaeopteryx, or "ancient wing," still has scientists wondering whether it is to be classified as a bird or a dinosaur. It had scaly legs, sharp teeth and a bony tail like a dinosaur, but wings, feathers and a wishbone like birds. It probably could fly for short distances, or it may have glided down from trees. Archaeopteryx had small pointy teeth for gripping insects, worms, and fish and probably swallowed its food whole. These dinosaurs lived about 150 million years ago during the Jurassic Period. Other dinosaurs of the era were similar in appearance, but did not have wings. Interesting information, excellent illustrations, and a fossil photograph make the source fascinating for dinosaur enthusiasts. Young children will enjoy the drawings. Part of the "Prehistoric World" series, the book contains a glossary, index, dinosaur family tree, and additional sources. 2004, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 8 to 12.
—Laura Hummel

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Each of these titles covers a group of prehistoric creatures, with particular emphasis on one representative dinosaur. Opening with a brief scene in the present tense to introduce the creature and its world, the books then move into straightforward information about the animal and its relatives. In Stegosaurus, for example, only two other stegosaurs (Huayangosaurus and Kentrosaurus) are mentioned within the main narrative. However, full-page, full-color paintings introduce several other related species, along with captions and fact boxes that state where and when the creatures lived, but not necessarily their sizes. The texts are enthusiastic, with enough information to engage readers without overwhelming them. In each book, an appended two-page "family tree" gives a general look at classification. These titles work as effective, simple introductions to prehistoric animal groups.-Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.