Plesiosaur Peril (Tales of Prehistoric Life)
#3 of 3 in Tales Of Prehistoric Life Series
What’s inside...
In the Tales of Prehistoric Life series, award-winning author and illustrator Daniel Loxton uses stunningly realistic, state-of-the-art, computer-generated images to vividly re-create the undersea world of the Jurassic period. Featured here are creatures called plesiosaurs, marine reptiles distantly related to land-based dinosaurs. We follow the tale of a baby Cryptoclidus, a type of plesiosaur, whose curiosity about her new world in the ocean leads her to wander away from her mother and the rest of her protective pod. As the baby happily explores and plays, she is suddenly confronted by an enormous Liopleurodon, a predatory and much larger plesiosaur. In a highly dramatic scene, the baby, with the help of the rest of her pod, makes a narrow escape from becoming the Liopleurodon's dinner. The exciting adventure story and high-impact digital illustrations, each covering a two-page spread, will captivate fans of prehistoric animals. But the book is also a terrific source of factual scientific information about the lives of plesiosaurs, their ocean habitat, the ocean's other inhabitants and the ways these creatures interacted with each other. As a special bonus, there is an information page describing these plesiosaurs at the back of the book. With its photo-realistic illustrations, this book would make an excellent resource for life science lessons on prehistoric animals and their environments, evolution and how modern scientists use their discoveries to make deductions about the animals of the distant past.
Character compass
Dolly
Mother Plesiosaur
Predator Pliosaur
Discussion points
How do you think the plesiosaurs felt when they had to face danger in their environment?
What strategies did the plesiosaurs use to survive? Can you think of any ways animals today use similar strategies?
Why do you think it’s important to learn about creatures that lived so long ago?
How do you imagine the world looked like during the time of the plesiosaurs?
If you could ask a plesiosaur one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the challenges faced by plesiosaurs by relating them to modern-day animals, fostering a connection between past and present. Use expressive questions to make connections to the child's own experiences and emotions, enhancing empathy and understanding. Through questions that inspire imagination, like picturing the prehistoric world or conversing with a plesiosaur, you can make the discussion lively and engaging. Always validate their thoughts and responses, reinforcing their interest and participation in the topic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The young plesiosaur in the story faces various dangers in its prehistoric environment, teaching children about bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach daunting situations in their own lives, such as trying new activities or standing up in class, with courage and confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, the plesiosaur continues to strive for survival, highlighting the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying despite difficulties in tasks like learning a new skill or solving a complex puzzle.
Example Lesson: Curiosity about the natural world
Explanation: The depiction of prehistoric life fosters a sense of wonder about nature and history.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and learn more about different creatures and epochs, enhancing their educational development and interest in science.