Realistically depicted dinos strike alert poses in prehistoric settings in this overview of when and where they and some of their cousin creatures lived. After opening with big-picture views of our planet's history and a timeline punctuated by massive extinction events, the two-part presentation first introduces representative species from each period of the Mesozoic era in turn, then goes on to highlight select fossils discovered in modern times at major sites on each continent--including Antarctica. Following a roundup of dino extinction theories and a gallery of prehistoric birds other than Archaeopteryx, an alphabetically arranged table of dinosaur information (name, geological period, length, and more) kicks off a flurry of useful resources (including apps) and other backmatter. Expertly angled to show brightly colored skin patterns and plumage, distinctive physical features, and (especially) teeth to good advantage, the prehistoric cast shares page space with blocks of simply phrased descriptive commentary, easy-to-read maps, site photos, and portraits of paleontologists, including several of color, at work. Unusually well organized, with plenty of appeal for both casual and confirmed dinophiles. (glossary, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction browsing/reference. 7-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 2--6--The always fascinating and kid-friendly topic is treated to a large-size format befitting its subject. After an introductory section defining dinosaurs and the prehistoric world that led to their existence, the book is then divided into different historical periods--Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. The next section spotlights some of the major fossil finds by continent. The final section details the post-dinosaur period, positing different theories about why the "terrible lizards" became extinct and exploring the present-day animals descended from the great creatures. Each dinosaur featured (145 in all) is presented with a pronunciation guide, the meaning of its name, the period in which it lived, and cool facts about it. For example, the aptly named Giraffatitan had a neck approximately 75 feet long, and the Rajasaurus was the first dinosaur found in India. The clear and accessible text is printed in legible and fun font. Full-color artwork, arresting illustrations, informative time lines, and custom-made maps for kids by leading experts in cartography set this volume apart. The images seem lifelike, as if the dinosaurs might leap off the pages. Insets defining major terms and providing context are peppered throughout. Back matter includes a dino dictionary, glossary, further resources, and an index. VERDICT This image-heavy, informational text will be enjoyed by dino-fans and is a great choice for browsing and reports.--Shelley M. Diaz