Dinosaur Bones - Annotated by Rob Colson (Paperback)

About the Book

A spectacular collection of prehistoric skeletons.

Book Synopsis

A spectacular collection of prehistoric skeletons.

Resembling a paleontologist's sketchbook filled with labeled watercolor drawings and descriptive notes, Dinosaur Bones is an accurate reference to 40 dinosaurs, marine reptiles, flying reptiles and prehistoric mammals.

The book begins with a brief introduction to life before the dinosaurs and the appearance of amphibians and early land mammals. Then, 150 million years later, the dog-sized Ornitholestes dinosaur appears. Chronologically thereafter, double-page spreads depict individual species, such as the Anhanguera, and dinosaur groups, like the duck-billed dinosaurs.

Each dinosaur species is shown by its skeleton, revealing what it looked like inside and out. A full-color computer graphic illustration shows each animal in its habitat. For the dinosaur groups, like the flying reptiles, individual species are shown in large full-color illustrations instead of just skeletons.

Succinct introductory paragraphs describe when and where each dinosaur lived and other interesting facts. The annotated illustrations highlight physical features and their purpose. A human-to-dinosaur shadow comparison reveals the size and shape. The Anhanguera, for example, had a wingspan of almost 15 feet but a body length of barely 8 inches.

Dinosaurs and prehistoric life are popular topics critical to understanding science and natural history. For all readers as well as supplemental to school curricula Dinosaur Bones is an essential comprehensive guide to these peculiar animals.

Review Quotes

(starred review) As a children's librarian I am so well aware that excellent non-fiction books aimed at "children" are the best and easiest way to learn things. This is one of the best books on dinosaurs that I have ever seen. It actually begins at Life Before There Were Dinosaurs and follows in chronological order through the long evolutionary period of the earth. Two-page spreads of the dinosaur's skeleton and/or bodily appearance fill the pages along with just So Much information. The illustrations and information are presented in the most attractive manner possible. A timeline and glossary are also appended. Highly recommended!--Katrina Yurenka "Youth Services Book Review" (7/7/2016 12:00:00 AM)

(review of UK edition) This is one of the best factual Dinosaur books we've seen in ages. Expertly written and produced, fantastically presented and gloriously illustrated.-- "Read It Daddy Blog" (6/11/2015 12:00:00 AM)

Budding palaeontologists will love this book with its mock scientific notebook... This well-researched book includes a glossary and index. Because the contents will encourage dinosaur fans to extend their reading skills, the title would make a good addition to any research library.--Helen Mason "Resource Links" (6/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)

Perfect for those who enjoy dinosaurs and want to learn more about them!--Natosha Miller "Test Try Results Blog" (6/17/2016 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Rob Colson is the author of more than 40 books for children, on a range of subjects including science and technology, history and the natural world. He has also compiled quizzes and mathematical puzzles for children and adults. As an editor, he has worked on a wide variety of books on diverse subjects, from architecture and politics to Shakespeare and the movie industry. An avid student of history and science, he continues trying to figure out how the world works.