When Fish Got Feet, Sharks Got Teeth, and Bugs Began to Swarm: A Cartoon Prehistory of Life Long Before Dinosaurs
This picture-book-size title offers a lighthearted look at some of the earliest life-forms on Earth. As promised in the title, the information packed into the double-page spreads starts with the oceans already teeming with primitive life and stops long before the dinosaurs appear on the scene. The passing of hundreds of millions of years can't quite be captured with a turn of the page, but a creative time line, which manages to be funny with the insertion of a few jokes, will help kids put each time period into context. Also included in the back matter are a glossary, a pronunciation guide, and a skimpy index. The suggested resources prove disappointing; only one video and a few Web sites are mentioned, along with the advice to go forth and Google. Overall, though, Bonner creates an effective and fun introduction to a complicated subject. Morning, Todd