Readers are taken through the process of piecing together a dinosaur skeleton. Using simple language, McGowan explains each step, from unearthing the first bone to the detailed documentation and preservation of the find, both on site and back at the museum, by a team of paleontologists. As each bit of the dinosaur is slowly revealed, the team looks for clues, such as the size and shape of the bone, in order to identify the type of dinosaur. Once all of the bones have been marked and photographed, skilled technicians reconstruct the entire skeleton for a gallery display.

McGowan shares interesting facts about a number of dinosaurs as he takes the paleontologists through the investigative process. A participant in several digs worldwide and the Senior Curator of the Royal Ontario Museum's Department of Palaeobiology, McGowan brings a wealth of knowledge to the topic. He is very successful at simplifying the information presented in the book so that youngsters will understand its basic concepts. The last page gives the answers to four frequently asked questions about dinosaurs and includes a pronunciation guide.

Broda's fabulous illustrations enhance the text and almost steal the show. Made with paper sculpture and watercolour, they have been carefully lit and photographed to produce a realistic, three-dimensional quality. All of them are double-page spreads, many of them rendered from different vantage points for visual interest.

Highly Recommended.