Description: In this eye-opening book by award-winner Wallace Edwards, a kid`s science project on dinosaurs turns out to be the news story of the millennium!

Reviews

This undercover investigation, which begins as research for a science project on iguanas and winds up as alleged evidence that dinosaurs are alive and well, is both amusing and engaging. Edwards (Alphabeasts), otherwise known as "Wally," collects the "scientific data" in pages designed to resemble a boy`s simple notebook, fashioned from corrugated paper strung together with yarn. Even the narrator`s "apparatus" list of a pencil, sketchpad and other tools reveals a back-to-basics approach to proving his theorem. Each page details discoveries and observations penned in a mock-serious voice. "Many dinosaurs especially enjoy meeting in caf?s to discuss movies, music, art and crushing things," reads the text opposite a pseudo-photo of teatotaling dinos labelled "T. Rex? (or Tea Wrecks?)." Facing pages include a composite of watercolor-and-colored pencil renderings peppered with brief notes, puns and humorous asides (next to a father-son dino photo, Wally has jotted, "This baby is going to need one big diaper!").With so much prehistoric proof, even skeptics may have a change of heart by story`s end. Regardless of readers` beliefs about dinosaurs` existence, this title will appeal to everyone from CSI fans to those who simply enjoy a good read. Ages 5-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Gr 1-5-When young Wally catches a scaly beast passing by his window, he ditches his science project about his pet iguana and gathers evidence that will contradict all that is known about dinosaur extinction. This large, colorful, faux notebook is organized into sections that present observations on habitat, diet, grooming, communication, defenses, and other categories. "Photos" (done in watercolor, colored pencil, and gouache) of various creatures are "Scotch-taped" onto the pages and accompanied by colored-pencil sketches. The dinosaurs wear clothing (a polka-dotted dress, sneakers, a top hat, etc.), ride two-wheelers, play Peewee "fossil-ball," and attend school. Concerned about their appearance, some will even "apply makeup with mops, brush their teeth with old Christmas trees and floss with garden hoses." In the end, as readers may glean from the claws on the cover, the project is purloined and thoroughly enjoyed by a group of dinos, leaving Wally to write a lame-sounding excuse to his teacher ("I think the dinosaurs ate my homework"). The combination of childlike imagination and humor makes for a dino-mite presentation. Although this compelling book is highly tongue-in-cheek, it could provide a starting point for discussions about research methods, scientific observation, and extinction. It`s clever, funny, creative, and well conceived.-Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Students will love this comical book ? this humorous picture book is a superb introduction to the scientific process for elementary students and great example of how to clearly organize information for a research project.