Graphic in more ways than one, this dino-drama combines paleontology with uncluttered cartoon panels featuring a host of Cretaceous creatures stly marine predators posed to display gaping jaws and sharp teeth to best advantage, or chowing down on prey amidst a cloud of gore. The commentary isn't as easy to read as it might be: "As they leave, the Elasmosauruses are joined by a Dolichorhynchops. Their short-necked relative has also been chased out by the Platecarpuses." Meanwhile, the sound effects ("CLAUGHHHGH. CLUCGH!") also may take some getting used to. But young readers attuned to visual storytelling will enjoy following a certain young Elasmosaur as it encounters contemporary megafauna while repeatedly escaping bloody death by a nose. Back matter includes fossil evidence from which the artwork is based, as well as a gallery of all the beasts appearing in the story.

JEFFREY, Gary . Stegosaurus: The Plated Dinosaur illus. by James Field. ISBN 978-1-4358-2503-1 . LC 2007050587. SHONE, Rob . Diplodocus: The Whip-Tailed Dinosaur illus. by James Field. ISBN 978-1-4358-2504-8 . LC 2008003924. SHONE, Rob . Giganotosaurus: The Giant Southern Lizard illus. by Terry Riley. ISBN 978-1-4358-2502-4 . LC 2008003265. ea vol: 32p. (Graphic Dinosaurs Series). illus. photos. reprods. glossary. index. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. Nov. 2008. PLB $25.25. Gr 2-5 Action-packed episodes in a graphic-novel format introduce the life of a young dinosaur. Present-tense narration relates the reptiles experiences, many of which involve narrow escapes from deadly predators. Full-color paneled illustrations set the pace, accentuating drama with varied perspectives and effective page designs. Facts about dinosaurs and other creatures of the time come through unobtrusively. The narration is not too wordy and appropriately focuses on behavior and action, without personification. Basic facts about the featured dinosaur appear on the first couple of pages, but many readers will skip to the story and the eye-catching illustrations.