How Dinosaurs Came to Be

Lauber returns to territory she's visited successfully in previous picture books (Dinosaurs Walked Here; Living with Dinosaurs), weaving snippets of narrative prose with well-researched information about dinosaurs. Enhanced by Henderson's imaginative, highly atmospheric illustrations, which show what the creatures might have looked like in their natural habitats, the book offers readers the closest thing to a ticket back in time. Here, Lauber examines the periods leading up to the emergence of dinosaurs, explains how dinosaurs evolved from the many amphibians and reptiles that were their ancestors, and discusses the appearance of mammals on the scene. Though chock-full of facts and details, her text never slips over the edge into the scholarly or dull. Eminently readable, and particularly respectful of the inquisitive child with a thirst for specific knowledge, this splendid reference would be a fine choice for both school and home. Ages 6-10. (May)