Supercroc and Other Prehistoric Crocodiles (National Geographic)

Gr 5-7 The author of Feathered Dinosaurs (National Geographic, 2000) has again dipped into the paleontological well to produce another exciting volume. The lucid, informative text not only describes Dr. Paul Sereno's African expedition to locate the fossil remains of 40 -long Sarcosuchus imperator (aka SuperCroc), but also traces the development of crocodilians from their earliest known beginnings to the more familiar alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharials of today. Large, dynamic, full-color photos and equally dramatic artwork depict this long evolutionary history, while the readable text explores such early entries as phytosaurs and aetosaurs, describes important fossil finds, and discusses possible reasons for crocodilian extinctions. The author also muses on the mysteries of the fossil crocs of Madagascar, which have more in common with South American fossils of the same era, rather than the expected connection to nearby Africa. Well written, colorfully illustrated, and with an eye-catching cover, this high-interest title will be devoured by paleo-predatorphiles. -Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.