(2) PS Illustrated by Ariel Landy . Six familiar and quite large dinosaurs or prehistoric reptiles are paired with structurally or behaviorally similar -- but tinier -- species (readers can refer to helpful insets for illustrations showing to-scale size comparisons). The "meat-eating" Tyrannosauru has a smaller relative, Compsognathus, also a carnivore, but with a diet of insects. The "dome-headed" Pachycephalosaurus is matched with the aptly named owner of the longest dinosaur species name: Micropachycephalosaurus. Simple sentences, repeated across the pages, emphasize structure-function relationships. The cartoonlike illustrations of the dinosaurs engaged in hunting, swimming, eating, and flying use soft features and expressive eyes to keep the mood friendly -- even through the meteor strike that killed off the large dinosaurs and left the smaller, birdlike dinosaurs alive. An appended glossary gives the Greek origins of each species name.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Elina Ellis. The clubs at Rory's new school don't appeal to him so he starts his own Reptile Club--and actual (talking) reptiles show up. Soon Reptile Club is the place to be. When the reptiles leave (to hibernate), Rory's new friends stay--yes, "they'd become reptile enthusiasts, but mostly it was because they'd become Rory's friends." A sweet and lively new-school fantasy with friendly illustrations.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Dinosaur Detectives series. This series presents extremely minimal but well-organized content on dinosaurs and ancient reptiles, mainly lesser-known species. Each slight field guide–like entry features a scientific name with pronunciation guidance, a few facts in simple sentences, and a labeled illustration of what the animal may have looked like; additional boxes show where fossil remains were found and a to-scale comparison to humans. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Dinosaur Detectives titles: Archaeopteryx and Other Flying Reptiles, Herrerasaurus and Other Triassic Dinosaurs, Moschops and Other Ancient Reptiles, Placodus and Other Swimming Reptiles, Stegosaurus and Other Jurassic Dinosaurs, and Tyrannosaurus and Other Cretaceous Dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Dinosaur Detectives series. This series presents extremely minimal but well-organized content on dinosaurs and ancient reptiles, mainly lesser-known species. Each slight field guide–like entry features a scientific name with pronunciation guidance, a few facts in simple sentences, and a labeled illustration of what the animal may have looked like; additional boxes show where fossil remains were found and a to-scale comparison to humans. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Dinosaur Detectives titles: Archaeopteryx and Other Flying Reptiles, Herrerasaurus and Other Triassic Dinosaurs, Moschops and Other Ancient Reptiles, Placodus and Other Swimming Reptiles, Stegosaurus and Other Jurassic Dinosaurs, and Tyrannosaurus and Other Cretaceous Dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Dinosaur Detectives series. This series presents extremely minimal but well-organized content on dinosaurs and ancient reptiles, mainly lesser-known species. Each slight field guide–like entry features a scientific name with pronunciation guidance, a few facts in simple sentences, and a labeled illustration of what the animal may have looked like; additional boxes show where fossil remains were found and a to-scale comparison to humans. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Dinosaur Detectives titles: Archaeopteryx and Other Flying Reptiles, Herrerasaurus and Other Triassic Dinosaurs, Moschops and Other Ancient Reptiles, Placodus and Other Swimming Reptiles, Stegosaurus and Other Jurassic Dinosaurs, and Tyrannosaurus and Other Cretaceous Dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Felicita Sala. Valdez presents an affirming picture-book biography of herpetologist, researcher, and zoo-exhibit designer Joan Procter (1897–1931). Readers are immersed in Procter's world, from her childhood bedroom (where she developed her obsession with lizards) to the museums and zoos of early-twentieth-century London. Sala's illustrations portray a stylish woman of the 1920s--with a variety of small lizards present on her shoulders and wrists. Bib.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2018

(4) K-3 Xtreme Dinosaurs series. This easy-to-read series groups dinosaur and ancient reptile species by prominent characteristics and describes the "Xtremes" in physical structure and function each possesses. Fossil explains the work of paleontologists. The illustrations feature dramatic close-ups and action poses of ferocious-looking dinosaurs and the fossil remains of their impressive teeth, jaws, beaks, and plates. Layered images and superimposed type contribute to a cluttered design. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Dinosaurs titles: Armored Reptiles, Carnivores, Flying Reptiles, Fossil Hunters, Herbivores, and Sea Reptiles.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Xtreme Dinosaurs series. This easy-to-read series groups dinosaur and ancient reptile species by prominent characteristics and describes the "Xtremes" in physical structure and function each possesses. Fossil explains the work of paleontologists. The illustrations feature dramatic close-ups and action poses of ferocious-looking dinosaurs and the fossil remains of their impressive teeth, jaws, beaks, and plates. Layered images and superimposed type contribute to a cluttered design. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Dinosaurs titles: Armored Reptiles, Carnivores, Flying Reptiles, Fossil Hunters, Herbivores, and Sea Reptiles.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Xtreme Dinosaurs series. This easy-to-read series groups dinosaur and ancient reptile species by prominent characteristics and describes the "Xtremes" in physical structure and function each possesses. Fossil explains the work of paleontologists. The illustrations feature dramatic close-ups and action poses of ferocious-looking dinosaurs and the fossil remains of their impressive teeth, jaws, beaks, and plates. Layered images and superimposed type contribute to a cluttered design. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Dinosaurs titles: Armored Reptiles, Carnivores, Flying Reptiles, Fossil Hunters, Herbivores, and Sea Reptiles.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Rabbit Daisy scours the city for her pet ladybug with the help of reptile detective Basil. They check the school, train station, hospital, and more. Readers will need sharp eyes to find Ladybug as well as many other hidden animals in the busy, detailed digital illustrations. The variety of hidden creatures will keep experienced search-and-find fans busy for hours. Answer key appended.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Bumba Books: Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Beasts series. Basic information about each animal's physical features, diet, and lifestyle is related in declarative sentences interspersed with critical thinking questions. The stock images occasionally border on cheesy but may appeal to dinosaur fans. The series' inclusion of both prehistoric mammals and dinosaurs could mislead young readers that these animals lived at the same time. Each volume includes an anatomical diagram. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Bumba Books: Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Beasts titles: Iguanodon, Pterodactyl, Saber-Toothed Cat, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and Woolly Mammoth.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) 4-6 Color by Katherine Garner. The conclusion to the Nnewts trilogy remains as offbeat as ever as Nnewt Herk and his siblings Sissy and Zerk mount an epic plan to save Amphibopolis from the evil reptilian Lizzark army. Middle-grade readers with a taste for the bizarre and fanciful will appreciate the moody illustrations, which feature a complexity usually reserved for older and adult graphic novels.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jon Cannell. Now a freshman, Wyatt--who foiled a terrorist plot in eighth grade (The Worst Class Trip Ever)--inadvertently uncovers illegal animal trafficking by the powerful family of the bullying Bevin brothers, which leads to a Halloween night of typical Barry shenanigans. The stakes, and therefore the tension, are lower than in Wyatt's first adventure, but comical first-person narration makes him easy to root for.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) 1-3 Stepping Stone: The Dino Files series. Illustrated by Mike Boldt. To avoid the press after photos of their dinosaur, Peanut, surface online, future paleontologist Frank, his fame-hungry cousin Sam, and Frank's dad take Peanut camping and discover a Nothosaurus, a prehistoric water reptile. Despite some illogical character motivations, this third book is an action-packed romp full of prehistoric creature facts; exaggerated cartoon illustrations add visual variety for new chapter-book readers. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) 4-6 Color by Katherine Garner. In this second graphic novel (Nnewts: Escape from the Lizzarks), Nnewt Herk is enjoying homemade food with his new adoptive family when a Lizzark attacks. Mom takes quick action by using "the Internnewt" to send word of the invasion. An all-out battle ensues, and the Nnewts struggle to save Amphibopolis from the villainous reptiles. Glossy, deep-colored panel art depicts the intense action and quirky cast of creatures.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 Animal Body Coverings series. These two series entries provide basic information on the purpose and uses of shells and scales, as well as care of the coverings and how they grow. The information is interesting and the texts are easy to read, although transitions are sometimes awkward. The accompanying photos are clear close-ups, but labeling is inconsistent. A simple picture-identifying quiz is appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Animal Body Coverings titles: Why Do Snails and Other Animals Have Shells? and Why Do Snakes and Other Animals Have Scales?.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(3) 4-6 Color by Katherine Garner. Herk, a "Nnewt," is separated from his family during a covert mission to rout the Lizzarks, scaly reptilian bipeds, who have been spying on Nnewtown. Though "just a little fry," willful Herk learns the true meaning of hope when an ancestor helps him. The spunky Nnewt's journey is characterized by offbeat humor and portrayed through dark panel illustrations.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 Tales of Prehistoric Life series. With Jim W. W. Smith. The dangers faced by ancient ocean-dwelling reptiles are seen through the eyes of a young Cryptoclidus and portrayed with slick computer-generated underwater imagery. The baby and her mother travel through the sea, past harmless creatures and prey. When a predator Liopleurodon attacks, the young reptile valiantly attempts escape, and her pod rallies to save her. A note offers factual information.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Awesome Ancient Animals series. Facts about animal life from the Paleozoic Era to the Ice Age are presented in appealing field guide–like formats. Each two-page spread contains a paragraph of descriptive information and specifications for selected genera; captioned photographs of fossil remains or models and colorful illustrations that situate the animals--often in fierce or combative poses--in their habitats bolster appeal. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Awesome Ancient Animals titles: Dinosaurs Dominate, Huge Hunters Roam the Earth, Reptiles Rule, Saber Tooths Are the Big Cats, Sea Creatures Crawl on Land, and T. rex Is King.

Reviewer: Devon Johnson

(4) K-3 Learn to Draw Plus series. Illustrated by Diana Fisher. Beginning with simple geometric shapes, readers are led through stepped stages to sketch and color increasingly detailed creatures and vehicles. Careful observation and coordination are required to achieve the suggested results, with a fairly difficult leap to the finished artwork. The subjects are engaging and varied, with factual information in colored text boxes on many pages. Review covers these Learn to Draw Plus titles: Learn to Draw Cats & Kittens, Learn to Draw Insects, Learn to Draw Reptiles & Amphibians, Learn to Draw Cars & Trucks and Learn to Draw Dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo