Who Are You Calling A Woolly Mammoth (America's Funny But True History) - Softcover

Grade 4-6-A woolly mammoth (with earmuffs and neck warmer on the front cover and a red velvet bow on its tail on the back) sets the tone for this book. Levy surrounds readers with jokes, asides, and lively banter while presenting a chronological and systematic account of the evolution of prehistoric life from 250 million to 6 million years ago. A glib cockroach guides readers through a clear explanation of the split of the continent Pangaea, of the development of dinosaurs from the diminutive size of a chicken to that of a six-story building, and of the extinction of prehistoric creatures. Then, starting 65 million years ago, the author explains how the atmosphere and sun began to influence a change in North America, making it a rain forest. In this environment, mammalian life evolved and the continents continued to move. Levy explains why the rain forests receded and the woolly mammoth and nine other mammals flourished during this cold period, the ice age. The last section describes evolution of humans to 6000 years ago when the larger ice-age mammals became extinct. Wound around these explanations are slapstick line drawings that are on an even par with continual wisecracks in the text. This overview will satiate the high interest many young people have about prehistoric times and will appeal to reluctant readers.
Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.