Draw-A-Saurus: Everything You Need to Know to Draw Your Favorite Dinosaurs

Gr 3–6—Infused with humor and dino facts, this guide takes kids through the steps that will turn lines and circles into terrifying (or adorable) creatures. After a quick introduction and list of supplies, Silvani provides a brief anatomy lesson and explains how to reduce bones to simple lines and shapes that form the structure that can be used as the basis to a drawing. The four main types of dinosaurs that Silvani offers are theropods, sauropods, armored dinosaurs, and ornithopods. What sets this title apart from other drawing books is the wealth of information the author imparts when describing how to draw each dinosaur. For example, Silvani instructs kids interested in drawing an apatosaurus to draw a small mouth because the mouth was only used for gathering food; chewing took place elsewhere. He also includes a section on the dinosaurs' environment and information on other prehistoric creatures. Although this book includes a lot of factual material, Silvani urges readers to use their imaginations, too. Hand this to kids who are ready to take their passion for drawing and dinosaurs—or both—to the next level.—Rachael Myers-Ricker, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY