The Age of Dinosaurs: The Rise and Fall of the World's Most Remarkable Animals
The Rise and Fall Series
on Goodreads (377)
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Steve Brusatte introduces young readers to the world of dinosaurs in his new nonfiction book. Brusatte, an acclaimed paleontologist, shares the latest discoveries in the field, highlighting new dinosaur species, the presence of feathers on many dinosaurs, and the connection between ancient and modern-day dinosaurs. Aimed at readers aged 7 to 12, the book includes a glossary, pronunciation guide, index, and photos, making it an educational yet exciting read for the classroom and independent exploration.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it was like when dinosaurs roamed the Earth?
If you could meet any dinosaur from the book, which one would it be and why?
How do you think dinosaurs communicated with each other?
What can we learn from studying the rise and fall of dinosaurs?
If you were a paleontologist, what would you want to discover about dinosaurs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the prehistoric world vividly, asking them to describe scenes or ideas out loud. Use comparisons to current animals or environments to help them relate to the content. Validate their thoughts and encourage creative thinking by asking follow-up questions based on their responses. Finally, reinforce learnings by connecting dinosaur facts to broader scientific or ecological concepts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The concept of change over time
Explanation: The book chronicles the evolution and extinction of dinosaurs, showing how species adapt or fade away with changing environments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding of adaptation and change to their own lives by learning to be flexible and resilient in the face of new challenges and environments.
Example Lesson: The importance of scientific inquiry and discovery
Explanation: Steve Brusatte walks young readers through the process of how paleontologists uncover fossils and piece together the history of dinosaurs.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate science and exploration, potentially inspiring them to ask questions, explore, and learn about the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and its history
Explanation: The book provides detailed accounts of various dinosaurs and their natural habitats, highlighting the complexity and beauty of ancient ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and respect nature, understanding the importance of conservation and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Example Lesson: Teamwork in scientific communities
Explanation: The narrative showcases how paleontologists work together, share findings, and build upon each other’s research to have a better understanding of prehistoric life.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught the value of collaboration and sharing knowledge, which they can practice in group activities or school projects.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: The book details the challenges paleontologists face—from harsh weather conditions to mistaken hypotheses—emphasizing persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist in their endeavors, whether it be solving a difficult math problem or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.