Triceratops: A Lift-The-Flap and Stand-Up

Superbly conceived and produced, this quartet of board books combines a perennially popular topic with a surefire presentation. Hawcock's luminous, tie-dye-like watercolors fill each spread; information is relayed through a question-and-answer format, with answers hidden under sturdy, well-placed flaps. For example, one spread asks, ``Why did most other dinosaurs leave the triceratops alone?'' The behemoth's imposing blue head is actually a flap, beneath which reads, ``They were frightened of its big horns''; meanwhile, the reverse of the flap contains more detailed information, e.g., ``Triceratops means `three-horned face.' The triceratops used its central horn to butt its enemies.'' The piece de resistance arrives at the very end--when the final spread is unfolded, the book becomes an 18-inch freestanding dinosaur. Spectacular. Ages 4-7. BOMC selection. (May)