Megabugs: And Other Prehistoric Critters That Roamed the Planet

“Imagine, deep in the jungle... a swift-moving millipede almost twice your size slithers toward you, snapping its slavering jaws.” B-movie superlatives and natural history museum–diorama aesthetics set the tone for this information-rich exploration of seven Paleozoic arthropods. Bindon’s colorful, detailed illustrations based on “research and fossil evidence” anchor data-laden spreads that show pronunciation and name meaning, habitat, “fave snack,” fossil locations, and the relative size of each creature vis-à-vis a child, among other data points, while Becker’s slangy prose explains what makes each “megabug” special. Inset text boxes identify and concisely explore relevant themes such as oxygen levels and mutation. It’s an appealing way to engage kids fascinated by creepy crawlers. Concisely explains arthropods and eras, and includes a glossary, index, and list of further reading. Ages 8–12. [em](Oct.) [/em]