Dino Dana: Dino Field Guide Volume 2

Linked to the children’s TV series Dino Dana, this book’s unique approach will appeal to fans of the show. Its field guide format, told in the first person, features pterosaurs, flying dinosaurs, and prehistoric marine creatures, mammals, terror birds, snakes and insects. The juvenile font and conversational writing style lend authenticity to a child’s field guide. Beginning with an explanation of how to use the guide, the book also includes maps, timelines, size comparison information, charts, diagrams, notes, textbook clippings and song lyrics from the TV show. For the most part, the text provides enough information, but some explanations require more detail, an example being how bones turn into rock.

Illustrations consist of collages and colour photographs, some of which are of prehistoric animals superimposed onto modern backgrounds such as homes, backyards and places in the community.

Several double-page spreads are devoted to each animal. These follow the same format as the first volume of the series, Dino Dana: A Field Guide into Science and Adventure. Besides the pronunciation of the animal’s name and a world map which indicates where the animal once lived, there is information about its special physical characteristics and behaviours, with interesting facts interspersed throughout the text. Dino “experiments” follow. This is the point at which the reader who is familiar with the television series has the advantage for the video footage of the experiments has more of an impact and is more fun and engaging than mere photographs.

There is no doubt that creative play and imagination contribute to the success of the Dino Dana TV series, but there is a little lost in translation when it comes to the books. After a while, the novelty of the book’s approach wears off, though young readers, especially fans of the show, will find the book appealing and enjoyable.