An Alphabet of Dinosaurs (hc)

From BooklistGr. 24. Using the alphabet as an arbitrary device, this book introduces 26 dinosaurs through brief, informative text and two kinds of artwork. The striking jacket illustration features two shocking pink, toothandclaw dinosaurs leaping at each other against a background of orange smoke billowing from an erupting volcano. Barlowe, the authorillustrator of Barlowe s Guide to Extraterrestrials and creator of numerous sf book jackets, will certainly draw readers to the book with his dramatic paintings of dinosaur days. Minute details give the illusion of realism to the fantastic scenes. Throughout the book, each righthand page displays a fullcolor painting. On the left, a precise blackandwhite ink drawing shows a full skeleton or a detail of bones, along with a few lines of text commenting on the dinosaur s physical features and habits. Offering a new look at an old favorite, this book won t stay on the shelf for long. Caroyln PhelanProduct DescriptionFrom Publishers WeeklyIn this handsome and useful work, several of Barlowe s (Expedition) intricately detailed, vibrantly colored paintings possess an almost photographic clarity. Also impressive is the artwork s semblance of motion, as these beasts scurry across vivid landscapes, doing battle or foraging for food. Opposite each fullpage illustration, Dodson (Giant Dinosaurs; Baby Dinosaurs) provides brief, lively descriptions of the various species. Beneath these entries are line drawings of each creature s skeleton or skullby Michael Meaker, staff illustrator at L.A. s Natural History Museumand addenda focusing on specific physical characteristics. (Meaker s clean line art also illustrates a concluding compilation of vital statistics.) Though kids at the upper end of this target audience are beyond this format, they will surely be fascinated by the subject matterespecially by such creatures as the Xenotarsosaurus and the Zephyrosaurus, said to be recently discovered (just in time to conclude the ABCs!). Ages 610.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.From School Library JournalPreSchoolGrade 4?A standout among the scores of dinosaur books that have stock photos or overused museum art. Barlowe s original artwork, more than the text (which acts almost as captions), is what makes this alphabet book extraordinary. It shows how well illustration can work, by capturing a fine balance of realism, drama, and imagination. These dinosaurs have the weight of real flesh and blood and are shown fighting, eating, or raising their young. Backgrounds of natural phenomena, such as volcanoes, sunsets, and a torrential monsoon, create a sense of drama and mood. The lighting and backdrop tones are also affected by the illustrations unique settings?an underwater view, a stark rocky hillside, a moonlit evening?none of them typical dinosaur locales. Like their modern relatives the gila monster and macaws, these dinos are often shown to have brightly colored skin tones. But there s always an implication of purpose in their coloration, be it camoflage, mating finery, or species recognition. That s what ultimately makes this book so good. It links the imaginative possibilities of science with facts. The only disappointment is the alphabetical arrangement, which allows for only one creature per letter. Readers are shown T. rex, but not Triceratops. One can only hope for another volume!?Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public LibraryCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.