Smithsonian Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life Visual Guide

Dinosaurs and prehistoric life have long fascinated the minds of both the young and the old. In fact, some kids develop an intense interest that envelops their whole existence. Most of us know of a child that went through an intense dinosaur obsession, fascination or phase where they eat, sleep and breathe nothing but these prehistoric beasts. These massive animals, whether a serene plant-eater or a dangerous predator are appealing to children and they see these extinct creatures a lot differently than adults. Visually experiencing the magnitude of their size is captivating and hypnotizing and kids just want to learn more about them. The Smithsonian Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life is one of the most comprehensive and insightful visual guides that will teach children all about Earth’s different geological phases.

Smithsonian Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

The Smithsonian Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life encyclopedia will take kids back to the beginning of time, over 500 million years ago. It’s divided into two sections, Young Earth and Life on Earth.

The first section shares detailed information about the origin of the Earth, the solar system, the formation of the oceans and continents, classifications, types of fossils including birds, bugs, animals and dinosaurs, fossil sites, a colorful geological timescale and so much more. The full-color photos, diagrams, graphs, and 3D constructions are visual aids that make learning fun and exciting. Ever hear of the woolly rhinoceros? They lived in ice-age North America and Eurasia and became extinct over 10,000 years ago. Kids can peruse fossil photos, learn about the makings of a fossil, the wall of bones and more.

The second section, Life on Earth, will take you through all the different eras of Earth’s history. Starting with the Precambrian periods of Archean and Proterozoic to the current Quaternary period. As kids explore each period in history, they will glean insight into the formation of our planet and the inhabitants who occupy it. These residents include more than animals, they encompass plant life as well. Plantlife on Earth began developing during the Ordovician and Silurian periods and increased significantly during the Devonian period. These would become the food for many animals, including some of our favorite dinosaurs.

Each era shares what plants and animals existed during this time. You may have noticed that the Mesozoic Era is missing in the timetable. The Mesozoic Era is included, but it’s divided into its 3 periods in chronological order, Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. But, kids can first spot and read about dinosaurs in the Permian period. From the Eoraptor to the Triceratop, from gentle Europasaurus to the ferocious Gigantosaurus, kids will learn an amazing about of facts about all the dinosaurs that roamed our beloved Earth.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary products to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own, yours may differ.