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Dinosaurs    by Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. & Luis V. Rey Amazon.com order for
Dinosaurs
by Jr., Thomas R. Holtz
Order:  USA  Can
Random House, 2007 (2007)
Hardcover
* * *   Reviewed by Lyn Seippel

The world of dinosaurs is changing. Or at least, our understanding of their world is changing. New facts and discoveries are astonishing scientists every day. Could Jurassic Park really happen? Written by a professional paleontologist, Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr., Dinosaurs presents the complete picture of dinosaurs and the world they lived in. A new timeline can now be made concerning the groups of dinosaurs, showing when they lived, and when they began to die out and new groups appear.

Full of facts and description, Dinosaurs will grab the attention of any reader. Did you know there are more than eight hundred known species of Mesozoic dinosaurs? Chapters include the history of discoveries and dinosaur art, as well as introducing some of the original paleontologists and their findings. Luis V. Rey's color illustrations and a glossary of words, both enhance the text, and make Dinosaurs a must-have for dinosaur fans of all ages.

2nd Review by Kerrily Sapet:

There are nearly 1,000 known species of dinosaurs. Many kids amaze their parents and teachers by rattling off several of them. Dinosaurs fulfill active imaginations and are part of a long gone world that is being uncovered and pieced together one discovery at a time. Dr. Thomas Holtz, Jr. has put together a book simply titled Dinosaurs, but he tags it with a description sure to entice those who thrill at the thought of dino discoveries and dino details. A professional paleontologist, Holtz has created what he calls 'The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages'. And he doesn't seem too far off the mark with his claim.

Curious readers who crack open the 420-page book will not be disappointed. In brief, easy-to-understand entries, Holtz covers the entire Dinosauria - all 800 species of Mesozoic dinosaurs. The characters in his book range from Tyrant Dinosaurs, Lizard-Hipped Dinosaurs, the First Fluffy Dinosaurs, and much, much more. Chapter headings are anything but dry, despite the detailed history. Holtz offers dino enthusiasts treats such as Tyrannosaurus Tantrums: Growing Up with the Tyrant Lizard and Big Bird Imitators. He covers the history of dinosaur discoveries, the naming of dinosaurs, dinosaur art, dinosaur biology and behavior, to mention a few of the topics.

Holtz's work is not just a dinosaur encyclopedia. Striking illustrations and never-before-seen renderings of new dinosaur species keep the book entertaining and colorful. Not only does Holtz rely on his own professional background, but 33 of the world's leading paleontologists also add their perspectives for readers to consider. Whether in the classroom or home, Dinosaurs is a good pick for both children and adults as they ponder the creatures who ruled the earth 65 million years ago.

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