My Books Alive

Monday, March 18, 2024

Dinosaurs Big and Small (Revised Spring 2024)

Dinosaurium by Murray, Lily — Big Picture Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2018 567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.9. Explores dinosaurs from a museum exhibit perspective.

Background: This week’s Inspiration Book inspired me to take a closer look at all the dinosaur books in my collection. I have a lot. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) annually publishes a list of the best science books of the previous year. (For criteria for selection, see Books Alive entry “NSTA Award Winning Frog Books https://www.mybooksalive.com/search?q=frogs) Dinosaurs have been a popular topic on those lists. In fact, there are so many dinosaur books that have made the list that a bibliography, not a lesson, is the basis for this Books Alive entry. Included after most books are teaching resources for that book listed at www.teachingbooks.net At the end of the bibliography and resources is a list of a few other general dinosaur resources with a wide age range.

When I did a count of dinosaur books selected by the NSTA committee in the twenty-five years of the lists from 1999 to 2024, I found more than twenty titles about dinosaurs or paleontology. I didn’t want or need to have twenty lessons about dinosaurs, so I decided to group the titles by grade level for teachers or librarians to use as a selection resource for a library or resource center or classroom. I have also included a few other “dinosaur” books that could/should be part of a collection. With this latest revision out of print and temporarily out of stock titles have not been included. Soon there will be a separate entry featuring paleontology/paleontologists.

Rationale: At my small private elementary school, dinosaurs are a small but very important part of the science curriculum in second grade and again in seventh and eighth grade earth science units. When the unit is taught, the teacher will ask for resources, but rarely for a coordinating lesson in the library. The topic requires little motivation to read or research. In fact, the reason I have so many dinosaur books is because the demand is so high anytime. Students will “read” highly illustrative material way above their ability because of interest.

If you’re a teacher or librarian reading this blog, check your shelves for titles you already have, mark them on this list, then visit your principal or PTA/PTO officers with the list that’s appropriate for your grade level and request funding for these Outstanding Science Trade Books you don’t have. That is, if you do dinosaur units.

Grades K-3

Dinosaur lady : the daring discoveries of Mary Anning, the first paleontologist by Skeers, Linda — Sourcebooks Explore, 2020. GR PrK-3. As a kid, Mary Anning loved hunting for fossils with her father. One day, that hobby led to an unexpected discovery: the skeleton of a creature no one had never seen before! Mary had unearthed a dinosaur fossil, the first to ever be discovered. Her find reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world and led to the beginning of a brand new field of study: paleontology. For the rest of her life, Mary continued to make astonishing finds and her fossils are displayed in museums all across the world! The daring discoveries of Mary Anning not only changed the scientific world, but also helped change people's attitudes towards women scientists. FREE Teaching Resources available for download at Titlewave.com NSTA 2021

Educator’s Guide from Sourcebooks. https://school.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/activity_guides/51957.pdf

Extension Activities from Dixon Homestead Library. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d965600a042ac03390d7dba/t/5f9b11f067db6647440c5be5/1603998192305/

Dinosaur+Lady+by+Linda+Skeers+-+Book+Club+Extension+Activities.pdf

The clues are in the poo : the story of dinosaur scientist Karen Chin by Kurtz, Jane — Reycraft Books, 2023. GR 1-5, RL 3.4. Karen Chin is hunting for treasure. But she's not interested in gold or jewels...she's interested in poo. Fossilized dinosaur poo, specifcally. What can she learn from this prehistoric feces? Follow the clues and see where Karen's curiosity takes her as she searches for answers about how dinosaurs lived and what the world looked like long ago. NSTA 2024.

Activity Guide from Reycraft Books. https://school.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/activity_guides/68979.pdf

Titanosaur : discovering the world's largest dinosaur by Carballido, Jose Luis — Orchard Books, 2019 567.913; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.3. Introduces the titanosaur -- the biggest, heaviest creature to ever walk the Earth! This book tells the story of the discovery of this new dinosaur from the mouths of the paleontologists who led the dig. CCBC, NFD, NSTA List 2019

Barnum's bones : how Barnum Brown discovered the most famous dinosaur in the world by Fern, Tracey E — Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012--560; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 6.2 Text and illustrations look at the life of paleontologist Barnum Brown. NSTA and Social Studies Lists 2013

Author’s website Tracy Fern’s Official Website http://www.traceyfern.com/

Lesson Plan from Author’s website http://www.traceyfern.com/BBteachersguide.pdf

Lesson Plan from Classroom Bookshelf http://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/2013/01/barnums-bones/ Readers’ Theater Script from Texas Bluebonnet Award 2014 https://texasbluebonnetaward2014.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/barnums-bones-readers-theater.pdf

Grades 3-6

SuperCroc : Paul Sereno's dinosaur eater (Fossil Hunters) by Sereno, Paul C — Bearport Pub., 2007 567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.9. The skull in the sand -- Killer in the water -- Finding more fossils -- The flesh crocodile emperor -- New pieces to an old puzzle -- The search goes on -- The croc family tree -- Hiding and hunting -- A big bite -- Measuring up -- A life-size model -- A journey across time -- A trip back in time: who lived with SuperCroc? Follows paleontologist Paul Sereno as he unearths the fossil remains of a giant crocodile in the African country of Niger; and contains facts about how this giant animal lived during prehistoric times. NSTA List 2008.

Thomas the T.rex : the journey of a young dinosaur to Los Angeles by Smith, Michael — East West Discovery Press, 2011--Fic-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 5.1 Nine-year-old Thomas, his cousin Rita, and their Junior Scientist Club travel to Montana with a paleontologist and help discover one of the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered. They follow carefully as the fossil is dug up, transported to California, assembled, and put on display in the Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Based on a true story; includes photographs of the excavation and fossil recovery. NSTA List 2012

The discovery and mystery of a dinosaur named Jane by Williams, Judith (Judith A.) — Enslow Publishers, 2008--567.912; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.2 Prospecting for fossil treasure, June 2001 -- Back to the treasure, June 2002 -- The science of a Tyrannosaur -- Jane's world. Tells the story of the tyrannosaur Jane, from her discovery and excavation in the badlands of Montana to her display at the Burpee Museum in Rockford, Illinois, and explores the mysteries of her life millions of years ago. NSTA 2009

National Geographic kids : the ultimate dinopedia : the most complete dinosaur reference ever by Lessem, Don — National Geographic, 2017--567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.8 Provides an overview of nearly every dinosaur ever discovered, with information on the physical characteristics, behavior, hunting styles, diet, and natural history of more than 125 different dinosaurs. NSTA List 2011.

Meet the Author Back Story and Book Reading http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=7266 Illustrator paleoportofolio http://www.francotempesta.eu/paleoart1.php

Author’s website Tracy Fern’s Official Website http://www.traceyfern.com/ Lesson Plan from Author’s website http://www.traceyfern.com/BBteachersguide.pdf

Mammoths and mastodons : titans of the Ice Age by Bardoe, Cheryl — Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. 569; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.5. Provides information about mammoths and mastodons based on research from the discovery of a complete frozen baby mammoth, answers questions about their lives and why they became extinct, and includes photographs. Titlewave, NSTA 2011

Lesson Plan from Indiana Library Federation https://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/YHBA/MammothsAndMastodons.pdf

Dinosaur discovery : everything you need to be a paleontologist by McGowan, Christopher — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011--560; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.7 Paleontologist Chris McGowan examines various dinosaur species and explains how he and other researchers learn about the prehistoric animals. Includes over twenty-five hands-on experiments. NSTA List 2012.

Dinosaurium by Murray, Lily — Big Picture Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2018. 567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.9. Explores dinosaurs from a museum exhibit perspective. NSTA List 2019.

Part I of interview with Chris Wormell Created by Candlewick Press https://www.teachingbooks.net/author_interview.cgi?id=30452 Part II of interview with Chris Wormell Created by Candlewick Press https://www.teachingbooks.net/author_interview.cgi?id=30453

Studio interview with Chris Wormell Created by Candlewick Press https://www.teachingbooks.net/author_interview.cgi?id=30454

Tracking Tyrannosaurs : meet T. rex's fascinating family, from tiny terrors to feathered giants by Sloan, Christopher — National Geographic, 2013--567.912; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.9 Meet nineteen kinds of tyrannosaurs--including seven new species discovered in the last two years--that came before T. rex. The names are strange, like Bistahieversor and Zhuchengtyrannus. The creatures were strange, too, and many of the newly discovered ones caught scientists by surprise. NSTA List 2014.

Feathered dinosaurs of China by Wenzel, Gregory C — Charlesbridge, 2004--567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 7.6 Discusses the feathered dinosaurs of prehistoric China and their relationship to modern birds. NSTA List 2005.

Dinosaur atlas by Malam, John — DK, 2006--567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 8.9 See-through pages, illustrations, and detailed descriptions offer a comprehensive overview of various types of dinosaurs, their physical characteristics, behavior, habitats, and life span. Includes an interactive CD-ROM with additional materials. NSTA List 2007.

Fossils from lost worlds by Rajcak, Helene — Gecko Press, 2021. Gr 3-6 RL 8.9. Walk in the footsteps of the first fossil researchers to discover the earliest animal life on Earth. Explore the story of a spiny sea worm without tail or head, a walking fish, a peaceful sea dragon, and many other incredible creatures.

Scaly spotted feathered frilled : how do we know what dinosaurs really looked like? by Thimmesh, Catherine — Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013--567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 8.9 Examines the art of paleoartists and describes how we know what dinosaurs really looked like. NSTA List 2014. NCTE List 2014. CCBC 2014.

Lesson Plan Dinosaur Detectives at https://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/dinosaur-detectives-lesson-plan/

Other Titles to Include:

The dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins : an illuminating history of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, artist and lecturer : true dinosaur story in three ages .... by Kerley, Barbara — Scholastic, 2001--567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.5 The true story of Victorian artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, who built life-sized models of dinosaurs in the hope of educating the world about what these awe-inspiring ancient animals were like. Social Studies List and Caldecott Honor 2002

Video Book Reading http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=5091

Audio Excerpt http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=9074 Lesson Plan from ReadWriteThink http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/crystal-palace-hosted-first-20544.html Lesson Plan Dinosaur Detectives at https://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/dinosaur-detectives-lesson-plan/

Grades 5-8

The discovery and mystery of a dinosaur named Jane (Prime) by Williams, Judith ) — Enslow Publishers, 2008 567.912; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.2. Prospecting for fossil treasure, June 2001 -- Back to the treasure, June 2002 -- The science of a Tyrannosaur -- Jane's world. Tells the story of the tyrannosaur Jane, from her discovery and excavation in the badlands of Montana to her display at the Burpee Museum in Rockford, Illinois, and explores the mysteries of her life millions of years ago. NSTA List 2009.

Meet the Author Back Story and Book Reading http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=7266 Illustrator paleoportofolio http://www.francotempesta.eu/paleoart1.php

Author’s website Tracy Fern’s Official Website http://www.traceyfern.com/

Lesson Plan from Author’s website http://www.traceyfern.com/BBteachersguide.pdf

The griffin and the dinosaur : how Adrienne Mayor discovered a fascinating link between myth and science by Aronson, Marc — National Geographic, 2014--398.24; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.4 Traces the research scientist co-author's explorations in Greece and the Gobi Desert for the origins of the mythical griffin, relating the story of the ancient Scythians and the griffins that were said to have guarded their treasure. NSTA List 2015.

National Geographic Education’s Guide available for download at www.titlewave.com Indepth Written Interview of author Marc Aronson https://www.teachingbooks.net/interview.cgi?id=3

Teacher’s Guide from Classroom Bookshelf http://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/2014/04/the-griffin-and-the-dinosaur/

Lesson Plan from Indiana Library Federation https://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/YHBA/

MammothsAndMastodons.pdf Dinosaur discovery : everything you need to be a paleontologist by McGowan, Christopher — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011--560; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.7 Paleontologist Chris McGowan examines various dinosaur species and explains how he and other researchers learn about the prehistoric animals. Includes over twenty-five hands-on experiments. NSTA List 2012.

Dinosaurs : the most complete, up-to-date encyclopedia for dinosaur lovers of all ages by Holtz, Thomas R — Random House, 2007--567.9; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.8 A comprehensive encyclopedia the provides information on dinosaurs, their history, evolution, distribution, appearance, habitats, and eventual extinction. NSTA List 2008.

Classroom Activities from Random House http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/teachers_guides/9780375824197.pdf

Dinosaurium by Murray, Lily — Big Picture Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2018. 567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.9. Explores dinosaurs from a museum exhibit perspective. NSTA List 2019.

Part I of interview with Chris Wormell Created by Candlewick Press https://www.teachingbooks.net/author_interview.cgi?id=30452

Part II of interview with Chris Wormell Created by Candlewick Press https://www.teachingbooks.net/author_interview.cgi?id=30453

Studio interview with Chris Wormell Created by Candlewick Press https://www.teachingbooks.net/author_interview.cgi?id=30454

The first dinosaur : how science solved the greatest mystery on earth by Lendler, Ian — Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2019 560.9; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.1. The making of a Megalosaurus fossil -- Touching the elephant -- The scalpel and the microscope -- The collectors -- The world makers -- The map of time -- Revolution -- The dragon hunters -- The lost world -- The night of two monsters and the great eclat -- The first dinosaur. "Dinosaurs existed. That's a fact we accept today. But not so long ago, the concept that these giant creatures could have roamed Earth millions of years before humans was unfathomable. People thought what we know as dinosaur bones were the bones of giant humans. Of large elephants. Of angels, even. So, how did we get from angel wings to the T-Rex? The First Dinosaur tells the story of the idea of dinosaurs, and the chain of fossil discoveries and advances in science that led to that idea. Be prepared to meet eccentric men and overlooked women who uncovered the pieces to a puzzle so much bigger than themselves, a puzzle far stranger . . . than they could have ever imagined. NSTA List 2020.

So, you want to work with the ancient and recent dead? : unearthing careers from paleontology to forensic science (Be What You Want) by Bedell, J. M — Aladdin, 2015 331.7; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.5. Choosing a career working with the dead -- Discovering the ancient dead: humans and civilizations -- Learning about the ancient dead: animals and plants -- Caring for the recent dead -- Preserving the dead -- Studying the dead -- Remembering the dead -- Embracing the dead in the arts -- Putting the dead to work -- Research, extinction, and other dead things -- Industry resources. Discusses careers working with the dead, from archeologist, mortician, and forensic scientist to entomologist, taxidermist, and paleoethnobotanist. NSTA 2016

Dinosaur! : dinosaurs and other amazing prehistoric creatures as you've never seen them before by Woodward, John — DK, 2014--567.9; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 8.9 Text and illustrations look at different dinosaurs. NSTA List 2015. Scaly spotted feathered frilled : how do we know what dinosaurs really looked like? by Thimmesh, Catherine — Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013--567.9; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 8.9 Examines the art of paleoartists and describes how we know what dinosaurs really looked like. NSTA List 2014. NCTE List 2014. CCBC 2014.

My Books Alive

Monday, March 18, 2024

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