A first book of dinosaurs by Simon Mole. Illus. by Matt Hunt

It was an era that lasted about 180 million years over 66 million years ago and yet it still fascinates old and young alike, so much so that books about dinosaurs - fact or fiction - are regularly published for an eager audience. This one, written for an adult to share with a younger reader, is one of the latest.

Bold, contemporary illustrations and short poems with vivid language introduce young readers to this world of "eat or be eaten" . Divided into the chapters of 'Meet the Dinosaurs, Eat or be Eaten, Dinosaur Families and The End. OR is it?', each dinosaur or theme has its own double page spread with lively, unique graphics and a short poem, often in the voice of the dinosaur itself. Some like brachiosaurus and tyrannosaurus rex will be familiar but others such as halszkaraptor and therizinosaurus will be new so the pronunciation guide is handy, and although the descriptions - using a variety of poetry styles - are brief, there is enough information to inspire further research for those who want to know more, as well as offering an opportunity for older students to compare Mole's style with the more traditional fact-and-figures books.

Something new and unique to share about something old and common.

Themes: Dinosaurs.

Barbara Braxton