Dinosaurs

This informative volume is one of four—the others are Oceans, Space and Egypt—launching the INsiders series of paper-over-board books that explore various subjects in arresting visual detail. The textured, glossy cover art of the books features close-up images (in this case a ferocious-looking dinosaur bares its sharp teeth) hinting at the attention-grabbing illustrations within. Richly hued, crisp computer-generated art and 3-D model imagery serve as a stunning and sophisticated graphic counterpoint to the educational text. The series' format breaks the information into two categories: “INtroducing” and “IN focus,” the former offering an overview and the latter providing “fast facts at your fingertips.” Dinosaurs ' first section covers such topics as occurrences in the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods; dinosaur anatomy, attack and defense strategies; how they raised their young and the discovery and interpretation of fossils. The following section zeroes in on specific dinosaur species, spotlighting physical characteristics, behavior and the locations where their fossils have been found. Throughout, facts are presented in concise blocks of text and extended captions. This and the other INsiders titles conclude with an extensive glossary and index, recommending this accessible, eye-pleasing series as a reference tool as well as diverting recreational reading. Ages 8-12. (July)