The Kingfisher Illustrated Dinosaur Encyclopedia
Kingfisher Encyclopedias Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
Chronologically presents information on dinosaurs, including fossils, dinosaur habits, and habitats. This reference offers a dramatic trek back in time, exploring the dawn of life on our planet and the age of dinosaurs. It features full-color illustrations, photographs, and realistic dinosaur reconstructions based on the latest scientific discoveries, bringing each creature to life. The text provides detailed facts about dinosaurs along with insights into their lifestyle and behavior. Species spreads cover specific dinosaur families, detailing their habitats, behavior, sizes, and fossil locations. Special subject spreads focus on various aspects of dinosaur life. The book serves as a comprehensive, chronological encyclopedia complete with timelines, up-to-date research, a glossary, and a general index, making it an indispensable resource for young dinosaur enthusiasts and a captivating guide for the whole family.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like if dinosaurs still roamed the Earth today?
Which dinosaur from the encyclopedia do you find the most fascinating, and why?
How do you think dinosaurs communicated with each other?
What can we learn from studying dinosaur fossils?
If you could be a dinosaur for a day, which one would you choose and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and use their imagination by asking them to draw their favorite dinosaur or create a story involving dinosaurs.
Compare the sizes of different dinosaurs to objects or animals that are familiar to your child to help them grasp the scale of these creatures.
Discuss the habitat and diet of various dinosaurs to connect the information to topics your child already knows about, like nutrition and the environment.
Highlight the scientific aspects of paleontology by setting up a mini 'excavation' activity at home, using toys or objects buried in sand.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding of ancient life forms
Explanation: This book provides detailed information about various dinosaurs, their habitats, and their behaviors, giving children insight into the diversity of life forms that existed millions of years ago.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the diversity in nature and learn the importance of preserving different species and ecosystems.
Example Lesson: Scientific inquiry and exploration
Explanation: The encyclopedia format of the book, interspersed with facts and figures about dinosaurs, encourages children to explore and ask questions about scientific processes and paleontology.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can foster a love for science and exploration, encouraging children to engage in scientific activities and possibly pursue careers in scientific fields.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and analysis
Explanation: By comparing different types of dinosaurs and understanding the reasons behind their extinction, children learn to analyze information and form educated opinions.
Real-World Application: These skills are transferrable to everyday problem solving and decision making, helping children approach challenges with analytical thinking.
Example Lesson: Temporal understanding and patience
Explanation: Learning about the extensive timelines involved in the history of dinosaurs helps children understand the concept of deep time and the slow pace of natural changes.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of patience and the importance of long-term thinking in achieving significant results.
Example Lesson: Respect for past life and history
Explanation: The Kingfisher Illustrated Dinosaur Encyclopedia offers glimpses into the ancient world, fostering respect and a sense of wonder for the history of our planet.
Real-World Application: This respect can extend to learning about and valuing human history and different cultures, enhancing social empathy and global awareness.