What Is a Dinosaur?

Jean Free, a library consultant, is a retired public-school teacher and
librarian in Whitby, Ontario.

An activity book in the Canadian Museum of Nature Series, this is meant
to give factual information about prehistoric animals to primary-age
children. Practical activities (learning to walk like a dinosaur,
matching exercises, maze and join-the-dot activities, and making mobiles
and plaster casts) are included. Suggestions are made for creative
storytelling or writing. The book includes a pronunciation guide.

Young’s three-color illustrations contribute a warm, friendly
appearance to the large-format book, making it appealing to small
children. Many pages are left for youngsters to color.

The soft-cover book with large, simple drawings is designed for car
trips or at-home activities for three-to-eight-year-olds eager to learn
more about dinosaurs. While there is really nothing new or innovative
about this book, it could be a resource for teachers, although it would
be most appropriate for a child’s personal use.