Dougal Dixon

This is a decent introduction for those who didn't go to university (or yet to go, or just started) for geology and aren't afraid of some technical language. Sections cover what kind of gear is essential for the amateur or the professional geologist, concepts about major geological phenomena like plate tectonics and rock cycles, as well as written and photographic details of common rock and mineral types so you know where to find and identify them.

The Practical Geologist would be most useful as the start of a reference library. More details are needed to confidently identify rocks and minerals or be able to iterate how they got to be where they are found--basically, complement this book with field guides and read more books. In addition, follow this book's advice and supplement your library with your own geology field journals and local maps.

Ultimately this book fulfills it's purpose: it's a practical introduction--an introduction to build on.… (mer)

Dinosaurs roamed the Earth, swam in the seas, and flew in the air some two hundred fifty-two million years ago, and still, they still spark the imagination. What did the dinosaurs look like?

Each double-page spread in this book is devoted to one of eleven particular Jurassic dinosaurs and includes basic information, a brief description of the dinosaur’s characteristics and its natural habitat, and a photograph of the dinosaur. The photographs are of lifelike dinosaur models showing what the dinosaurs looked like in their natural surroundings.

A listing of fun facts about dinosaurs, suggested books for further reading, a list of new words, and an index/pronunciation guide all follow the entries.

The target audience for this book is the young reader in third or fourth grade, ages eight through ten. Part of Scholastic’s New Dinosaur Library Series, this informative book is sure to be a favorite with young dinosaur fans.

Highly recommended.… (mer)