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Dinosaurs
Dining With Dinosaurs: A Tasty Guide to Mesozoic Munching
Sure you know T-Rex was the meat-eating king and brontosaurus munched on leaves, but what else was on the dino dining menu during the Mesozoic era?
Meet the 'vores: carnivores, piscivores, herbivores, insectivores, "trashivores," "sunivores," and omnivores like us.
Readers will be surprised and inspired to learn about dino diets and they'll get to explore how scientists can tell which dinosaurs ate what just from looking at fossils!
Journey through artist and author Hannah Bonner's whimsical world to learn how the dinosaurs and their contemporaries bit, chewed, and soaked up their food.
Meet the 'vores: carnivores, piscivores, herbivores, insectivores, "trashivores," "sunivores," and omnivores like us.
Readers will be surprised and inspired to learn about dino diets and they'll get to explore how scientists can tell which dinosaurs ate what just from looking at fossils!
Journey through artist and author Hannah Bonner's whimsical world to learn how the dinosaurs and their contemporaries bit, chewed, and soaked up their food.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2016
About the author
Hannah Bonner
20 books6 followersHANNAH BONNER's natural illustrations have graced many publications including the best-selling Scholastic Science Dictionary and three award-winning National Geographic Kids titles, including When Bugs Were Big, Plants Were Strange, and Tetrapods Stalked the Earth, a Booklist Top 10 Science Book for Youth and included in the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 2, 2016
This book is any dinosaur lovers dream. This book is jam packed with information based on what the dinosaurs ate and what this means in the prehistoric era. It is such a fun exploration of the ways dinosaurs survived through food and how the food chain works. I thought is was a fun way to learn how the dinosaurs thrive and live through the food they eat and how this affected life in that era. Your body is only as good as the food that you put into it and that is the same for the dinosaurs of the past. Such a tasty exploration into the belly of dinosaurs. In addition to all the wonderful illustration the book is filled with speak bubbles, tables, diagrams, pronunciation guide and glossary that aids in understanding and acts as a quick reference. A wonderful book for kids and adults alike.
August 9, 2023
Dino ecology yay! ( www.amazon.com/review/RP5K90YL2VODH/r... ): 5/5
Bonner's "Dining With Dinosaurs: A Tasty Guide to Mesozoic Munching" (henceforth Guide) is basically a cross between Chapter 5 of Sampson's "Dinosaur Odyssey: Fossil Threads in the Web of Life" (I.e. "Solar Eating") & the "Dinosaur Block Party" episode of "Dinosaur Train", but better. In this review, I list the 2 main reasons why I think that is.
1) Like "Solar Eating", Guide examines the different trophic levels of Mesozoic ecosystems, beginning with "mega carnivores" (E.g. T. rex) & ending with "trashivores" (I.e. Detritivores & decomposers). Also like "Solar Eating", Guide explains how food webs & photosynthesis work. In fact, Guide does the latter even better: For 1, instead of using a trophic pyramid to explain food webs, Guide uses a trophic layer cake (To paraphrase Gaffigan, "[Pyramids] can't compete with cake"); For another, instead of explaining photosynthesis in a paragraph of text, Guide explains it in a recipe with step-by-step directions & pictures showing how to create "SUGAR FROM SUNSHINE".
2) Like "Dinosaur Block Party", Guide is hosted by a human & a dino (I.e. Bonner & "her Microraptor pal"), who compare the features of different organisms in each trophic level. Also like "Dinosaur Block Party", Guide reconstructs entire Mesozoic ecosystems (E.g. That of the Jehol Group) & interviews experts about the science behind said reconstructions (I.e. "Ask a Scientist"). In fact, Guide does the latter even better: For 1, Guide's reconstructions are similarly cartoony, but MUCH more accurate; "The insectivores" is an especially good example of that ( https://hannahbonnerblog.files.wordpr... ); For another, Guide's interviews don't just tell about said science, but also show it; "Mini carnivores and omnivores" is an especially good example of that ( https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgRrZOyjLm... ).
My only nit-picks with Guide are the paleoart (which, while still good, is sketchier & less defined than Bonner's previous work) & the lack of explanatory/identifying text in some parts (which, while few & far between, is still weird for a book both by Bonner & for older kids).* With that in mind, I recommend reading Guide as 1) an introduction to dino ecology for younger kids, & 2) a transition to other, more adult books (E.g. Naish/Barrett's "Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved" in general & Chapter 4 in particular) for older kids.
*In reference to the paleoart, don't take my word for it. Compare the cover of Guide to that of Bonner's "When Fish Got Feet, When Bugs Were Big, and When Dinos Dawned: A Cartoon Prehistory of Life on Earth". In reference to the lack of explanatory/identifying text, I'm specifically referring to "The raptors: midsize predators" & "Who ate who"/"Who eats who today?": The former makes a "Raptor Prey Restraint" reference ("The raptors couldn't fly, but feathered arms may have been used[...]for keeping their balance during an attack"), but doesn't explain it; The latter are meant to draw parallels between Mesozoic & modern ecosystems, yet only "Who ate who" identifies the different organisms in its ecosystem.
Bonner's "Dining With Dinosaurs: A Tasty Guide to Mesozoic Munching" (henceforth Guide) is basically a cross between Chapter 5 of Sampson's "Dinosaur Odyssey: Fossil Threads in the Web of Life" (I.e. "Solar Eating") & the "Dinosaur Block Party" episode of "Dinosaur Train", but better. In this review, I list the 2 main reasons why I think that is.
1) Like "Solar Eating", Guide examines the different trophic levels of Mesozoic ecosystems, beginning with "mega carnivores" (E.g. T. rex) & ending with "trashivores" (I.e. Detritivores & decomposers). Also like "Solar Eating", Guide explains how food webs & photosynthesis work. In fact, Guide does the latter even better: For 1, instead of using a trophic pyramid to explain food webs, Guide uses a trophic layer cake (To paraphrase Gaffigan, "[Pyramids] can't compete with cake"); For another, instead of explaining photosynthesis in a paragraph of text, Guide explains it in a recipe with step-by-step directions & pictures showing how to create "SUGAR FROM SUNSHINE".
2) Like "Dinosaur Block Party", Guide is hosted by a human & a dino (I.e. Bonner & "her Microraptor pal"), who compare the features of different organisms in each trophic level. Also like "Dinosaur Block Party", Guide reconstructs entire Mesozoic ecosystems (E.g. That of the Jehol Group) & interviews experts about the science behind said reconstructions (I.e. "Ask a Scientist"). In fact, Guide does the latter even better: For 1, Guide's reconstructions are similarly cartoony, but MUCH more accurate; "The insectivores" is an especially good example of that ( https://hannahbonnerblog.files.wordpr... ); For another, Guide's interviews don't just tell about said science, but also show it; "Mini carnivores and omnivores" is an especially good example of that ( https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SgRrZOyjLm... ).
My only nit-picks with Guide are the paleoart (which, while still good, is sketchier & less defined than Bonner's previous work) & the lack of explanatory/identifying text in some parts (which, while few & far between, is still weird for a book both by Bonner & for older kids).* With that in mind, I recommend reading Guide as 1) an introduction to dino ecology for younger kids, & 2) a transition to other, more adult books (E.g. Naish/Barrett's "Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved" in general & Chapter 4 in particular) for older kids.
*In reference to the paleoart, don't take my word for it. Compare the cover of Guide to that of Bonner's "When Fish Got Feet, When Bugs Were Big, and When Dinos Dawned: A Cartoon Prehistory of Life on Earth". In reference to the lack of explanatory/identifying text, I'm specifically referring to "The raptors: midsize predators" & "Who ate who"/"Who eats who today?": The former makes a "Raptor Prey Restraint" reference ("The raptors couldn't fly, but feathered arms may have been used[...]for keeping their balance during an attack"), but doesn't explain it; The latter are meant to draw parallels between Mesozoic & modern ecosystems, yet only "Who ate who" identifies the different organisms in its ecosystem.
February 26, 2017
Kids love dinosaurs. They love books about dinosaurs, playing like they are dinosaurs, and playing with little plastic figures of the various "saurs." Dining with Dinosaurs: A Tasty Guide to Mesozic Munching holds real kid appeal with the cartoonish drawings, side bars of information, "Ask a Scientist" cartoon strips with great bits of information, general kid interest "stuff," and the plethora of dinosaurs located in various parts of the World all lend special appeal. Lots of humor and fun facts. Frankly, I never realized there were so many different types of dinosaurs.
Realistically, this book holds a bit of speculation on the part of the author and that is noted on occasion. Scientists have discovered fossilized remains that appear to give quite a bit of insightful information into what dinosaurs ate. The author has compiled the findings of research with a delightful and fun sense of humor to charm all dinosaurs lovers. Hence this cute book.
Lots of fun filled "back matter" pages to further enhance the child's learning experience: "Who Eats Who Today?", "The Food Web," "Photosunthesis (sugar from sunshine)," and a great pronunciation guide, glossary, and index.
National Geographic has carved a nich into the entertaining educational world of children's books. And in Dining with Dinosaurs the children's interest will surely be tweaked.
A word of caution to those whose beliefs are based on the Biblical creation of a young earth. They will find this does not match up with a young earth. That being said, I think any parent can utilize this book beneficially for their children, guiding discussion points.
I received a complimentary book to facilitate this review of my own, honest opinions.
Realistically, this book holds a bit of speculation on the part of the author and that is noted on occasion. Scientists have discovered fossilized remains that appear to give quite a bit of insightful information into what dinosaurs ate. The author has compiled the findings of research with a delightful and fun sense of humor to charm all dinosaurs lovers. Hence this cute book.
Lots of fun filled "back matter" pages to further enhance the child's learning experience: "Who Eats Who Today?", "The Food Web," "Photosunthesis (sugar from sunshine)," and a great pronunciation guide, glossary, and index.
National Geographic has carved a nich into the entertaining educational world of children's books. And in Dining with Dinosaurs the children's interest will surely be tweaked.
A word of caution to those whose beliefs are based on the Biblical creation of a young earth. They will find this does not match up with a young earth. That being said, I think any parent can utilize this book beneficially for their children, guiding discussion points.
I received a complimentary book to facilitate this review of my own, honest opinions.
October 7, 2016
Disappointed by the inconsistency in this book. Appreciated the candor when speculation was involved. Put off by made-up terms introduced in the same way as actual scientific terms. Contained many interesting details. Fun hidden pictures throughout. Excellent use of comic style side-bars when relating interview material. Good overall structure, but sometimes facts were organized confusingly.
October 23, 2016
4.5 stars
Engaging. Great illustrations. Kids will enjoy reading about dinosaur diets. There are a few slightly gory images of dinosaurs eating dinosaurs.
February 22, 2018
"Dining With Dinosaurs" give a lot of interesting, broad facts about plant-eating, insect-eating, meat-eating, and even trash-eating dinosaurs who lived millions of years ago. Instead of organizing this book according to the years in which scientists think the dinosaurs lived, "Dining with Dinosaurs" is sectioned off according to how these ancients ate. Food is the definite theme throughout this book and it's a fun way to learn about dinosaurs.
Full review can be found here: http://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2018/01...
Full review can be found here: http://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2018/01...
September 30, 2018
As someone whose children have dragged her through the local library's ENTIRE dinosaur section, I highly recommend this book! A fresh, interesting, and informative read. Feels similar to The Magic School Bus series.
October 13, 2016
This is THE book for children who love dinosaurs. Future Paleontologist in your house of any age? Get them this book. I learned so much and chuckled on every page. The writing is witty and written to engage kids and excite them about dinosaurs. There is so much to look at on each page. Besides the writing, there are fabulous illustrations of dinosaurs, insects, and plants with precise detail. The illustrations are really quite amazing.
In fact, I learned so much I wouldn't even know where to begin. I noticed on the above page an extinct plant called bennettite. It caught my eye since our son's name is Bennett. I had never heard of that plant before.
I began to wonder how the researchers know so much about what the different types of dinosaurs ate. Mostly they can tell from the type of teeth they had. They even included an illustration of an actual size T. Rex tooth. Small, sharp teeth meant they likely ate insects. Large teeth, usually meant they were carnivores or piscivores, fish eaters. The book even describes the way their food was digested.
This book is so creative and fun, I actually think any kid or parent would enjoy reading through this book whether they like dinosaurs or not. There is so much to see on each page, it may take a few nights of bedtime stories to get through it all. There are also 18 PB & J sandwiches hidden throughout the book. I haven't even found them all yet.
National Geographic Kids knows how to get kids interested in science, animals, or our world by sharing information in fun and creative ways. This book is a sure winner!
In fact, I learned so much I wouldn't even know where to begin. I noticed on the above page an extinct plant called bennettite. It caught my eye since our son's name is Bennett. I had never heard of that plant before.
I began to wonder how the researchers know so much about what the different types of dinosaurs ate. Mostly they can tell from the type of teeth they had. They even included an illustration of an actual size T. Rex tooth. Small, sharp teeth meant they likely ate insects. Large teeth, usually meant they were carnivores or piscivores, fish eaters. The book even describes the way their food was digested.
This book is so creative and fun, I actually think any kid or parent would enjoy reading through this book whether they like dinosaurs or not. There is so much to see on each page, it may take a few nights of bedtime stories to get through it all. There are also 18 PB & J sandwiches hidden throughout the book. I haven't even found them all yet.
National Geographic Kids knows how to get kids interested in science, animals, or our world by sharing information in fun and creative ways. This book is a sure winner!
September 25, 2016
Are you curious about the food chain of dinosaurs? With this new guide from National Geographic Kids and written by Hannah Bonner all of your questions will be answered and your curiosity squashed.
In the world of the mighty dino there are carnivores (meat eaters), insectivores (insect eaters), herbivores (plant eaters), piscivores (fish eaters) sunivores (sunlight, air, water and soil nutrient eaters), and finally trashivores who ate natures waste and recycled it. Readers will learn about all of the dinosaurs in their varying sizes and eating habits. Cool cartoons feature Ask A Scientist that provide insight as to what paleontologist know about the dinos. For example, whether or not they traveled in packs, what they ate and their digestive systems.
If you are not sure how to pronounce the names of these dinos there is a glossary in the back of the book. Illustrations provide details and help readers see these amazing creatures in action. Other tidbits and facts can be found throughout the pages highlighted in yellow for quick reference. This guide is for anyone who wants to learn everything about the dinosaur and how they lived.
In the world of the mighty dino there are carnivores (meat eaters), insectivores (insect eaters), herbivores (plant eaters), piscivores (fish eaters) sunivores (sunlight, air, water and soil nutrient eaters), and finally trashivores who ate natures waste and recycled it. Readers will learn about all of the dinosaurs in their varying sizes and eating habits. Cool cartoons feature Ask A Scientist that provide insight as to what paleontologist know about the dinos. For example, whether or not they traveled in packs, what they ate and their digestive systems.
If you are not sure how to pronounce the names of these dinos there is a glossary in the back of the book. Illustrations provide details and help readers see these amazing creatures in action. Other tidbits and facts can be found throughout the pages highlighted in yellow for quick reference. This guide is for anyone who wants to learn everything about the dinosaur and how they lived.
January 30, 2021
With lots of humor and information, Hannah Bonner explains who ate who in the time of the dinosaurs. The author appears as herself in character form to teach readers about what various dinosaurs ate. The book is set up with some cartoon elements - lots of speech bubbles and a few cartoon strips of information. Readers will definitely get a laugh out of the one in which Hannah and a scientist discuss how scientists used fossilized poop to learn what T. Rexs ate. Bonner goes group by group of dinosaurs, from mega carnivores to bacteria "trashivores" and many other groups of creatures in between to study their eating habits. The illustrations are one of the most hilarious (and informative) parts of the book as the T. Rexes are shown in a restaurant with a menu of dinosaurs and herbivores shown browsing at a vegetarian grocery store. There's a lot of information in here but it never feels overwhelming. Readers will definitely be entertained while learning about the dinosaurs and what they ate.
November 2, 2016
Not only does Dining with Dinosaurs present the different types of 'vores (carnivores, herbivores, etc.), but it also introduces a lot of different types of dinosaurs. While there are many familiar animals mentioned in this book, there are also plenty of new ones such as microraptor, Sinobaatar (mammal), Cretorabus (beetle), Carnotaurus, and Citipati. Each type of eater is given a two page spread that highlights features of those animals and what they ate. Each spread also includes a mini-comic that looks at specific questions about dinosaur dining. Plenty of humorous references and illustrations add to the book's versatility (the cover kind of gives away the fact that their is humor in this book). The fun format of the book makes it browse-worthy for reluctant readers. And with dinosaurs being an always popular topic, it's safe to say that this will be a book that is thoroughly enjoyed by young readers.
December 2, 2016
I know I've already talked about how much I love Hannah Bonner's books, but I'm at it again. It's paleontology and comics, how can you not love it?
This time around Bonner focuses on dinosaur diets. We get great touches, like actual-size illustrations of teeth, interviews with paleontologists (even a coprolite expert!) and explorers. I love the potential for further investigation - you can research all of the different creatures she's illustrated, learn every name, or just focus on the "big picture" moments in the text, learning how and what dinosaurs (and other creatures around in Mesozoic) ate. Bonner also mentions several discoveries that have come out of China, which are often left out of children's books about dinosaurs.
Includes a food web showing the connections between each dinosaur's eating habits, a "recipe" for sugar from sunshine, notes from Hannah, a timeline, pronunciation guide, glossary, index, and sources.
This time around Bonner focuses on dinosaur diets. We get great touches, like actual-size illustrations of teeth, interviews with paleontologists (even a coprolite expert!) and explorers. I love the potential for further investigation - you can research all of the different creatures she's illustrated, learn every name, or just focus on the "big picture" moments in the text, learning how and what dinosaurs (and other creatures around in Mesozoic) ate. Bonner also mentions several discoveries that have come out of China, which are often left out of children's books about dinosaurs.
Includes a food web showing the connections between each dinosaur's eating habits, a "recipe" for sugar from sunshine, notes from Hannah, a timeline, pronunciation guide, glossary, index, and sources.
July 6, 2016
This book was a great read! I thought it was going to be too dense and easy for kids to lose interest, but the text is succinct and informative, with tons of amazing pictures.
Being an adult not engaged in paleontology, there are a lot of discoveries I missed that this book talks about - raptors were covered in feathers, new super predator dinosaurs, how important cheeks are.
The art is one of the best parts! Accurate and informative while still being whimsical and fun. Everywhere you look there's something to learn and think about. Though this book had the potential to be gory and gross (this book involves both predators and poop), I think the author did a great job of balancing the kind of gross kids adore with propriety for those with a week stomach.
For the dinosaur enthusiast, this is a must.
Being an adult not engaged in paleontology, there are a lot of discoveries I missed that this book talks about - raptors were covered in feathers, new super predator dinosaurs, how important cheeks are.
The art is one of the best parts! Accurate and informative while still being whimsical and fun. Everywhere you look there's something to learn and think about. Though this book had the potential to be gory and gross (this book involves both predators and poop), I think the author did a great job of balancing the kind of gross kids adore with propriety for those with a week stomach.
For the dinosaur enthusiast, this is a must.
November 2, 2016
There are many ways in which this reminds me of the best of the MAGIC SCHOOLBUS series:
Effective use of humor as a hook and to clarify/reinforce concepts, cartoon-strip inserts to extend or explain.
The use of cientific diagrams and labels, text format clues, sidebars, insets, speech bubbles/graphic format, expert commentary, technical glossary inserts, charts, representational and cartoon illustrations are deftly balanced to sustain pacing and page turns.
Back matter includes charts, author notes, pronunciation key, glossary, index, sources, and thank-you.
Effective use of humor as a hook and to clarify/reinforce concepts, cartoon-strip inserts to extend or explain.
The use of cientific diagrams and labels, text format clues, sidebars, insets, speech bubbles/graphic format, expert commentary, technical glossary inserts, charts, representational and cartoon illustrations are deftly balanced to sustain pacing and page turns.
Back matter includes charts, author notes, pronunciation key, glossary, index, sources, and thank-you.
February 12, 2017
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
Although the cover looks a bit silly, this text is to be taken seriously. Hannah Bonner does a wonderful job examining what different dinosaurs ate, the science behind what and why they ate what they did, how paleontologists know what dinos ate, and where all these dinosaurs fit in the grand scheme of things. Told in a unique structure that alternates between Hannah and a microraptor narrating and comic strip interviews with scientists, the text is not only informative but very entertaining.
Although the cover looks a bit silly, this text is to be taken seriously. Hannah Bonner does a wonderful job examining what different dinosaurs ate, the science behind what and why they ate what they did, how paleontologists know what dinos ate, and where all these dinosaurs fit in the grand scheme of things. Told in a unique structure that alternates between Hannah and a microraptor narrating and comic strip interviews with scientists, the text is not only informative but very entertaining.
October 19, 2016
Wow! This is a fascinating look at what dinosaurs ate presented in a fun, engaging format. The ending is wonderful, connecting the dinosaur eaters to the animal eaters of today. Excellent back matter to direct the reader to more.
Want to Read
February 6, 2018This is the fiction book I paired with the non fiction book, "Dining with Dinosaurs". The target audience could easily be primary or intermediate grades. I thought these books pair well together because "The Super Hungry Dinosaur" is about a hungry dinosaur and "Dining with Dinosaurs" is about what dinosaurs ate.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews