Mammoths and Mastodons

Mammoths and Mastodons:  Titans of the Ice Age by Cheryl Bardoe centers on a traveling exhibit by the Field Museum of Chicago.

In fact if you would like to see it, the exhibit is at the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey until January 9, 2011. Check here for the itinerary.

Let’s take a look at what the Mammoths and Mastodons exhibit is all about in this video:

Mammoths and Mastodons:  Titans of the Ice Age has many wonderful aspects, and was nominated for a Cybils award in the nonfiction picture book category. It was recently highlighted in a review post at the Cybils blog.

I do have a note of caution about this book, and the exhibit as well. Young, sensitive children may find the visuals of a dead, mummified baby mammoth upsetting. In the text are also vivid stories of dying animals, and one account of a scientist who ate a dead horse over a period of time. I know, it was in  the name of science, but I’m an adult scientist and I found that revolting!

Bottom line, there will be a lot of kids who will love Mammoths and Mastodons, but it probably would be better off in the middle grade level based on content.

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 081098413X
ISBN-13: 978-0810984134

And for the young, sensitive types:

nonfictionmonday

Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by Anastasia Suen’s Nonfiction Monday page. This week’s post is at Check It Out.