Reviewed by Jennifer A. Brennan (George Washington University)

 

Swaby, A., J. R. Hendricks, and A. McGillis (illustrator). 2021. Into the Ordovician: Adventures in a Prehistoric World. Paleontological Research Institute, Ithaca, NY. 44 pp. ($12.95 paper.)

Swaby, A., J. R. Hendricks, and A. McGillis (illustrator). 2022. Silurian Journey: Adventures in a Prehistoric World. Paleontological Research Institute, Ithaca, NY. 44 pp. ($12.95 paper.)

Don’t be fooled by the bright colors and illustrations on these books’ covers. These books are not for early readers. Andrielle Swaby and Jonathan Hendricks, the authors of Into the Ordovician and Silurian Journey, did not water down the scientific information in the “Adventures in a Prehistoric World” series. Young readers will be drawn in by the illustrations and enjoy a grown-up reading these books to them. Busy, diorama-like pictures have a Seek-and-Find style (think Where’s Waldo) supported by text throughout the image. Kids who like facts, trivia or picture puzzles can engage with these books one page at a time, and can skip around through the book, as each two-page spread is a stand-alone vignette highlighting geologic events, biological innovations, extinct ecosystems, and fossils.

Alana McGillis’ illustrations have a graphic-novel or comic-book style that will appeal to older kids who aren’t into chapter books, while the writing style and scientific vocabulary will provide established readers with a sense of accomplishment. A glossary at the back supports new words introduced in each book, and detailed photos of fossil specimens give real examples of organisms shown in the illustrations. I was a voracious reader as a kid and learning new facts and vocabulary made me feel powerful. I would have devoured these books and followed them up with a deep dive into ancient seas and their ecosystems.

These books feature engaging illustrations full of snippets of text highlighting key biological and geological events from the time-period. The second half of each book encourages you to keep exploring with photos of fossil specimens, featured museums, and North American parks with fossil sites.  These features could be used as a primer for fieldtrips to a museum or visits to a state or national park. The authors, illustrator, and current paleontologists are included at the back of each book as well, showcasing the faces behind the scientific research.

A last note for educators, parents, or librarians. Both Into the Ordovician and Silurian Journey score an 11 on the SMOG readability index, developed by G. Harry McLaughlin in 1969. Although a score of 11 would superficially suggest a high school reading level of grade eleven, this score is due to the use of multisyllabic words throughout the text. The books each contain a glossary of terms to support readers, and it is my belief that the text becomes more approachable for younger readers once they learn some of the repeated terms. Supported or guided reading with a grownup will also make the text in the “Adventures in a Prehistoric World” series more successful for younger or struggling readers.