Book Reviews for Ages 12+
What have we Reviewed?
- “Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages” by Dr T Holtz & Luis V Rey.
- Dinotopia Journey to Chandara - By James Gurney
1) “Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages” by Dr T Holtz & Luis V Rey.
Although the title of the book, says “all ages” those with younger children may find it too complex for them- however a perfect book to keep and allow a child to grow into. There a plenty of illustrations for the very young to look at, an abundance of facts for young readers and great chapters on the history of dinosaurs and much more for the older more competent readers.
The book has 42 chapters and looks at cladistics (classification), a review of geologic time and the history of fossil discoveries to dinosaur babies and dinosaur dung. Followed by a thorough examination of each group—Ceratosaurians, Spinisaurs, Carnosaurs, etc.. Examinations of dinosaur eggs and babies; behaviour; life during the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous eras; and dinosaur extinction complete this book. In fact the book delivers a plethora of facts and discoveries about dinosaurs and any speculation is well pointed out.
Scattered throughout the book are a selection of articles and essays by leading palaeontologists. All of these essays are one page in length and very engaging and readable. The reader hears the scientist's voice explaining their interest and passion for the subject. Illustrations include photographs, graphs, and charts, as well as color artwork, on every page.
With an appendix that includes a 48-page Dinosaur Genus List and a Glossary of hundreds of terms, this is pretty much the only encyclopedia on dinosaurs that you're ever going to need.
Even if you only have a passing interest in dinosaurs you should not miss this journey into their diverse and strange world. Dr Holtz has filled the book with fascinating details ranging from discoveries of new species (e.g. a Sauropod, Amphicoelias) to old favourites (e.g. Tyrannosaurus Rex, which may have lived and hunted in packs). All the families of dinosaurs major and minor are covered, as are predator-prey relations, social interactions within species, habitats and habits, and evolutionary trends.
With its conversational tone and Rey's engaging illustrations, the book should appeal to young adults and a general audience alike.
We score this a - 
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2)Dinotopia Journey to Chandara by James Gurney.
Although aimed at 9-12 year olds we have placed this here because Dinotopia Journey to Chandara appeals to different age groups for different reasons. The very young children (especially those interested in dinosaurs) will understand little of the story, but will appreciate the multitude of dinosaur pictures.
Slightly older children will begin to be engaged by the story...an adventure tale, presented as in the first two books as though it were the lost journal of Arthur Denison that has been recovered. Arthur is this time accompanied by the dinosaur Bix.
Youth and adults who read the first book will want enjoy again the story's deeper messages about the challenges encountered by the explorers.
The book explores new territory as Professor Denison and his saurian companion Bix set out on a perilous journey to explore new territories meeting many new characters. We travel to new cities, such as Bilgewater (built entirely out of ships), the nomadic Jorotongo, Thermana (mentioned, but not visited before), and the extremely exotic Chandara. Due to the loss of a personal invitation they are forced to cross the border in disguise and void of funds.
The land of Dinotopia is conjured by a brief but vivid narrative and a beguiling variety of visuals, including maps, cutaway views, mechanical diagrams, optical illusions, and cryptographic alphabets.
Readers of all ages can enjoy Dinotopia Land of Chandara and get caught up in the fantasy that Gurney has recreated in this book. Perhaps new readers may wish to experience the pleasure and imaginative writing of Dinotopia Land before Time before embarking on this book simply because it would be a shame to miss the first part of the wondrous experience of Dinotopia.