Fossils

Children's Literature

This title promotes the study of fossils as our best way of determining when, where and how "humans evolved from creatures who lived as long ago as 5 million years." The author tries hard to portray the vast scope of the fossil field, which covers sea and land creatures, plants and trees, and even traces of critters, such as footprints. Gallant explains that minerals have replaced the original bones, so that fossils appear to be rocks. He could have gone on to say that bone is replaced exactly, cell by cell, therefore scientists can study fossils just as they would study actual bones, but he didn't, because this series keeps text to a minimum. Good illustrations appear on every double-page spread, yet there is occasional contradictory text, as when discussing the famous fossil Lucy, who was either 3 feet 8 inches tall or 4 feet tall, depending on which paragraph you read on p. 41. (Kids notice conflicting bits of information.) Also, having raised the topic of Gigantosaurus, the book should include a picture of that fine fellow. While this title can pique curiosity for very young students, it cannot serve as a major reference. A glossary, short bibliography, six web sites and a good index complete the book. Part of the "Kaleidoscope" series of 48-page books 2001, Marshall Cavendish. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Joan Carris

School Library Journal

Gr 3-4-Fine introductory titles. In the first book, the easy-to-read text offers clear explanations about the ways fossils are formed and information on reading the record they leave behind. It also includes brief descriptions of a paleontologist's work and how museum exhibits are created. In Rocks, the basic formations (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) are introduced. A "Did You Know?" section provides some additional facts. In both titles, not all scientific words are given phonetic pronunciations. Well-selected, beautifully reproduced photographs and computer graphics illustrate these volumes.-Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.