'Super Crocs and Monster Wings: Modern Animals' Ancient Past'

[June 24, 2009]  ^"Super Crocs and Monster Wings: Modern Animals' Ancient Past," by Claire Eamer, Annick Press, 93 pages, juvenile nonfiction, ages 8 and up

Review by
Louella Moreland

Humans seem to be infatuated with the giant mammals, reptiles and insects that lived long ago. People have speculated on their sizes, their purpose in the world and even the events that resulted in some species' extinctions. Our imaginations populate a vast Earth very different from the one we live in today; films produce giant, man-eating monsters that may resemble a few of these long-lost animals; while scientists continue to research and study all the clues these interesting ancestors of the animal world left in mud, sand and stone.

Most readers have perused at least one dinosaur book in their library careers; some may have even picked up a few volumes on extinct animals. This book explores a few of the giants who still have relatives alive on our planet. Crocodiles, dragonflies, camels, sloths and beavers share many traits with the giants that once roamed the marshes, rivers and plains of our continents. Eamer delves much deeper than an introduction to the ancient and current relatives. Latin names, time periods, habitats, Earth's evolution, continental separations, volcanic islands, mountains and glaciers receive ample exploration for the reader to understand the context in which the animals lived, adapted and died.

Who says report writing has to be based on a dull book? Bold, bright colors and unusual text fonts keep excitement high. Photographs and artist depictions keep the reader's attention focused and help build understanding of the text. Perusal of the pictures alone is a lot of fun! An index, bibliography and further reading selections are included at the end of the book.

While a lot of facts and information make this a great research book, pages of "Fun Facts" are brief clips for those readers interested in a lighter read. I especially like the way some information was presented in new and fun ways, such as "How to Become a Fossil" or "Which Way is Up?"

Whether you are searching for factual information for a school report, studying ancient history of our Earth or just looking for some cool, new, fun facts to impress your friends and family, "Super Crocs and Monster Wings: Modern Animals' Ancient Past" could be an interesting and informative read for you. Pair this book with another new book, "American Alligators: Freshwater Survivors," by Aaron Feigenbaum.

There is always something interesting and new at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St. Come in and let us help you find that "just right" book for you.

[Text from file received from Louella Moreland, Lincoln Public Library District]

(Ms. Lou's blog: lincolnpubliclibraryupdates.blogspot.com)