In fairly simple language, Markle discusses what scientists have discovered about dinosaurs and how technology is used to research questions such as whether the syntarsus had sinuses and how high the apatosaurus could stretch its long neck. Focusing on individual fossils, which are clearly shown in the accompanying large color photographs, she shows that scientists use microscopes, X-rays, and computer programs as well as their knowledge of living dinosaur descendants and their reasoning skills to evaluate the fossil remains of dinosaurs. She challenges readers to look carefully at the photos and to try to gather information of their own. This well-designed book, with large illustrations and plenty of white space, the book offers a close look not just at dinosaur fossils but at the process of science as applied to a particular field.

In her most challenging outside/inside yet, Markle looks at how scientists use technology to develop theories and answer questions about the dinosaurs: what they looked like, how they lived, why they raised their young. This is science-writing and -reporting at its best—especially combined as it is here with many outstanding full-color photographs that extend and amplify the topics discussed. Markle often begins with a question: for example, "Did Apatosaurus' really long neck let it munch leaves in treetops?" She then describes and shows how scientists developed a computer simulation program called "Dynomorph," which concludes that the neck bones probably locked if the dinosaur lifted its head higher than its back. Which probably means old Apat didn't reach the treetops to browse like a modern giraffe, but merely swung his six-story neck from side to side. Did dinosaurs have feathers? Were they warm-blooded? Did they take care of their young? Eat meat or plants? Fly? Photographs show dinosaur eggs and embryos, a dinosaur intestine, the inside of a fossilized dinosaur bone, a microscopic view of two different dinosaur droppings, and lots more. Dinosaur fans will find the text an invitation to research and a model for further inquiry. Markle concludes with a challenge: "Maybe some day you'll find new clues or develop new ways to use technology to solve the final mysteries of what dinosaurs were like—inside and out!" Outstanding. (glossary, index, other sites for study) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

Markle explains how to figure out information about an organism from its remains and uses well-chosen analogies and questions to help guide young readers through the interpretations. While images of fossils will be familiar to dinosaur-loving children, Markle's microphotographs, X-ray images, and computer-generated models introduce them to new methods for studying the objects of their affection. Glos., ind.

Gr 3-6-Excellent, large color photos march hand in hand with Markle's readable, informative text, showing how paleontologists examine fossil finds with cutting-edge technologies to discover more about the physiology and lifestyles of animals who vanished some 65-million years ago. From examining traces of nesting materials to estimating the strength of T. rex's mighty jaws, from the possibility that some species had feathers to the probability that others used gizzard stones, the author escorts readers through the complexities of facts, theories, and hypotheses formulated by scientists. The open format is attractive, and the topic a sure hit. Guaranteed to delight dinophiles (who are always seeking new grist for their insatiable mills), this handsome, enlightening addition will gather no dust on library shelves.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.