Sabuda, Robert and Matthew Reinhart. Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs. Candlewick, 2005. ISBN 0763622281. $26.99. 12 pp. Reviewer: Marsha D. Broadway Reading Level: Primary, All Rating: Outstanding Genre: NA; Subject: Dinosaurs--Juvenile literature; Sabuda and Reinhart have almost brought dinosaurs back to life in their eye-popping movable book of prehistoric proportions. A label on the cover of what resembles an old encyclopedia declares the book to be "The DEFINITIVE POP-UP!" Well-said. Combine Sabuda's meticulous paper engineering with Reinhart's bold color and the reader gets six double page spreads, each with a detailed movable dinosaur springing from the page and two to four smaller additional fold-out pop-ups. Each pop-up is exquisite though somewhat fragile. Many prototypes were constructed to ensure the mechanisms worked, but gentle hands are needed to handle these dinosaurs. As the title suggests, brief text accompanies each illustration and contains engaging facts about some 50 creatures of the Mesozoic Era. The information will pique readers' interests but is not intended to support science reports, even on an elementary level. However, the movable masterpieces of Encyclopedia Prehistorica will fascinate both young and old. Unfortunately, this book will not survive in public or school libraries, but with proper care, it will make a treasured addition to a home library.
