Aronson, Marc  The Griffin and the Dinosaur: How Adrienne Mayor Discovered a Fascinating Link Between Myth and Science
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     National Geographic

With Adrienne Mayor. Illustrated by Chris Muller. Mayor is a scholar whose fascination with mythical creatures led her to uncover a scientific basis for the existence of the legendary griffin. Hard work, dedication, and perseverance are central themes in this intriguing story of her search for the nuggets of truth behind the myths. Photographs, drawings, and maps illustrate crucial visual evidence supporting her theories. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Mythology; Griffins; Prehistoric life—Dinosaurs; Folklore—Animals

Feldman, Thea  Tyrannosaurus!
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Kingfisher/Macmillan

Kingfisher Readers series. This easy-to-read book introduces beginning readers to perhaps the most well-known dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex. The you-are-there text ("Triceratops gets away!") describes how T. rex hunts for his next meal and battles with his prey while presenting bold-faced vocabulary words and pronunciations for the dinosaurs mentioned. A mix of digital art and photographs of paleontologists at work ground the information. Glos.
Subjects: Prehistoric life—Dinosaurs

Lanser, Amanda  Ötzi the Iceman
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Digging Up the Past series. Archaeological sites and finds are explored in this series, which touches on scientific, cultural, legal, and political implications of the discoveries; research; and preservation. Sidebars expand the thorough main text, while ample photographs of excavations and artifacts will spur the curiosity of readers with interest in ancient civilizations or archaeology. Solid basis for further study. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Ancient and Medieval History; Prehistoric life; Mummies; Archaeology

Thomson, Sarah L.  Ancient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Charlesbridge

Illustrated by Andrew Plant. Readers join this prehistoric mammal as it hunts for food, taking down an unsuspecting bison with its impressive teeth. The simple but well-written explanations of the animal's features and actions are carefully linked to the available scientific evidence, clearly indicating how fossils of today may explain behaviors of the past. Color illustrations, sometimes realistically gruesome, include scientific species' names. Reading list, websites.
Subjects: Prehistoric life

West, David  After the Dinosaurs
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.    Smart Apple

West, David  Before the Dinosaurs
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.    Smart Apple

West, David  Dinosaurs of the Cretaceous
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.    Smart Apple

West, David  Dinosaurs of the Jurassic
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.   Smart Apple

West, David  Dinosaurs of the Triassic
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.      Smart Apple

West, David  The Rise of Humans
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     Smart Apple

Prehistoric! series. Major periods and eras of life before, during, and after the Mesozoic era are divided across this series that foregrounds dinosaur species but also covers ancient life, the rise of mammals, and human evolution. Each two-page spread contains descriptions of one or more species, accompanied by (awkwardly rendered) computer-generated illustrations and a helpful size comparison to a human child. Timeline. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Prehistoric life; Fossils; Paleontology

From the May 2015 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.