You Can Be a Paleontologist!: Discovering Dinosaurs with Dr. Scott

by Scott D. Sampson

Overview

Ever wondered how to find a dinosaur? Paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson, host of Dinosaur Train on PBS Kids, tells kids how! How do paleontologists find dinosaur bones? How do they know what dinosaurs ate or looked like? And what is paleontology, anyway? Dr. Scott tackles all these questions and more while inspiring kids to go out and make the next big dino discovery!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426327285
Publisher:	Disney - RHCB
Publication date:	04/04/2017
Series:	You Can Be A ...
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	NC890L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

SCOTT D. SAMPSON is a dinosaur paleontologist, science communicator, and nonprofit executive. He serves as president and CEO of Science World at Telus World of Science in Vancouver, BC. Most of Sampson's scientific research has focused on the ecology and evolution of Late Cretaceous dinosaurs. Sampson was the primary scientific consultant and on-air host of the four-part Discovery Channel series Dinosaur Planet, and today he is known to millions of children and parents around the world as "Dr. Scott the Paleontologist," host of the hit PBS Kids television series Dinosaur Train. Sampson is also the author of Dinosaur Odyssey: Fossil Threads in the Web of Life (University of California, 2009) and How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015).

Editorial Reviews

07/01/2017
Gr 4–6—Bright photos accent the colorful pages in this eye-catching overview of paleontology. Sampson, otherwise known as Dr. Scott, the host of the TV show Dinosaur Train, takes a question-and-answer approach to entice readers. "How Do You Find Fossils?," "Where Are Fossils Stored?," and "How Do Paleontologists Study Fossils?" are among the baker's dozen of queries to which Sampson replies in brief, informative, and chatty text. While he doesn't mention education requirements for paleontology careers, he does urge readers to "learn as much as you can about all kinds of science" and "to spend a lot of time out in nature." A glossary of possibly unfamiliar terms (burlap and awl among them) is appended. While the book lacks an in-depth diagram that details how to become a paleontologist, it will certainly set the feet of incipient fossil hunters on the right road to their desired goal—and is a fun read as well. VERDICT Eye candy for the paleontological wannabe, and some serious scientific nutrition as well.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

School Library Journal

2017-03-06
The resident expert of PBS Kids' Dinosaur Train explains what fossil hunters do and study.Sampson's animated descriptions of where fossils are found, how paleontologists dig them up and transport them to museums for reconstruction and research, and what can be learned about dino diets and prehistoric habitats from teeth or other features offer a simplified but enticing view of the work and some of its rewards. Though the author leaves out any direct mention of the academic training that professional paleontologists must undergo, he mentions several techniques and activities that won't be beyond even younger amateurs—and also touts the general value of getting outdoors and "playing in nature." Children with a modicum of familiarity with the subject will find the exclamation mark-strewn text patronizing, and they will yawn at the hyped revelation at the end that turns out to be the less-than-fresh news that birds are dino descendants. The enthusiastic text is accompanied by photos of scientists (all apparently white, nearly all male) at work in field and lab, with occasional portraits of fleshed-out dinosaurs in prehistoric settings to crank up the drama. A limited but lively once-over for young dinophiles. (glossary) (Informational picture book. 7-9)

Kirkus Reviews

"Sampson's animated descriptions of where fossils are found, how paleontologists dig them up and transport them to museums for reconstruction and research, and what can be learned about dino diets and prehistoric habitats from teeth or other features offer a simplified but enticing view of the work and some of its rewards..." — Kirkus

"This basic introduction to paleontology is a good start for the child who loves dinosaur picture books and is ready for the science behind these majestic (and sometimes minuscule) creatures from the past." — Booklist

"Bright photos accent the colorful pages in this eye-catching overview of paleontology. Sampson, otherwise known as Dr. Scott, the host of the TV show Dinosaur Train, takes a question-and-answer approach to entice readers... VERDICT Eye candy for the paleontological wannabe, and some serious scientific nutrition as well." — School Library Journal

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From the Publisher