The Age of Dinosaurs: The Rise and Fall of the World’s Most Remarkable Animals

 

The Age of Dinosaurs is a well written scientifically correct and exciting book about the time of the dinosaurs by paleontologist Dr. Steve Brusatte. Due out 2nd March 2021 from Harper Collins on their Quill Tree Books imprint, it's 272 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

Although this is published on a children's imprint, I found the book engaging and can recommend it for all ages. The author has an accessible style of writing. He makes what is essentially crawling around in the mud in often inhospitable remote areas getting eaten by mosquitoes sound both exciting and worthwhile (which it clearly is). His descriptive powers allowed me to picture the scenery very well. The language is simple but he doesn't avoid technical language and uses the proper nomenclature for animals and geological features. New terms are defined in context in the text. The author has also included a number of appendices: bibliography and links for further reading, a glossary, pronunciation guide, and a cross referenced index.

The book itself is arranged roughly chronologically starting with the earth's history up through the rise of the dinosaurs, continuing through the mesozoic period, with chapters considering the indigenous species of North America, Asia, the South, and Europe, on to flight, and extinction.

It's full of interesting illustrations and lots of dig photos. This would make a superlative classroom or library book, as well as being a wonderful pick for any paleontology fans in your circle of friends or family. 

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.