Prehistoric Dinosaurs, Megalodons, and Other Fascinating Creatures of the Deep Past by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, illustrated by Julius Csotonyi. What On Earth Books, 9781912920051

ISBN13: 9781912920051
Hardcover $18.99

About the book: Travel back in time hundreds of millions of years, stopping in frozen ice ages, lush prehistoric rainforests and ancient oceans along the way. Journey backwards to prehistoric Earth, starting in the present and zipping back hundreds of millions of years, stopping in frozen ice ages, lush prehistoric rainforests and ancient oceans along the way. Bold illustrations allow children to discover fascinating creatures, including hungry dinosaurs and enormous mammoths. Infographics reveal the secrets of Earth's geology and environments, linking ancient creatures and places to our own time and to some of the major issues facing societies right now, such as climate change, deforestation and extinction events.

My thoughts:  I realized when I chose to review Prehistoric that it would undoubtedly be based on the premise of a very old Earth. I personally, do not believe the Earth to be that old, but do find merit in reading other views on when life began on this beautiful sphere we can home and the source of its beginnings.

The time line of Prehistoric begins with the "big bang" and goes back to today. The book begins at the current time and then takes the reader back to the earliest time period. The illustrations convey life forms conceivably present during that period with explanation.

Interesting is the presentation of periods of mass extension and their effect on Earth and the life forms existent prior to each mass extension, the percentage of living things obliterated by the event, and how life continued into the next time period. I found the mass volcanic period of mass extension quite interesting and also the explanation of a huge rock impacting the earth causing another of the  mass extensions.

I found it interesting that the author places mankind in a current ice age going back 10,000 years to present. Also, that man is living in a manner that predictably will precipitate the next mass extension.

Again, while I do not hold to the interpretation of fossil record as does the author, I find the book to hold value for any reader. The age targeted by this publication is roughly 5 to 12. I think it most likely would be relevant more for ages 8 to 16 and possibly even adults.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary book to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given after.