The Adventures of Danny the Dinosaur

Children who love dinosaurs may be interested in checking out Dr. Kent Hovind’s series The Adventures of Danny the Dinosaur. A young Brachiosaurus narrates the books. This review looks at books numbers one and two in the series. Both books are illustrated by Brent Giles. The kid-friendly, cartoonish pictures have bright, bold colors and are crowded with details.

Book One: In the Garden of Eden. Danny opens the book by introducing himself. Then he talks about his great grandfather, Big D, and the Garden of Eden. Danny sums up most of the creation story by stating “God made everything we see in just six days,” and that God made Big D “just to show how awesome He was.”

We then see the world through Big D’s eyes. We see Adam and Eve in the garden with only one direction: They could eat the fruit from all of the trees there, except for one tree in the middle of the garden.

Adam and Eve play with Big D, climbing on his neck and taking rides around the garden. And then the snake comes and tempts Eve to disobey God. She eats the forbidden fruit, and so does Adam. Then they cover themselves with fig leaves until a fateful conversation with God, which results in their banishment from the garden.

The book closes with a quick explanation of God’s plan to fix the problem of sin by sending his son to pay the price for all of man’s sins. In addition, Danny gives the reader a glimpse into book two.

Book Two: The Big Boat This story picks up years after the first book, where mankind has multiplied but are wicked and sinful. Danny’s great grandfather, Big D, spots Noah building a big boat and wonders why. He soon learns from an owl that mankind has followed the way of Cain, and that because of this, God plans on destroying them in a flood. The book then takes a side trip to tell about the story of Cain and Abel. (This also entails a quick reference to the Garden of Eden.)

Big D helps Noah build the ark, then watches as animals board it. Once the door is shut on leering spectators, the rains come. Everyone on the boat is safe. The story ends with Noah and his family still on the boat. The remaining pages provide a short plan of salvation for the reader and a sneak peek at book three… where we find out what happens after the flood.

What I Like: Although somewhat heavy-handed (and at the same time perhaps underdeveloped), I appreciate the author addressing faith in Christ. It is evident he has a heart to reach children with the message of salvation.

What I Dislike: Yes, I know this is a fictional tale, but it mixes the Biblical account into it. In so doing, the author takes some liberties with Scripture. For example, he speculates on what Adam and Eve saw and which animals they interacted with (including the dinosaur). When Noah builds his boat, Big D helps him pull trees and lift wood. The animals are also given human-like qualities and thought processes.

One annoying feature of the text is the way the author stretches out some of the words. Words like long, great, so, tall, and amazing become l-o-o-o-n-g, g-r-e-a-a-a-t, s-o-o-o-o, t-a-a-a-l-l-l and a-m-a-a-a-z-i-n-g.

Finally, I wish the author had picked a different name for the dinosaur. “Danny”, for me, is too reminiscent of Sid Hoff’s classic children’s book Danny and the Dinosaur.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: It's listed for ages 3 and up, but I think the text is too long and mature for 3 year olds. I suggest ages 4-8.

Publisher Info: Bridge Logos Pub, 2010 (book one) 2011 (book two); ISBN:978-0882709116(book one), 9781584680741 (book two); Paperback, 25 pgs., $5.95
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Special Info: God is depicted in the first book. Although his face is not shown (a burst of light beams stemming from where a face should be cloaks His features), a humanoid-shaped body is visible. Also, the book provides a website at www.drdino.com. However, when I went to this site, I didn’t find anything geared for children. Instead, it has products, articles and videos for adults interested in creation. If children expect to see something related to Danny, they will be disappointed.

Take a Trip on the Silver Ship

In this beautifully illustrated board book, Darrell Wiskur takes children on a journey under the ocean in their very own "silver ship" (or submersible vehicle). Each page of Take a Trip on the Silver Ship features a cut out hole as part of the ship, and the last page has a mirror on it; the result is that kids see themselves in the "window" of the ship.

They see sea lions and penguins under ice bergs, a mama and baby whale, squids and jellyfish, weird deep sea fish with glowing lights, and sea turtles, all through lovely blue-tinged illustrations. The text is written in rhyme and mentions God several times. For example:

"God made squid and jellyfish
Without any bones!
Deep in the ocean
They are at home.
Some are giant;
Some are small.
God made jellyfish
Squishiest of all."

The last page asks kids to praise God for all creation.

What I Like: As I've already mentioned, the illustrations are very pleasing and both my kids (ages 3 and 6) enjoyed the mirror. Both wanted the book read to them repeatedly. 

What I Dislike: Although the first two page spread mentioned the silver ship can take children on a journey - even a journey through time - I find it jarring that one page illustrates and discusses Plesiousaurs, a type of dinosaur believed to swim in the sea. Because the rest of the book highlights currently-living creatures, I had to stop and explain to my youngest that dinosaurs no longer live.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 3 and up, but I think many 2 year old would enjoy it, too.

Publishing Info: Master Books; 2002; ISBN: 978-0890513798 ; boardbook, 16 pgs., $6.99.
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A Day with the Dinosaurs

Our own Kristina Seleshanko has written many books, in several different genres. She has recently made available a free ebook called A Day with the Dinosaurs. Written to appeal to elementary students who enjoy The Magic Tree House series, A Day with the Dinosaurs is packed with action, adventure, science, and humor. However, it steers clear of the magical and mythological influences many Christians wish to avoid.

When Matt accidentally tries out his friend Tilly's latest invention, he has no idea it will transport them to an amazing prehistoric jungle. Even Tilly is surprised the time machine actually works. As third-graders, Matt and Tilly know enough about geography and archaeology to realize it is unusual to see kangaroos, giraffes, deer and lions all living in the same space, especially without eating each other. They are even more shocked to see a brachiosaurus and a tyrannosaurus rex exchange slobbery "kisses." It doesn't take the children long to realize they have traveled to the Garden of Eden, before Adam and Eve sinned.

As Matt and Tilly experience the garden, they wonder whether common scientific theories are mistaken. Maybe it was possible for humans, dinosaurs, and diverse species of animals to co-exist. However, this harmony can't last long. As the children watch, they see the Lord rebuke Adam and Eve for their disobedience. They also see animals become aggressive and prey on others--the consequences of the fall.

Once home, Tilly explains the fall, sin, and Jesus' salvation to Matt, who is sad about the way the garden changed, but interested in the Jesus Tilly talks about so much.

The book includes lots of color pictures, and several extras at the end, including "Fun Facts" (including explanations of biblical references to the Garden of Eden and possible dinosaurs, how Jesus saves us, and comparison pictures of a cedar tree and a brachiosaurus' neck). "Other Stuff to Think About" lists questions for kids and families, and Seleshanko provides a link to "More Fun Dinosaur Stuff."

What I Like: I love the combination of action, adventure, and animals. Readers will have fun learning about all the different animals and be intrigued by Matt and Tilly's adventures. The short chapters and consistent action mean children won't have time to get bored.

I also like the great biblical messages intertwined throughout the story. Not only do we learn about Creation, the Garden of Eden, and the fall, but Seleshanko presents the salvation message clearly, in kid-friendly terms. Too often, we assume children know what it means to be a Christian, but is great to hear Tilly explaining her faith to Matt, in typical third-grade language.

I appreciated all the extras at the end of the book. It is nice to have so many questions answered, as well as be given some great ideas for discussion.

What I Dislike: Nothing! At first, the talking parrot seemed odd, but if a serpent could talk to Adam and Eve and convince them to eat the apple, I don't know why a parrot couldn't talk to Tilly and Matt and show them how to get home.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 5-10

Publisher Info: eBook, 40 pages, FREE!

Special Note: Although managing editor Kristina Seleshanko wrote the book, neither she nor I receive any monetary compensation for making the book available or posting this review.

God Made the Dinosaurs!

What kid doesn't love dinosaurs? In God Made the Dinosaurs!, written and illustrated by Todd Aaron Smith, kids learn that all dinosaurs were special - because God made them!

What I Like: The illustrations are really cute, though a bit cartoonish. But they will appeal to kids, especially if they already like dinosaurs or are into the PBS show Dinosaur Train.

What I Dislike: The story is really basic, and my feeling is that it may only appeal to very young kids. For example, the first two pages read:

"Some dinosaurs were as TALL as trees.
Some dinosaurs were as SMALL as flowers."

I honestly would have liked it if Mr. Smith had gone a little deeper into the biblical perspective of dinosaurs, or even if the back of the book would have included scripture references pertaining to dinosaurs. Even so, for a young crowd, this is a good book.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 2 - 5.

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-7369-3843-3; board book, 10 Pgs., $5.99

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Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs

Among creationists (scientists and laymen who believe in a literal biblical account of creation) there is the thought that stories of dragons actually refer to real dinosaurs. That's what Bill Looney's Dragons: Legends and Lore of Dinosaurs is all about.

In this interactive volume, kids explore what truth there might be behind old stories of dragons. First, the author introduces dragon legends from around the globe, including those from Greece, China, North America, the United Kingdom, and South America. Photographs of ancient art depicting creatures who can only be described as dinosaurs is also included. An attached mini book offers eyewitness accounts, including those from Marco Polo, John of Damascus, Alexander the Great, and the biblical book of Job. There is a two page spread on dragons in the Bible. (Did you know the King James version mentions them repeatedly - and not just in reference to Satan?) The authors even speculate on how dinosaurs fit in with Noah's ark. Another section deals with famous dragon slayers, including St. George and St. Margaret of Antioch. Toward the end of the book, the author questions whether accounts of such creatures as the Loch Ness Monster could really be stories of living dinosaurs.

What I Like: There are lift the flaps, attached envelopes with papers inside, attached mini books, and other interactive features all over this book, making it perfect for reluctant readers. The topic is also fascinating - even for adults. All in all, this is a beautifully put together book with engaging and often colorful illustrations and photographs.

What I Dislike: There are some delicate features in this volume. For example, it was tough for me to open the attached envelopes without tearing them. And the papers inside? I can see how they might easily get lost.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 to 12, although some younger kids will enjoy looking at this book and having it read to them.
Publishing Info: Master Books, 2011; ISBN: 978-0890515587; hardback, 24 pgs., $17.99.

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Camp Club Girls: Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise

The Camp Club Girls series is probably my favorite series to follow right now. My daughter and I are equally excited to get a new batch of these books. Written for tween girls, Camp Club Girls books follow six girls who met at Bible camp, and keep in touch via Internet. The girls always have a mystery to solve, and they rely on their wits, their friendship, and the Word of God to help. In Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise, Alexis and Kate spend a week trying to help save a down-and-out nature reserve from closing. The reserve is run by a friend from church, who hopes adding a display of mechanical dinosaurs will generate more interest and boost the reserve's funding.

When the dinosaurs keep migrating to new spots in the park with no sign of humans moving them, reporters and park patrons get curious. The park's owner, Miss Maria, is worried someone could get hurt, since the dinosaurs are heavy, fragile, and are powered by electrical generators or batteries. However, when Miss Maria throws her back out falling off of one of the dinosaurs, the girls are left to solve the mystery on their own.

A snoopy newspaper reporter and an overeager volunteer complicate matters, and soon the girls don't know who to trust. Kate loves technology and her dad is always bringing home experimental devices, so they use hidden cameras and an IPod prototype to take night pictures. They also use some active listening and even a camp-out, to assemble clues. Elizabeth, the oldest Camp Club Girl, encourages them with Bible verses, and the girls learn people are not always who they seem to be.

While the girls are trying to solve the mystery of the moving dinosaurs, they also are trying to come up with a plan to save the park. It looks hopeless when Miss Maria is denied funding based on her exhibit linking plants from biblical regions to Christianity. However, Miss Maria's determination to keep her plant exhibit open, even if it means the reserve may close, makes the snoopy reporter rethink his skepticism. In the end, the reporter is compelled to explore what he believes about God, and the overeager volunteer learns it is better to trust in God than in our own plans. The reserve is saved and the girls have solved another mystery.

What I Like: As I have said in past reviews, these girls are sweet, friendly, and brave, and they genuinely love God. They come from different types of families, and different parts of the country, but they have fun keeping in touch via online networks. They have unique personalities and strengths, as well as struggles. They are great role models for my daughter, even though they aren't perfect. The authors do a great job of incorporating Scripture and biblical truth into original mystery stories.

Mystery is a popular genre for girls this age, and I haven't come across many Christian mysteries for this audience. These books are fun and suspenseful, without being scary.

In Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise, I particularly like Miss Maria's strength of conviction. It is realistic for a public school board to reject funding school field trips due to a religious exhibit, but Miss Maria shows us trusting in God's provision is best, no matter how hopeless a situation seems.

What I Dislike: The plot was a little predictable. Also, the biblical content could be stronger. Each of the books is written by a different author, and it seems some authors find it easier to work prayer and Bible verses into their stories than others. However, Elizabeth, the oldest and most mature of the girls, wasn't in this book much and she definitely has the best grasp on the daily application of Scripture.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Barbour Publishing, 2010; ISBN: 978-1-60260-270-0; Paperback, $5.97

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other Camp Club Girls books here.

Noah's Floating Animal Park

Although the list of Noah's Ark books for children is extensive, Noah's Floating Animal Park is a unique, fun retelling of the familiar story and ends with a very clear, well-done message of salvation.

Janine Suter tells the story in rhyme, and her word choice is quite clever. I was amused and interested to find out what she would say next. She begins the story explaining the world Noah was living in, and she doesn't sugar-coat anything. She says, "Sin was spoiling everything--it was really chilling:/Stealing, fighting everywhere! And lots and lots of killing." Suter even references the Nephilim, who she calls, ". . .very nasty guys./They were super-wicked bullies who believed the devil's lies." Noah begins to build the ark and ignores the ridicule of those around him. He collects animals to live in the ark (including dinosaur babies) and Suter explains all dog breeds and races of people known today are descendants of those who survived the flood in the ark.

At the end, Suter tells us although God promised not to destroy the world in a flood, it will pass away because of sin. She writes, "Only Jesus has the power to rescue us from sin./He'll take you up to Heaven if you give your life to Him./But like Noah, you need to be brave until the day/Jesus comes to take you to His home so far away." The illustration shows Jesus greeting children in front of a stairway leading to Heaven.

Richard Gunther's illustrations are edgy and cartoon-like and don't sugar-coat anything either. He shows people drowning as the water rises around the ark. He also shows the world in space, with a lit fuse attached (my children thought it was a Christmas tree ornament, and I didn't correct them).

What I Like: I actually enjoyed the rhyme and vocabulary. Suter uses good, challenging words, but puts them in context well.

I was impressed by the detail Suter included in her book. The story is very thorough and includes most of the information in the biblical account.

My favorite part of the story was the skillful way Suter turned the story to Jesus. She explains clearly why it is important to believe in Jesus, but she reassures us belief in Jesus will be our salvation.

What I Dislike: The rhythm doesn't always flow perfectly, but I didn't really mind.

The illustrations are definitely for the older set--they aren't cute or endearing, and could be a bit disturbing for some readers, although I think they would appeal to older kids (boys especially) who are starting to feel picture books are a bit "babyish."

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Publisher lists 4-8, but I would say 6 and up, due to the illustrations

Publisher Info: Master Books, 2009; ISBN: 978-0-89051-576-1; Hardcover, $9.99

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Journey to the Ice

Journey to the Ice was a fitting book to read while cozy on my couch in the snowy Midwest! Jennifer Slattery tells the story of Makir, an eight-year-old boy living at the time the tower of Babylon was built. Although the rest of the townspeople are excited when Nimrod announces he plans to build a giant tower reaching towards the gods, Makir is uneasy. He senses there is something evil about Nimrod and his plans to build the tower, but can't put his finger on what. As work on the temple progresses, Makir overhears Nimrod gloating about the way the people are beginning to worship him.

Makir wants to help his father and older brothers, but he is strangely drawn to crazy old Shem, who tells stories of a flood covering the earth. Makir is also confused, but comforted, by a still, small voice which seems to answer his questions about Shem's God, Yahweh. Suddenly, one day, the men working on the tower can only hear gibberish. No one can communicate with anyone who is not in their family and work on the temple grinds to a halt. Makir recognizes this event as the hand of God, and wishes his own family would turn to Yahweh. When he tries to tell his family about Yahweh, his mother is furious and refuses to speak to him.

As resources become more and more scarce, Makir's father decides they must move. Their journey leads them to colder and colder regions, and they finally are forced to take shelter in caves and hunt woolly mammoths for food and skins. Makir and his brothers spend the long winter painting pictures on the wall of the cave, and staying away from the huge walls of ice.

Makir learns to trust in God and recognize his voice, and he tells his younger cousins about God as well. He teaches them the stories he learned from Shem, and he tells them about God's answers to his prayers. As the book ends, Makir prays for his mother to love him again, and his heart is overjoyed when she reaches down and hugs him.

What I Like: Slattery writes a compelling novel chronicling one boy's journey of faith, but she also attempts to answer many questions about the ice age, dinosaurs, cave men and the flood. Regardless of your opinions about evolution, creation, young earth theory or intelligent design, this novel provides lots of food for thought and discussion. Slattery explains, at the end of the book, 500 flood stories exist in various cultures around the world. She includes several examples for our consideration. She also proposes perhaps early man walked hunched over as a result of a vitamin deficiency, rather than evolutionary process. Dinosaurs are known as "great lizards" and Makir's people are careful to avoid their territories.

Slattery also provides a simple, biblically accurate salvation message, with Scripture references, at the end of the last chapter.

What I Dislike: Sometimes it is hard to write authentic dialogue when the setting is so far removed from modern-day life. At one point, Makir says he feels like he may "puke," which sounds forced.

Also, when Makir hears God's voice, it is comforting and biblically accurate, but it may be frustrating for readers who wish God would speak to them as clearly. If your reader doesn't feel God speaks to them in the same way, you may want to remind them of the importance of reading the Bible and and the counsel of other believers as well.

Overall Rating: Good/very good depending on your views of creation, evolution, young earth theory, etc. . .

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Myth Slayers Ministries, 2008; ISBN: 978-0578004600; Paperback, $8.95

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God Made Dinosaurs

If you're looking for a simple book about dinosaurs that avoids Darwanism and the Big Bang theory - as well as creationist theory - then God Made Dinosaurs may be for you and your kids. A level 3 independent reader book by Heno Head, Jr., this thin volume stresses that God made dinosaurs, but otherwise avoids many controversial topics.

We learn God made all animals - including dinosaurs, which are extinct reptiles. We also learn we can only make educated guesses about dinosaurs, because they lived "before people could make books about them or take pictures of them." (Which won't sit well with those who believe dinosaurs are mentioned in the Bible and were alive in Old Testament times.) We also learn scientists know about dinosaurs through fossils, which they dig up from the ground. Scientists make plastic bones out of those fossils and put them together for museum displays. We have to guess about their skin. It could have been colorful, dull, scaley, or smooth. We don't know, but "God is such an amazing designer he can do anything!"

Then the author tells us about some of the most famous dinosaurs, including the triceratops, T-Rex, and the Giganotosaurus. He writes that no one knows for sure why the dinosaurs died out, and rather than focus on the theories, he stresses that God made dinosaurs - and all life on earth.
What I Like: This is a really simple introduction to dinosaurs, ideal for young children. The illsutrations, by Rusty Fletcher, are colorful and engaging.

What I Dislike: I wish the author hadn't stated dinosaurs and humans weren't alive at the same time, as many creationists believe this isn't true.

Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 3 - 7.
Publishing Info: Standard, 2004; ISBN: 978-0784717035; paperback, $2.29
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Special Info: Read our other reviews of books by Heno Head, Jr.

The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible

It's challenging to find certain types of science books (for kids or for adults) that don't delve into Darwinism and other theories taught as fact. Since lots of kids have a passion for dinosaurs, many Christian parents long to find dinosaur books that stick to facts (or at least present theories as theories). And if we can find a dinosaur book that offers a biblical perspective, even better. That's where The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible by Paul S. Taylor steps in.

The book begins by admitting that new information about dinosaurs is being unearthed regularly, and old ideas grow outdated when new facts are uncovered. Taylor explains how scientists come by their facts and theories: Primarily through fossils (usually partial, leading to some infamous mistakes, like Brontosaurus needing to be renamed because scientists put the wrong head on the creature). Taylor explains how difficult it is to know much about animals looking only at their bones - even if they are complete. The illustrations beautifully illustrate this by showing the many ways a peacock or dog skeleton could be interpreted if you'd never seen those animals before.

Next, Taylor asserts that dinosaurs must have been created by God "in the beginning" and explains how some scientists believe the Bible mentions dinosaurs. He explores theories about why dinosaurs went extinct (including a meteorite or the biblical flood). He explains why a fossil doesn't need a million years to form, how Noah may have taken dinosaurs on the ark, and what may have happened to dinosaurs after the flood (including climate change and hunting by man). He describes a few dragon and large creature legends from around the world that might be based on factual accounts of dinosaurs living on earth after the flood. He even touches upon the idea that in remote areas of the world dinosaurs might - perhaps - still be alive today.

Other ideas discussed include whether dinosaurs were meat eaters before the flood, what the biblical Leviathan might have been, and whether or not dinosaurs really were as ferocious as movies show them.

The illustrations are fantastic. They range from black and white photographs of actual fossils and cave drawings (that appear to show dinosaurs), to full color drawings of dinosaurs (with the note that they are only an artist's idea of what dinosaurs might have looked like), to detailed black and white drawings of legendary dinosaur-like "monsters."

What I Like: I love that the author is not ashamed to look at modern science with a polite but disagreeing eye. He never slams modern scientific theory, but explains the creationist point of view quite thoroughly. And - best of all - when something is a theory, he explains it as such, using words like "perhaps" or "some scientists think." The illustrations are also fascinating (especially the photos of actual fossils and reproductions of historical drawings of dinosaur-like animals).

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but I think this book is best for kids 7 and up.

Publishing Info: David Cook, 1989; ISBN: 0781430712; hardback, $14.99

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D is for Dinosaur

Written by Ken Ham (president of Answers in Genesis, an apologetics group focusing on creation science) and his wife, Mally, much of the information in D is for Dinosaur is good. But much of the writing is poor.

The book is divided into two sections. The first is a rhyming picture book, full of colorful and fun illustrations. The rhymes attempt to give an overview of creation science, but are limited to one stanza each and sometimes provide far too little information. Too, the rhymes are often forced. For example:

"D is for Dinosaur, but you'll have to wait,
'Cause on day four other things God did make."

If you only read this section of the book, you'll likely be disappointed. Although lots of assertions are made, some are unclear and none have any evidence to back them up.

The second half of the book contains the same illustrations, except in black and white. (The authors suggest allowing children to use these as coloring pages, but unless you want your child to think it's okay to write in books, I suggest making photocopies before allowing the kids to color them.) The same rhymes found in the first section of the book are also given, but beneath each stanza, there is considerable text, backing up the ideas presented in the rhymes. This text is targeted to parents; unfortunately, it isn't suitable to read aloud to children (in part because it gives specific instructions to parents, and partly because it's not written in a kid-friendly way).

The good news is, overall the authors do a nice job of backing up their claims with references from the Bible and explanations from creation science theory. Sometimes the authors state things as fact that really should be presented as theory, but mostly they do a good job of making it clear we'll never know everything there is to know about creation.

Ideas covered include: the Bible is an accurate account of creation in six days; God made every animal--including dinosaurs--on day five; all animals (including dinosaurs) were plant eaters before the fall; God told Noah to build an ark and put two of every kind of animal in it (including dinosaurs); God flooded the world and dinosaurs probably survived due to Noah's ark; the flood probably caused the plethora of dinosaur fossils and bones we find today; dinosaurs died out eventually and we're not sure just why; the Bible mentions a "Behemoth" that fits the description of a dinosaur; dragons may have been real dinosaurs and the stories of them embellished to mythical proportions; the earth is younger than many mainstream scientists believe (according to the Bible, about 6,000 years old); historically, humans are often wrong and the Bible is right (for example, people once believed the world was flat, but the Bible says it's round); and more.

Perhaps the most useful part of D is for Dinosaur comes in the form of "student exercises" given in the second half of the book. These offer interesting ways to help children understand creation science. For example, when dealing with the question of why some dinosaurs have sharp teeth when God originally created them to eat plants, the authors suggest having children research animals living today who have sharp teeth but are herbivores; or, to understand the layers of soil that may have been created during the flood, the authors suggest using a corked bottle, dirt, and water to create a mini science experiment.

What I Like: I appreciate any book on dinosaurs that doesn't contradict the Bible by talking about Darwinist theory or the Big Bang theory. I think many of the "student exercises" in the book are excellent, and I like that the parent/teacher section of the book gives lots of verses to look up in the Bible. Only the word of God is 100 percent accurate when talking about dinosaurs, the authors explain.

What I Dislike: The writing in this book is often poor, and I wish the authors had included kid-friendly text backing up their assertions. As it is, parents or teachers must nearly memorize the text for adults before reading the rhyming book to their children. Also, many of the exercises in the book are not appropriate for the age level the rhyming section is targeted to. The authors also have annoying way of claiming things are "obvious" when they clearly are not--even to many Christians. For example, in the text for parents or teachers, they write:

"Explain that if God had taken a million years for each day, then we would have a million-year rest [instead of a day's rest at the end of the week], and our week would be seven millions years long. Children will readily understand that this is obviously absurd."

Overall Rating: Despite the book's flaws, overall I think this is a useful title. I give it a "Good" rating.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, baby to preschool, but while the rhyming text is absolutely targeted to this age group, the concepts and exercises in the second half of the book are often far more appropriate for children in the early grades.

Publisher Info: Master Books, 1991; ISBN: 0890511934; hardback; $15.99

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What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?

If you've ever tried to find a picture book about dinosaurs that wasn't filled with references to Darwinism, you'll understand why I was so delighted to discover What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?, a book totally devoid of the theory of evolution.

Written by Ken Ham (founder of Answers in Genesis) and Dr. John Morris (of Institute for Creation Research), this unique volume explores the world of dinosaurs from a biblical perspective. As the book opens, we meet Tracker John - an explorer type - and Dino Jr. (or D.J.), a friendly little psittacosaurus, who talk about how scientists study dinosaurs (through bones, which are often incomplete, and fossils). They point out that sometimes scientists make mistakes in studying dinosaurs. For example, the dinosaur originally called the Brontosaurus had to be renamed to Apatosaurus because "the scientist who found his skeleton put the wrong head on it!"

Next, they examine when dinosaurs lived. They tell us some scientists think dinosaurs were around long before humans were on the earth, but that creation scientists disagree. Dinosaurs, they say, must have been created at the same time as other animals, which means they were around when Adam and Eve were on earth. They mention the "Behemoth" written about in the book of Job, and say dinosaurs must have been around during that time, also, since dinosaurs fit the description and no other animal we know of does. Tracker John and D.J. also say dinosaurs must have been on Noah's ark - probably in the form of babies - and were around after the Flood. In fact, they say, the Flood explains perfectly why there are so many dinosaur fossils all around the world.

How did the dinosaurs die out? Tracker John and D.J. admit no one knows for sure, but some people think conditions after the Flood just weren't good for dinosaurs. It may have been too cold, for example, or they may not have been able to find enough food. It may even be that tales of knights fighting dragons are really true stories of men killing dinosaurs; perhaps dinosaurs were hunted to extinction.

What I Like: I appreciate that this book not only includes biblical ideas about dinosaurs (which are, when you get right down to it, at least as believable as the ideas put forth by evolutionary scientists...and to those who believe in the unfailing word of the Bible, much more believable), but also includes some foundations of faith, such as a description of what sin is and what the consequences of it are, all backed up with biblical references. The authors have managed to provide a lot of excellent information in a kid-friendly way. The book is well written and never gets nasty about opposing views. The illustrations by Jonathan Chong are professional and engaging.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 to 8, but my 3 year old loves it.

Publisher Info: Master Books, 1990; ISBN: 0890511594; hardback; $10.99

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Special Info: Answers in Gensis has a section devoted to kids, including activities and videos.