I was never a dinosaur fan-closest I got was the over-the-top enthusiam that my son showed when he was 5 and I bought him dino bedding. But this book absolutely changed my mind-I now even know how to tell a saurischian from an ornithischian (hint its the position of their pubic bones.) Black has written many books on these creatures from millions of years ago, but this is her first stab at "Dinosaurs 101," and it is full of information that you never would have thought about. For example, herbivores ate small animals, and carnivores chomped on vegetation (and often, each other.) The reason birds might have lasted through the asteroid that wiped most of the life from our planet, was because some developed beaks and could eat nuts and seeds that were still on the ground. The horns and protuberances on some of the dinosaurs weren't just armor but probably served to help find mates. Dinosaurs were so prevelant because they hatched from eggs, so some of them had a chance to survive before becoming dino snacks. Baby dinosaurs were often small and cute until age 10, when they started to grow to a size that assured them of not becoming T. Rex's next meal. And the probability of bones becoming fossils, itself is very low, due to the conditions under which they form. There is so much more in this book to chew on, and many references to other sources that can help further your knowledge.
So I ask, why should little kids have all the fun of discovering dinosaurs-I look forward to making the trip to the Natural History Museum and standing in awe at all of ths disappeared life-read this book and come with me!

Excellent and succinct history of dinosaurs. Not too tecnical—it is perfect for a lay reader. Enjoyed it a lot.