Overview

Strange animals from long ago linked to their unexpected modern relatives. It's hard to imagine, but about 99% of all the species that ever lived are already extinct. Some died off suddenly during global catastrophes, while others gradually disappeared as the world evolved. But some animals didn't vanish altogether, and their distant relatives live among us today. What were these ancient animals like? In a word, surprising. Ground-dwelling sloths were so tall they could nibble the leaves in treetops. Rabbit-sized camels scampered through the underbrush. Giant dragonflies the size of hawks were masters of the skies, swooping down on flies as big as chickadees. These six modern animals are compared to their ancient ancestors: Dragonfly Beaver Armadillo Crocodile Camel Sloth. Why did these fabulous creatures change? What did their world look like? How do scientists make the connection to each one's extraordinary past? Author Claire Eamer distills millions of years of global history on the astonishing evolution of six modern-day animals. At the same time, readers are treated to a visual feast of artists' colorful renderings of the ancients, together with color photographs of their modern-day counterparts.

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9781554511297

Table of Contents

Reviews

Fun facts fill the text, like how to become a fossil.--LaDawna Harrington INFOLINK (06/30/2010)

[Aimer] explains how the 'ancestor' became extinct, how their modern day cousin evolved and...how scientists came to understand this cycle.--Barbara Ayes INFOLINK (03/01/2009) Brilliantly illustrated ... About the only criticism that could be levelled at [the book] is that it is too short: --Paul Challen Quill & Quire (03/01/2008) Sure to hold the interest of reluctant readers and researchers alike.--Brenda Kahn INFOLINK (05/18/2009) Explains evolutionary process by comparing six modern animals to their ancient ancestors in an entertaining, easy to understand style.--Judy Leame INFOLINK (02/05/2009) Fun facts fill the text, like how to become a fossil.--LaDawna Harrington INFOLINK (06/30/2010) Brilliantly illustrated ... Eamer provides excellent descriptions of key aspects of the scientific and scholarly underpinnings of her subject.... About the only criticism that could be levelled at Super Crocs & Monster Wings is that it is too short: the book barely scratches the surface of a complex, entertaining subject.--Paul Challen Quill & Quire (03/01/2008) The author's conversational and often-humorous voice slides readers effortless through a great deal of fascinating information in this title on animal evolution.... The juxtaposition of theory with information on popular species makes this title unique... And the section on seven mass extinctions in the past 650 million years will be an eye-opener for kids who are concerned about global warming. Without compromising clarity or accuracy, this book provides a wow scientific experience.--Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, P School Library Journal (06/01/2008) About 97 percent of all species that lived are already extinct, but some animals didn't vanish and their distant relatives live among us today. [The] author explains evolutionary process by comparing six modern animals to their ancient ancestors in an entertaining, easy to understand style. Illustrations of prehistoric animals are clear and crisp as are the photos of their current ancestors. Bright color pages and different font styles and sizes give an attractive, modern look. Recommended.--Judy Leame INFOLINK (02/05/2009) Eamer's conversational and often humorous voice guides the reader through fascinating information about animal evolution... She explains how the 'ancestor' became extinct, how their modern day cousin evolved and, most importantly, how scientists came to understand this cycle. Highly recommended.--Barbara Ayes INFOLINK (03/01/2009) There are good science explanations offered in a tone that is both humorous and conversational. This combined with an eye-catching, colorful design, cool fonts, bright backgrounds, factoids galore and full-color photographs, is sure to hold the interest of reluctant readers and researchers alike. Recommended.--Brenda Kahn INFOLINK (05/18/2009) The book begins with a chart of the geological time scale and then makes a case for modern animals with an ancient past, and animal connections and families. The text and key elements are brought to life for the students through highlighted visuals and photographs. Fun facts fill the text, like how to become a fossil. Finally the book has a selected bibliography and a list for further reading.--LaDawna Harrington INFOLINK (06/30/2010)

The author's conversational and often-humorous voice slides readers effortless through a great deal of fascinating information... a wow scientific experience. -- Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA School Library Journal (06/01/2008)

Author Information

Claire Eamer is an editor, short-story writer, and author of nonfiction who has also worked in radio. This is her first book for young readers. She lives in Whitehorse, Yukon.

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