First Picture Dinosaurs

Children's Literature - Carol Kirkham Martin

This recent addition to the "First Picture Board Books" series stimulates higher level thinking as it explains, rather than just tells, facts about dinosaurs. The stegosaur used the plates on its back to soak up heat from the sun, sauropods swallowed stones to aid with digestion, and raptors hunted in groups to make up for their small size. Spikes on an ankylosaur's back offered protection, the tyrannosaurus used its strong hind legs for running upright, and groups of triceratops circled their babies for protection. Additionally, a math component has been added, comparing the weight of each dinosaur in this selection to a familiar object. Toddler-friendly sidebars are also included with pictures and simple sentences to clarify a concept in greater detail. Photographed illustrations in primary colors appear to have been created by placing a combination of models against a mixed media background. All of these elements work together to ensure the book will have strong child appeal.