A very introductory picture book that introduces the young paleontologist from dinosaur beginnings 228 million years ago to their demise and the emergence of modern dinosaurs – BIRDS! One hundred million years ago dinosaur scales are modified into feathers which allows these creatures to become lighter and fly. Rhyming text is confined to the bottom of each page allowing for Nolan’s illustrations to be the focal point of the book. Most of the text is gives the reader the names of the dinosaurs and then the bird names. The illustrations make the book, they give a face to a name. Nolan has made the dinosaurs come to life with his large, detailed and colorful depictions done in transparent watercolor on watercolor paper. The author has added a glossary of all the dinosaurs and birds mentioned in the back of the book that includes their Latin name, what it means, how big they were and where they were found. There is also a 2 page “Tree of Life” which shows how each branch evolved. Nolan has offered young readers a beautiful picture book that will spark the scientist in everyone who picks it up.  Pair this with Nolen’s Dinosaur Dream. This can be used with units about dinosaurs, evolution and art teachers might  add it to their curriculum. Good for grades K-4.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray.