(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrew Plant. This easy-reader narrative account of the ocean-dwelling reptile order from the Mesozoic Era describes the plesiosaurs' hunting techniques, physical attributes, species variations, reproduction, and eventual extinction. Comparisons with contemporaries (dinosaurs and fish) help identify plesiosaurs' particular characteristics. Full-page illustrations of animals in marine environments include helpful labels of the various pictured species' scientific names. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrew Plant. Perfect for mid-elementary paleontology enthusiasts, this book opens a window to the prehistoric past. Examining six "living fossils" ("an informal term for a modern-day plant or animal that resembles its ancient relatives"), Arnold clearly describes each ancestor and how its relative survives today; lifelike acrylic paintings differentiate the "then" and "now" of back-to-back spreads. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrew Plant. Readers join this prehistoric mammal as it hunts for food, taking down an unsuspecting bison with its impressive teeth. The simple but well-written explanations of the animal's features and actions are carefully linked to the available scientific evidence, clearly indicating how fossils of today may explain behaviors of the past. Color illustrations, sometimes realistically gruesome, include scientific species' names. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrew Plant. Fifteen million years ago, a seven-foot carnivorous bird (Kelenken guillermoi) at the top of its food web dominated South America. The grisly particulars of the terror bird's feeding habits, its anatomy and behavior, and the basics of population dynamics are conveyed through simple sentences and evocative color illustrations that spare none of the bloody details. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Andrew Plant. Well-researched chapters tell of the now-extinct creatures (ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, mosasaurs) that populated the ancient seas during the Mesozoic era. Their characteristics, habitats, and diets, as revealed by fossilized remains, are discussed, and possible explanations for their extinction are posited. Though ponderous, the text is full of facts for budding paleontologists. Acrylic gouache illustrations and pencil drawings enhance the book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg