A Little Bit of Dinosaur

Gr 2-5--This title provides an overview of the fossilization and breakdown of dinosaur bones and how calcium from a dinosaur can appear in modern items and present-day human anatomy, such as a child's jawbone. The text begins with prehistoric times, and then ultimately follows a mother who visits the grocery store and buys cheese that contains calcium that used to be in a dinosaur. This picture book uses an engaging scientific concept to present a goofy yet understandable narrative for younger readers. Each spread features bright, comical cartoon artwork and clear lettering in either black or white. While the information is told as factual, the illustrations take on a fantastical element, such as a child with actual dinosaur parts and a cow riding farm equipment. The text ends rather abruptly, leaving readers with questions about where calcium from their bodies will end up in the long run. The child and mother are drawn with light skin tones. VERDICT A fun purchase for inquisitive elementary students and for nonfiction collections where dinosaurs and science, in general, are popular.--Molly Dettmann, Norman North H.S., OK