(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

(4) K-3 Tales of Prehistoric Life series. Illustrated by Jim W. W. Smith. A Quetzalcoatlus, an ancient reptile and contemporary of many dinosaurs, flies through a forested environment, landing on the bank of a river. A dramatic battle with a pack of small but fierce Saurorintholestes dinosaurs ensues, and the Quetzalcoatlus narrowly escapes death. The competently narrated story is told through composite illustrations that awkwardly superimpose computer-generated images of the pterosaur onto modern landscapes.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Tales of Prehistoric Life series. Illustrated by Daniel Loxton & Jim W. W. Smith. A young ankylosaur goes about his regular day: wandering through his forested North American habitat, eating plants, and encountering an older, sicker member of his species. When a Tyrannosaurus rex attacks the older dinosaur, the younger helps to fend her off. The digitally composed illustrations are just this side of garish but will please dino-lovers.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Loxton provides a closely reasoned defense of evolution as the explanation behind how life developed on Earth. He traces Darwin's path of discovery, then discusses how his theory has been changed by developments in contemporary science. The text tends to jump among topics, but the writing is engaging. Spot illustrations and occasional photographs enhance the presentation. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman