Megabugs: And Other Prehistoric Critters That Roamed the Planet

Enticing fare for fans of all things Paleo. (glossary, timeline, index) (Informational picture book. 7-10)

"Imagine, deep in the jungle... a swift-moving millipede almost twice your size slithers toward you, snapping its slavering jaws." B-movie superlatives and natural history museum-diorama aesthetics set the tone for this information-rich exploration of seven Paleozoic arthropods. Bindon's colorful, detailed illustrations based on "research and fossil evidence" anchor data-laden spreads that show pronunciation and name meaning, habitat, "fave snack," fossil locations, and the relative size of each creature vis-à-vis a child, among other data points, while Becker's slangy prose explains what makes each "megabug" special. Inset text boxes identify and concisely explore relevant themes such as oxygen levels and mutation. It's an appealing way to engage kids fascinated by creepy crawlers. Concisely explains arthropods and eras, and includes a glossary, index, and list of further reading. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Gr 3-7--All of the seven megabugs explored here are arthropods. The author defines arthropod, then places these prehistoric creatures in Earth's time line, providing important information such as the age of the Earth, the names of the geological eras, and the many periods that comprise an era. Information about how fossils are formed and how rocks can be dated is included. Each megabug has a two-page spread and features a colorful, detailed illustration of the creature and its environs (illustrations were reviewed for accuracy by a trio of paleontologists). Facts such as physical characteristics, when it existed, along with its habitat, diet, how it protected itself, and what potentially caused it to go extinct are mentioned. VERDICT Information is presented clearly and simply in this fascinating (and slightly creepy) exploration of mind-boggling prehistoric megabugs. Recommended for science lovers and casual browsers.--Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn