The Handy Dinosaur Answer Book (The Handy Answer Book Series)
Grade 7 Up—This revised question-and-answer book was not designed for life in a children's room. While some of the answers are simple enough, others are for adults. For example, one of the definitive characteristics of a dinosaur is described as "...an elongated deltopectoral crest on the humerus...and a well-developed ascending process on the astragalus," phrasing that is all but unapproachable without a scientific dictionary. However, dinophiles willing to sift through the text armed with said dictionary will find a lot to satisfy them, including the last chapter, which leads to information on digs, excavation techniques, equipment, fossil preparation, and educational requirements, plus a heap of further readings (many adult) and Web sites. Many small photographs and computer-generated images and some reproductions are scattered throughout, as are information boxes expounding on more common questions. A serious, often scholarly examination of a fascinating topic.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.