The Tiniest Giants: Discovering Dinosaur Eggs

This exciting work introduces the young listener to the world of paleontology, including the recent discovery of fossilized dinosaur eggs with the babies still within. The account of the expedition to Patagonia, where the eggs were found, is told in a diary-entry style, with Dietz capturing the excitement of the author's account. His voice is expressive, clear and full of enthusiasm. Young readers will be amazed at the discovery, which is marvelously conveyed in this performance. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This science adventure-a factual account of a 1997 trip to Patagonia in search of fossil birds and their dinosaur relatives from some 75 million years ago-provides an absorbing introduction to paleontology. It also affords a fascinating insider's look at the hard work, tedium and, sometimes, rewarding surprises that are the lot of dedicated scientists. The authors were members of an expedition that uncovered the first embryonic dinosaur in which the skin had been entirely preserved. It wasn't at all what they had setout to do, but scientific advances are not predictable ahead of time. The writer's own revealing photographs from their trip are crucial to making the unexpected findings accessible to a general reader. It may come as a surprise to learn that the first dinosaur fossils were discovered only 150 years ago, or that today's hummingbird and ostrich eggs are actually direct descendents of dinosaur eggs. Attentive readers will be amply rewarded. A 1999 Parents' Choice® Recommendation. (Selma G. Lanes, Parents' Choice®) -- From Parents' Choice®