Inside-Outside Dinosaurs

My 5-year-old daughter spotted this book at the library, and being a fan of "The Land Before Time" requested we borrow it. I'm glad we did because this is a fun book! It takes a unique approach in that readers get to see the skeleton of a dinosaur first before turning the page and viewing the outer part of the dinosaur, hence the "Inside-Outside" title! The reason I only gave it four-stars is because it only features a handful of dinosaurs - brachiosaurus, parasaurolophus, stegosaurus, triceratops, ankylosaurus, spinosaurus, pteranodon, and tyrannosaurus rex. This is an oversized book so readers get a great, detailed view of the skeletons, as well as the vivid color illustrations of each dinosaur in its natural habitat, surrounded by other dinosaurs. A must-have for young dinosaur fans!

If you've ever been fortunate enough to see a real dinosaur skeleton or have built a model of one, you'll enjoy taking a look at this book. On the other hand, if all of the dino books you look at only show the outside of the dinosaur, you'll enjoy taking a peek at the inside. This is an inside `n outside viewpoint of all your favorites. For example, if your favorite is the great Tyrannosaurus Rex, the "king of the tyrant lizards," you'll be able to check his bones up from head to tail on a two-page spread. Just turn the page and you'll get to see him in his element (and skin!) on the next two-page spread. Those teeth and toes are amazing! If you're really up on your dinos you'll also be able to see examples of the Corythosaurus, Salasaurus, Styracosaurus and the Troodon. Dinosaurs you'll get to check out, inside and out are: * Brachiosursus, the "arm lizard" * Parasaurolophus, the "crested lizard" * Stegosaurus, the "plated lizard" * Triceratops, the "three-horned face" * Ankylosaurus, the "fused lizard" * Spinosaurus, the "spine lizard" * Pteranodon, the "toothless flyer" * Tyrannosaurus Rex, the "king of the tyrant lizards" There is a wealth of information in this book that your dino lover will take to immediately. The skeletal displays are set against a white background making it easy to see individual bones, making it easy to see. The outside view puts the dinosaur in its natural habitat and includes several other dinosaurs in the background. In the back of the book each dinosaur is briefly discussed and a black and white panorama has colored dots identifying the other dinosaurs. Additional recommended book and online resources are listed. If this one lands on any library shelf, it won't stay there for long!