One sentence summary:
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs is a visually stunning pop-up book that explores the world of dinosaurs through intricate paper engineering and rich information.
Book genre:
Children’s non-fiction
Main topic of the book:
The book focuses on dinosaurs, their anatomy, behavior, and habitats, to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of these prehistoric creatures.
Key ideas:
- Dinosaurs lived on Earth millions of years ago and their fossils have been discovered by scientists.
- Dinosaurs were a diverse group of creatures that roamed the Earth for over 160 million years.
- Dinosaurs became extinct due to a catastrophic event, most likely an asteroid impact.
- Dinosaurs were not only massive and ferocious but also had unique physical features and behaviors.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Introduction: The book begins with a brief introduction to dinosaurs and their classification.
- Dinosaurs by Land: This section focuses on dinosaurs that lived on land such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Stegosaurus, with detailed illustrations and pop-ups of their skeletons and physical features.
- Dinosaurs by Sea: Readers can discover marine dinosaurs like the Mosasaurus and the Elasmosaurus in this section, through vibrant illustrations and interactive elements.
- Dinosaurs by Air: This section explores flying dinosaurs, also known as pterosaurs, such as the Quetzalcoatlus and the Pteranodon, through pop-ups and information about their wings and flight abilities.
- Dinosaurs by Time: The book takes readers on a journey through different periods of the Mesozoic Era, showcasing the variety of dinosaurs that lived in each era.
- Mega Dinosaurs: In this section, readers can learn about some of the biggest dinosaurs that ever existed, such as the Argentinosaurus and the Triceratops, through fold-out pop-ups and life-size illustrations.
- Profiles: The book features detailed profiles of some of the most well-known dinosaurs, such as the Brachiosaurus and the Ankylosaurus, providing information on their diet, size, and other interesting facts.
- Dinosaurs Today: The book concludes with a section on how dinosaurs continue to impact our lives today, from paleontology to books and movies.
Key takeaways:
- The book presents a comprehensive and engaging look into the world of dinosaurs through detailed illustrations, pop-ups and information.
- Readers can learn about different types of dinosaurs, their physical features, behavior, and the time periods in which they lived.
- The book also highlights the scientific process of studying dinosaurs and their impact on popular culture.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Robert Sabuda is a renowned paper engineer and book creator, known for his intricate and innovative pop-up books. He has also authored and illustrated many award-winning children’s books, including Encyclopedia Prehistorica Sharks and Oceans. Matthew Reinhart is also a celebrated paper engineer and children’s book creator, known for his unique and elaborate pop-up books. Together, they have created several successful pop-up books, and their collaboration on Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs showcases their expertise in paper engineering and storytelling.
Target audience:
The book targets children and young readers who are interested in dinosaurs and their world. However, it can also appeal to adults who appreciate intricate pop-up and non-fiction books.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was published by Candlewick Press and was first released in September 2005.