Ambush at Cisco Swamp by Jack Wells
Robert Irwin, Dinosaur Hunter. Random House, Australia: 2013. ISBN
9781864718461.
Recommended. After the success of Bindi's books it was only time
before Robert joined the Random House team. Ambush at Cisco
Swamp is the second book in this series aimed at the newly
independent reader, where Robert is able to pursue his obvious love
of dinosaurs.
Set in Cisco Swamp, Texas, the reptile keepers from Australian Zoo
are assisting with the annual American alligator survey and Robert
is keen to see an alligator like the one his grandfather had a photo
of at home.
With the aid of the dinosaur fossil he carries with him he is
transported back in time and not only has an encounter with a
Deinosuchus, a very large prehistoric crocodile, but also an
Albertosaurus fishing for alligator gar. Armed with his digital
recorder Robert keeps a record of his adventure and manages to
return to the present day just in time to avoid being a meal for his
prehistoric companions.
With some detailed illustrations throughout the story, and a
comprehensive field guide at the end, this is a dinosaur lover's
delight. The story is told with some humour and vivid descriptions
of the dinosaurs and their actions.
The QR code on the back cover leads to a message from Robert
regarding the book for the connected reader.
Sue Keane