Auks, Rocks, and the Odd Dinosaur: Inside Stories from the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History

by Peggy Thomson, Juvenile Collection (Other Contributor)

Reveals the inner workings of the Museum of Natural History through historical anecdotes and descriptions of how exhibits are researched, prepared, and maintained.

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Ashlea Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of stories about a few things at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History.

[A Mig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice quick read for both adults and children. The stories are a bit uneven but so numerous & varied that it does not matter at the end. Everyone will learn something about the soul of the Smithsonian Institution and the origin of some of its most prized treasures. Certainly a must-read for fans of natural history, museum history and explorations. I found the introductory material about Spencer Fullerton Baird, one of the founding fathers of the Smithsonian, very interesting. It shows how the core of the collection was built thanks to him and his network of collectors during the rich American exploration history of the 19th century.

[Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my carry-with-regularly security blanket substitutes.
It is delightful and wonderful and, while I can remember nothing right now with clarity, I recommend it very much as a gift to any inquisitive kid.