I Am NOT a Dinosaur!

by American Museum of Natural History, Will Lach, Jonny Lambert (Illustrator), Mark A. Norell (Introduction)

Overview

Way back in time, astonishing creatures lived on our planet. But they weren’t all dinosaurs! In this fun, fascinating book, you’ll meet some of these amazing prehistoric creatures, from a very big fish with 7-inch teeth to a flying reptile. Based on specimens in the collections of the American Museum of Natural History, I Am NOT a Dinosaur! uses riddle-like rhymes and bright illustrations to reveal 16 creatures. With an introduction from Chairman of Paleontology at the Museum, Dr. Mark Norell, the book also features short notes, fossil photos, and an illustrated timeline to explain everything, simply and clearly, to even the youngest dinosaur hunter.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781454914914
Publisher:	Sterling Children's Books
Publication date:	04/19/2016
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	1,127,085
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.10(d)
Lexile:	AD600L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is one of the largest and most respected museums in the world, with an annual attendance of five million. Since the Museum was founded in 1869, its collections have grown to include more than 33 million specimens and artifacts relating to the natural world and human cultures. The Museum showcases its collections in the exhibition halls, and, behind the scenes, more than 200 scientists carry out cutting-edge research. The Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils, and its scientists conduct expeditions each year to discover new fossil specimens. Plan a trip to the Museum, or visit online at amnh.org.

Editorial Reviews

03/21/2016
Ancient creatures use the declaration of the title to defiantly assert their non-dino status in a picture book distinguished by crisp, marble-textured graphics and lively rhymes, written in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History. “My hunger for vegetables has no bounds./ I’m 10 feet long and 1,000 pounds!/ The Americas are where I explore.../ but—I am not a dinosaur,” reveals a glyptodont, a large relative of the armadillo seen huffily chewing on a plant. Other featured animals include a woolly mammoth, pterosaur, and Neanderthal child; a helpful closing page reveals what does constitute a dinosaur, including their connection to modern-day birds. Ages 4–7. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

“ . . . a picture book distinguished by crisp, marble-textured graphics and lively rhymes, written in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History.” —Publishers Weekly

“Young dino-enthusiasts will love this new title that uses short, rhyming sentences to introduce some nondinosaur prehistoric creatures, including saber-toothed cats, woolly mammoths, and pterosaurs. Each spread highlights a beast based on skeletons from the fossil collection of the American Museum of Natural History, giving a brief introduction to the animal and an illustration of the creature as it may have appeared in its natural habitat. The book tries to clarify for budding paleontologists the differences between dinosaurs and nondinosaurs from prehistory. The rhymes are whimsical yet still informative. Beautiful cut-paper collage artwork features each prehistoric animal, often with a young one in tow, on a plain, bright background, filling the space and drawing the eye. Back matter includes a bit more material about each creature, as well as a time line that shows when each existed in relation to the others. The author also explains the technical definition of a dinosaur, which is helpful for understanding why some are not considered dinosaurs. VERDICT A lovely and enlightening introduction to prehistoric creatures and a welcome addition to any elementary collection on prehistoric creatures.” —School Library Journal

“Dinosaurs really hog all the attention when it comes to prehistoric beasts, but this guide gives the underrepresented their due. Vibrant collage-style illustrations show off many of history’s nondinosaurs on two-page spreads . . . . Lovely and informative.” —Booklist
 

From the Publisher

05/01/2016
K-Gr 3—Young dino-enthusiasts will love this new title that uses short, rhyming sentences to introduce some nondinosaur prehistoric creatures, including saber-toothed cats, woolly mammoths, and pterosaurs. Each spread highlights a beast based on skeletons from the fossil collection of the American Museum of Natural History, giving a brief introduction to the animal and an illustration of the creature as it may have appeared in its natural habitat. The book tries to clarify for budding paleontologists the differences between dinosaurs and nondinosaurs from prehistory. The rhymes are whimsical yet still informative. Beautiful cut-paper collage artwork features each prehistoric animal, often with a young one in tow, on a plain, bright background, filling the space and drawing the eye. Back matter includes a bit more material about each creature, as well as a time line that shows when each existed in relation to the others. The author also explains the technical definition of a dinosaur, which is helpful for understanding why some are not considered dinosaurs. VERDICT A lovely and enlightening introduction to prehistoric creatures and a welcome addition to any elementary collection on prehistoric creatures.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

School Library Journal