Dinosaurs Under the Big Sky

Jack Horner is one of the most important - if not THE most important - living paleontologists in the world. What a treat that he is such a great and prolific writer, too! Dr. Horner combines a laconic, easy-going humor with clear explanations of complex scientific concepts and facts. He is extremely easy to read without ever being pandering. I read this book with my seven-year old son; he and I were able to comprehend virtually everything Dr. Horner discussed. There is so much information packed into this book that we've re-read parts of it several times now. Dr. Horner does not simply describe the dinosaurs of Montana; far from it. He also discusses all aspects of paleontological work, including geology, stratigraphy and how to approach a dig. This gives the reader a clear idea of what happens in the field. Additionally, Dr. Horner is a global, wide-ranging thinker, who makes many and subtle connections to reach his conclusions. It's fascinating to have this glimpse into his brain through this book. Dr. Horner himself stated that this is the book he wished HE had had when he was starting out as a dinosaur hunter. Indeed, he's done all of us dinosaur and fossil aficionados a great favor by writing it for laypeople. I recommend this book for people whose interest in dinosaurs and paleontology rise above the "gee whiz" level and who are fascinated by the science of paleontology.

Amateur collectors and lay readers will find Dinosaurs Under The Big Sky to be an intriguing guide to the dinosaurs which once roamed Montana. From the geologic history of the state to fossil finds and techniques for collecting, Dinosaurs Under The Big Sky will appeal to a specialized but interested audience of would-be dinosaur hunters.

This was an interesting book that I enjoyed. Although I have never had the opportunity to go to Montana, I have heard much about it and about Jack Horner, the famous dinosaur man. I was very interested in reading about how a dinosaur dig was made and especially how paleontologists figured out what bones were what. This book came as close as any I've read or heard about to tell me what I would need to know if I ever actually went out to Montana and went on a dig. I have heard that Dr. Horner occasionally takes tourist paleontologists out with him. I have searched for that on the internet but never found anything. I think it would be a lot of fun to go out in the desert or the badlands and look for these bones. Dr. Horner's book also told me a lot about where to go to find museums that have more information on dinosaurs and especially those that do field research. The glossary was very helpful, too. As is obvious, I am an enthusiastic amateur and read everything I can find on the subject. I saw where Dr. Horner says that Tyrannosaur Rexes were scavengers. I also read that they were kind of slow. This changes everything I ever saw in the movies or on television about them. It was fascinating to read about how the length of the leg bones allowed Dr. Horner to come up with that idea. Anyway, I just wanted to say that this is a very good book and that it has given me many ideas on dinosaur research in the field and I hope someday I will be able to go out in the field and do some research with Dr. Horner. As soon as I find out how to do that, I will. Thank you, Dr. Horner for your very good book that I really enjoyed!

Hi, I'm just a kid but I want everybody to know how much I enjoyed this book. I was hoping to get it for Christmas but now I got it early and I'm glad. I think dinosaurs are a lot of fun and I'm glad to get this book and study up on it. I hope to someday be like Jack Horner and work with dinosaurs out in Montana. I don't live in Montana but I wish I could so I could find more dinosaurs. I found some pieces one time in North Dakota and that got me interested. I like to go to museums and look at the skeletons and all the other information on dinosaurs, especially the T-Rex. I hope my parents will take me to Montana this summer and I can go to the museum and visit with Mr. Horner. It should be a lot of fun. I will ask him to autograph my book. Thank you very much, Dr. Horner for writing this book. It is my new favorite of all my dinosaur books.

Jack Horner has written a wonderful book that every man, woman, and child who loves dinosaurs should read. I've been in the field with Jack for three years running and have often mentioned to him that I'd love to have a book that would tell me what the bones were that I found and more about the animals themselves - mainly so I wouldn't have to pester him with so many questions! I don't know whether it was because of my questions (or those of his other visitors in Montana) but he has satisfied my request in full. This is a grand book for amateur and seasoned dino-hunter alike. I eagerly look forward to carrying it with me next time in the field as I search for the elusive Big Sky dinosaurs. But even if I wasn't out looking for ancient raptor bones, I'd want this book, just for its fine writing and informative artwork. It's a treasure.Homer Hickam (author of October Sky, Sky of Stone, etc.)