Book Review

When Bugs Were Big... presents an overview of world geology during the Carboniferous and Permian eras (250 million to 350 million years ago). Topics covered include the continents and oceans, climate, weather, plant life, the bizarre and wonderful insects, and the fish and land animals that flourished at the time. The book concludes with a brief discussion of the mass extinction that wiped out many plant and animal communities at the end of the Paleozoic, and somehow spared the early ancestors of dinosaurs and the group of reptiles that eventually evolved into our earliest mammal ancestors.

This is a fascinating period of earth history, one that is not well covered already, since some of the major discoveries and insights have only been made in the last 15 or 20 years.

Hannah Bonner's book is packed with information and the cartoon format is funny, engaging, accurate and intriguing. The earth timeline at the end of the book is one of the better I’ve ever seen. An index, glossary, pronunciation guide, and references for reading and web surfing are included.

I give this book the highest recommendation and suggest it as a Cornerstone. It is enjoyable and easy to read, inviting, compelling, and filled with up-to-date and accurate science. It is written for elementary and junior high age youth, however all ages will get a kick out of the book. I hope the author plans to do many more books on earth history.

~ K.K., MLS, Brunswick