Occasionally, when Everything Dinosaur team members are not in the office or warehouse, they get the chance to unwind by visiting a bookshop. As they peruse the shelves and examine the titles a new game has developed. It is called dinosaur book bingo. Can a book reviewed by Everything Dinosaur be spotted in the shop?
The paperback edition of “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs” by Steve Brusatte. A fabulous dinosaur book. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
“The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs”
Whilst taking a well-earned break from work to visit a regional shopping centre, team members indulged in a little bit of dinosaur book bingo. A paperback copy of the excellent “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs” by palaeontologist Steve Brusatte was spotted.
Everything Dinosaur team members had the pleasure of reading an inspection copy in the early spring of 2018. The book was published in May 2018.
The paperback edition was introduced early in 2019.
A Highly Recommended Dinosaur Book
Dr Steve Brusatte is an American palaeontologist based at the University of Edinburgh. He has worked on numerous dinosaurs and pterosaurs including several important specimens that have been found in his adopted home of Scotland (Isle of Skye).
This is a highly recommended dinosaur book.
Dr Brusatte takes the reader on a journey. He chronicles the evolution of the first dinosaurs and plots their gradual rise to dominance over other reptilian contemporaries. Dr Brusatte charts their progress through the end Triassic extinction event to their emergence as the dominant terrestrial megafauna on our planet. Tyrannosaurus rex and its relatives are thoroughly reviewed. The evidence for feathers in the non-avian Dinosauria is comprehensively covered.
The latest edition of the publication for dinosaur fans and model collectors “Prehistoric Times” magazine has arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s offices. It is time to review issue 145 (spring 2023) and what a jam-packed edition it is. The stunning front cover artwork was produced by Kurt Miller. It features a Kelenken “Terror Bird” battling a Smilodon.
Kelenken is featured in the magazine along with an article on the remarkable Hypsilophodon. Both pieces are penned by Phil Hore (a little assistance from Gary Vecchiarelli with the hypsilophodontid article).
The front cover of Prehistoric Times magazine issue 145 (Spring 2023). Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.
From Feathers to Scales
The regular Tracy Lee Ford section – “How to Draw Dinosaurs”, switches its focus away from feathers and takes a look at different types of dinosaur scale. In contrast, the long-running review of Zdeněk Burian’s contribution to palaeoart looks at how the artist depicted Mesozoic mammals. The article by Jon Lavas is filled with amazing illustrations. It is wonderful to see some of Burian’s incredible, lesser-known illustrations.
On the subject of prehistoric art, Steve White discusses his new book “Mesozoic Art”, written in collaboration with Darren Naish. Some of the beautiful images from the book are re-printed in this issue.
A Gobi Desert scene showing Late Cretaceous mammalian and dinosaur fauna. Burian depicts two species of multituberculates. In the foreground the rodent-like Kryptobaatar, in the middle of the scene a group of Djadochtatherium matthewi can be observed whilst in the background a Protoceratops andrewsi wanders past. Picture credit: Zdeněk Burian.
Picture credit: Zdeněk Burian
“Prehistoric Times” Magazine
Everything Dinosaur would like to congratulate Marcus Burkhardt, John Sibbick, Andy Frazer and Dani Navarro. Just a few of the talented people who submitted Hypsilophodon artwork. The Kelenken article too, features some amazing illustrations. Congratulations to all the contributors with special mentions to Anders Bang, Jeff Nevens and magazine editor Mike Fredericks for their Kelenken artwork.
Cretaceous Sea Turtle Nests, Phil Currie and New Fossil Finds
There is a substantial amount of palaeontology featured in issue 145. Long-term friend of the magazine, palaeontologist Phil Currie contributes an entertaining piece examining dinosaur fossil expeditions from a hundred years ago. The Chelonia are included with a fascinating article documenting turtle nesting sites from the Cretaceous. In addition, the latest dinosaur discoveries and fossil finds are summarised in the Paleonews segment.
Randy Knol covers prehistoric animal collector news, reflecting on recent production figures including the new for 2023 CollectA Anomalocaris and Dino Dana Zuul. Editor Mike Fredericks takes time out of his busy schedule to review some of the latest book releases.
Our congratulations to all the contributors to issue 145. It is yet another well-crafted and thoroughly absorbing edition.
The editor of “Prehistoric Times” magazine sent team members at Everything Dinosaur a preview of the front cover of the next edition of the quarterly magazine. The dramatic front cover artwork, which features a South American “Terror Bird” attacking a sabre-toothed cat, was created by southern California artist Kurt Miller.
The front cover of Prehistoric Times magazine issue 145 (Spring 2023). Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.
Picture credit: Mike Fredericks
“Prehistoric Times”
The spring issue features artwork and information on two prehistoric animals, the dinosaur Hypsilophodon and the giant Kelenken (K. guillermoi) a “Terror Bird”, that we suspect was the inspiration behind the stunning front cover artwork.
Kelenken is known from the Middle Miocene of Argentina. Standing more than 3 metres tall, it is the largest member of the Phorusrhacidae to have been described to date. Body mass estimates vary, but some palaeontologists have suggested that this giant flightless bird weighed around 200 kilograms.
Spring 2023 Edition
The next edition of “Prehistoric Times” is due out in a few weeks. The magazine will also feature an article from the distinguished Canadian palaeontologist Phil Currie. Professor Currie will examine the key dinosaur discoveries that took place more than a century ago.
To coincide with World Book Day (2nd March, 2023), here is Everything Dinosaur’s review of “Ancient Sea Reptiles” by Darren Naish. We have had an inspection copy of this eagerly awaited publication for a few weeks, and now that the book is officially available, we thought it an opportune moment to post up our thoughts and comments.
Ancient Sea Reptiles by Dr Darren Naish. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Ancient Sea Reptiles
Dr Naish provides a comprehensive overview of Mesozoic marine reptiles. These denizens of the deep are in safe hands as the accomplished author guides readers through their evolutionary history before going on to dedicate individual chapters to each of the main marine reptile groups.
The Dinosauria may have dominated terrestrial environments. This carefully crafted and beautifully illustrated book leaves the reader in no doubt as to the majesty and variety of reptiles that thrived in the Mesozoic seas.
A less confident writer might have struggled to provide an overview of the anatomy of this extremely diverse group of marine adapted reptiles. Sea turtles, shark-shaped reptiles, plesiosaurs, thalattosuchians and mosasaurs are all tackled with aplomb, and the evolutionary changes required to adapt to an aquatic lifestyle are reviewed in a single compendious chapter. For example, the function of the plesiosaur’s neck is explained and the likely swimming styles of various body plans is clearly elucidated through the skilful use of descriptive text.
Exquisite Photography
Photographs of important fossil discoveries are included along with detailed and informative notes. A glossary is also provided to assist readers with terminology. Some of the lesser-known Mesozoic marine reptiles such as the Triassic sauropterygians, Cretaceous sea snakes and the mesosaurs – the world’s first aquatic reptiles, have their own dedicated chapter.
The paddle bone of a leptonectid ichthyosaur.
Stunning Artwork and Life Reconstructions
“Ancient Sea Reptiles” is richly illustrated with striking specimens and life reconstructions from many highly respected palaeoartists. The author also contributes to the illustrations providing drawings and cladograms.
The author provides many of the cladograms and prehistoric animal illustrations.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised the book and commented:
“This is an extensively researched and most informative volume written in an easy to understand language that will please the academic and general reader alike. Ancient Sea Reptiles is highly recommended.”
To purchase Ancient Sea Reptiles by Darren Naish, visit the publisher’s website and search for either the book title or the author: Visit the Publisher’s Website.
“Prehistoric Times” magazine (issue 144 winter 2023) is reviewed by team members at Everything Dinosaur and what a jam-packed edition it is! Canadian artist Julius Csotonyi provided the illustrations for a new publication that features 1,200 dinosaurs. This immense volume was written by Evan Johnson-Ransom and in an interview Julius explains that virtually all the illustrations contained in the book were especially commissioned and new. Magazine editor Mike Fredericks conducts an interview with the artist and this piece is accompanied by many examples of Julius’s work.
The front cover artwork is supplied by Daniel Navarro, and it features the Chinese tyrannosauroid Dilong. Dilong is one of the featured prehistoric animals in issue 143, the other being the super-sized, prehistoric snake Titanoboa.
The front cover image of the latest edition of the quarterly publication “Prehistoric Times”.
David Navarro also provided the artwork to be found on the back cover of the magazine, a stunning illustration of a T. rex family feeding on the carcase of a mosasaur.
Tracy Lee Ford
Inside the magazine Tracy Lee Ford concludes his series on how to illustrate dinosaur integumentary coverings with an examination of the feathers and bristles associated with ornithischian dinosaurs. John Lavas continues his profile of the highly influential Czech artist Zdeněk Burian. In this issue, he focuses on the projects and volume of work produced by Burian from the end of war until his death in 1981. Look out for the stunning gouache prints contained within this in-depth article.
Randy Knol and Mike Fredericks bring us up to date with new model introductions from CollectA and Safari Ltd, the editor has had a busy month as he also interviews palaeoartist John Conway about his new book “A History of Painting (with Dinosaurs).” John explains that he wanted to create an art book that explores how famous painters from the past, each with their very own painting style, would have depicted dinosaurs. The article includes numerous examples such as a portrait of Lambeosaurus done in the style of Pablo Picasso and a stunning pterosaur reflecting the impressionist painters such as Monet.
Titanoboa
As well as covering Dilong, Phil Hore presents a short history of Titanoboa and proposes that amongst the enormous reptiles that existed in north-eastern Columbia during the Palaeocene, the most fearsome predator of all might have been a giant, prehistoric turtle. Reader submitted artwork is prevalent including illustrations by Esther Van Hulson, James Gurney and M. Elliott Massion who also contributes a drawing to the Dilong article.
The recently introduced Rebor museum-quality Titanoboa maquette is also featured in the Titanoboa article.
The Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Monty Resurgent. An image of this model features in a Titanoboa article in “Prehistoric Times” magazine issue 144.
To view the range of Rebor prehistoric animal figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur, including Titanoboa figures (whilst stocks last): Rebor Replicas and Figures.
Mike Howgate follows up his article from issue 142 and examines the casting in bronze of a pair of European bison by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, prior to the creation of the famous Crystal Palace prehistoric animal sculptures. This provides a convenient segue into the extensive Mesozoic Media section providing reviews on lots of new prehistoric animal publications including the “Art and Science of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs” by Mark Witton and Ellinor Michael. Amongst the cornucopia of new publications, Mike Fredericks explores new fiction, reviewing “Liopleurodon: The Master of the Deep” by M. B. Zucker as well as two new publications from Gregory S. Paul and published by Princeton University Press which documents Mesozoic Sea Reptiles and Pterosaurs respectively.
The front cover of The Princeton Field Guide to Mesozoic Sea Reptiles by Gregory S. Paul, a comprehensive overview of Mesozoic marine reptiles. This excellent publication is reviewed in the latest issue of “Prehistoric Times”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Our congratulations to the team behind “Prehistoric Times” and to all the contributors to issue 144.
The next edition of “Prehistoric Times” magazine (issue 144) is on its way and should be with readers in a couple of weeks. Our thanks to magazine editor Mike Fredericks who sent into Everything Dinosaur a preview of the front cover artwork which was created by Daniel Navarro, a very talented artist from Spain.
The front cover image of the next edition of the quarterly publication “Prehistoric Times”.
“Prehistoric Times”
We are reliably informed that this issue (winter 2023), will feature an interview with the Canadian palaeoartist Julius Csotonyi. We suspect that the interview will feature his new book “Dinosaur World”, a publication eagerly anticipated by fans of his artwork as it includes over 1,200 different dinosaur illustrations. Fans of palaeoart on this side of the Atlantic get to hear from John Conway about his latest projects including his own book, which is due out shortly entitled “A History of Painting (with Dinosaurs)”.
Visit the “Prehistoric Times” website to subscribe to this quarterly magazine: “Prehistoric Times”.
Featured Prehistoric Animals
The featured prehistoric animals in issue 144 are the Chinese early tyrannosauroid Dilong and the biggest snake known to science – Titanoboa. Readers can expect to see lots of amazing artwork.
A drawing of Titanoboa commissioned by Everything Dinosaur for a fact sheet on Titanoboa for a Rebor model.
The Titanoboa illustration (above) was commissioned by Everything Dinosaur so that the UK-based company could produce a scale drawing of the giant prehistoric snake for the fact sheet that was despatched with Rebor Titanoboa figures.
To view the range of Rebor models including museum class Titanoboa maquettes (whilst stocks last): Rebor Models and Figures.
Everything Dinosaur received this week a copy of “Two Acres of Time” by Richard S. Laub, the former curator of geology at the Buffalo Museum of Science (New York). The book documents the remarkable Pleistocene fossil and archaeological deposit preserved at Byron (Genesee County in New York State).
The arrival of “Two Acres of Time” by Richard S. Laub and published by Columbia University Press. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
“Two Acres of Time”
The location formally owned by the Hiscock family (the fossil quarry is often referred to as the Hiscock site), preserves evidence of mastodon elephants as well as flint tools from humans that were present in this area around 10,000 years ago. The book tells the story of the fossil and archaeological excavations and highlights the remarkable dedication and enthusiasm of the hundreds of volunteers that have worked to uncover the fossils and other artefacts from this unique location.
Published by Columbia University Press, this book explains how scientists explore, investigate, excavate and preserve evidence of ancient landscapes and the animals and people that lived in them.
Aimed at students, academics as well as the general reader, team members at Everything Dinosaur are looking forward to reading this recently published book.
To find this book visit the Columbia University Press website and search under the author Richard S. Laub or alternatively, under the book title “Two Acres of Time”.
Are you looking for an entertaining and colourful story book to help inspire the next generation of young palaeontologists? With the festive season fast approaching, we recommend “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” written by Dr Adam S. Smith and Jonathan Emmett, with lots of superb illustrations by Adam Larkum, a graduate of the Edinburgh College of Art.
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck” by Dr Adam S. Smith and Jonathan Emmett with illustrations by Adam Larkum that explores the question why did plesiosaurs like Poppy the Albertonectes have a long neck?
Prehistoric Prose, Puns and Palaeontology
Poppy is an Albertonectes plesiosaur. Her neck is seven metres long! This fun book, aimed at young readers sets out to explore some of the theories put forward by scientists as they attempt to explain why some plesiosaurs had super-sized necks.
The rhyming text bounces along and has been devised to help young readers maintain concentration and attention. Alfie the ammonite and Bella the belemnite accompany Poppy on her quest to solve this palaeontological puzzle and they chime in with cheeky comments as Poppy considers whether her neck can zap predators with electricity, helps her pluck off pesky parasites or allows to sneak up on her dinner.
Why did Poppy the Plesiosaur have a long neck?
Highly Praised
In the competitive field of children’s books, “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” has been singled out for praise. For example, shortly after it was launched it was “Children’s Book of the Week” in both Books for Keeps magazine and The Independent newspaper.
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck” was included in Teach Primary magazine’s “Fifty Modern Reads Every School Library Needs” and the book was also a finalist in the Sparks! School Book Awards.
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck”
When this delightful book was first published, team members at Everything Dinosaur had the opportunity to review a copy.
We stated:
“This book combines colourful characters with a cornucopia of fun facts. It is an entertaining exploration of a genuine palaeontological puzzle.”
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck” is suitable for ages 5 years plus, this rhyming picture book has thirty-two pages and is published by UCLan Publishing.
Dr Adam S. Smith (left) and Jonathan Emmett (right) the authors of the rhyming picture book.
More Books in the Pipeline
Dr Adam S. Smith told Everything Dinosaur that a second publication was in the pipeline, this time the story would evolve around a dinosaur, a tyrannosaur!
Dr Smith exclaimed:
“We’re excited to be working on a follow up book, ‘The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers’, to be published in 2024.”
In the meantime, if you are looking for a children’s book as a gift idea for the festive season, “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” is highly recommended.
Prehistoric Times reviewed by Everything Dinosaur team members.
Celebrating thirty years since the first issue of “Prehistoric Times” magazine, it is time to review the latest edition of this quarterly magazine for fans of prehistoric animals and dinosaur models. The stunning artwork on the front cover was supplied by Jaime Chirinos, whose illustrations have adorned the front cover of this popular magazine on previous occasions. In this issue, magazine editor Mike Fredericks interviews the Peruvian-born illustrator and there are lots of fantastic artwork by Jaime included in the article.
The front cover of Prehistoric Times issue 143 (fall/autumn) 2022. The front cover illustration an Auriornis – a controversial Chinese, crow-sized theropod. The superb illustration is by Jaime Chirinos.
Feathered Dinosaurs
It is fitting to have Jaime depict a feathered theropod on the front cover of issue 143 as inside Tracy Lee Ford continues his series of highly informative articles on dinosaur feathers, whilst John Lavas provides part 2 of his biography of the influential Zdeněk Burian. There are no feathered dinosaurs to admire in the artwork associated with this article, but plenty of illustrations produced by Burian associated with other types of commission he received. If you are a fan of Jules Verne, you are in for a treat.
The classical depiction of Styracosaurus albertensis by Burian (1941), one of several oil canvases incorporated into the article written by John Lavas. The illustration depicts two horned dinosaurs emerging into a clearing. This image has inspired many other artists and box art packaging designers. Picture credit J. R. Lavas.
Kunbarrasaurus and the Tasmanian Tiger
Aussie Phil Hore provides a conducted tour of the armoured Australian dinosaur Kunbarrasaurus, and the article includes some amazing, armoured dinosaur artwork, our congratulations to Wade Carmen, Anders Bang, John F Davies and the other contributors. Phil Hore stays in Australia to discuss the enigmatic and recently extinct Thylacine, otherwise known as the Tasmanian Tiger. Thanks to Daniel Navarro, Andreas Forrer and Marcus Burkhardt for their reader-supplied artwork with a special mention for Jaime Martinez for sending in a picture of his Thylacine models, complete with a female with offspring in her pouch.
From marsupials we move to monsters with Bruce Horton’s submission recreating a King Kong versus Allosaurus model diorama by combining two replica kits into a single, stunning display. Mike Fredericks interviews palaeontologist and author Steve Brusatte, who has taken time away from his research based at the University of Edinburgh to pen a sequel to his acclaimed “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs” entitled “The Rise and Reign of the Mammals”. The piece is peppered with some illustrations from this new book charting the rise of the Mammalia created by the famous palaeoartist Todd Marshall. This beautifully illustrated book is highly recommended.
Prehistoric Times Reviewed
The regular features such as a section covering recent fossil discoveries, classified advertisements, book reviews in “Mesozoic Media” are all included, and Randy Knol provides an update on new model introductions too. The autumn edition provides a fitting tribute to thirty years of magazine publishing.
At this time of year, as we approach the run up to the festive season, team members at Everything Dinosaur receive emails asking for book recommendations, here is a trio of ideal dinosaur books for Christmas.
All three books have been written by Dr Dean Lomax. Dr Lomax is an English vertebrate palaeontologist and science communicator, a world authority on ichthyosaurs and their close relatives.
Dean has recently completed three books – “Locked in Time” (left) which is illustrated by Bob Nicholls. “Prehistoric Pets” (centre) and (right) “Dinosaurs 10 Things You Should Know”. All three books make ideal gifts for the festive season. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
“Locked in Time”
Fossils have provided scientists with a unique insight into life in the past. The book “Locked in Time – Animal Behavior Unearthed in 50 Extraordinary Fossils” takes the reader on a journal through deep geological time and highlights fifty of the most incredible fossil discoveries ever made. Illustrated by Bob Nicholls, fossils discussed include brooding dinosaurs, prehistoric fish entombed in giant clams, predator death traps and Jurassic crocodilians with broken jaws.
One of the dramatic illustrations from the book “Locked in Time”. A pair of Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi) that died together when their tusks became locked together during combat. Picture Credit: Bob Nicholls.
“Prehistoric Pets”
“Prehistoric Pets” is aimed at the younger reader. It links animals alive today with their prehistoric ancestors. Favourite pets had prehistoric animal ancestors and Dr Lomax provides fun facts on fish and their 500-million-year evolutionary history, demonstrates that budgerigars are dinosaurs and that guinea pigs are distantly related to a rodent the size of a horse!
This colourful and well-written book takes the reader on a journey back in time, linking common household pets today with their prehistoric ancestors. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/Templar Books.
Published by Templar Books and available as a hardcopy format, this eye-catching and humorous book makes an ideal Christmas gift for young readers.
“Prehistoric Pets” by Dr Dean Lomax and illustrated by Mike Love can be purchased here: Waterstones Book Store.
Search for author Dean Lomax to discover the books.
“Dinosaurs Ten Things You Should Know”
Dr Lomax builds on his extensive experience as a science communicator and presents ten bite-sized essays that brings the Dinosauria to life in the 128-page “Dinosaurs Ten Things You Should Know”. He tackles big ideas about the dinosaurs, their evolution, their diversity, how they behaved and their ultimate demise.
Published by the Orion Publishing Group, “Dinosaurs Ten Things You Should Know” can be found here (just search for author Dean Lomax): Orion Publishing Group.
