Shelf Life

Dinosaur Park illustrated by Steve Weston (Kingfisher, $17.99)
Young readers are invited to enter the lost world of dinosaurs as they come face-to-face with four pop up scenes and nine press-out creatures documenting some of the most amazing reptiles ever to have walked the earth. There is a fact-filled field guide so that it is easy to discover where each lives in the park. This remarkable book teaches essential facts about favorite dinosaurs as it entertains. (Ages 3-6)

Really, Really Big Questions About Life, the Universe, and Everything by Dr. Stephen Law and illustrated by Nishant Choksi (Kingfisher, $16.99)
Experts agree that the best way to help your child develop an inquisitive and creative mind is to begin reading to them at birth and to model good reading habits for them throughout their formative years. Dr. Stephen Law, editor of the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal, poses such questions as the possibility of time travel, why is stealing wrong, and if a robot can think. If your child has ever looked at the family dog and wondered what it is really thinking, this book is a good place to begin finding the answer to that and dozens of other thought-provoking questions. (Ages 9-12)

My Name is Jorge on Both Sides of the River: Poems in English and Spanish by Jane Medina with illustrations by Fabricio Vanden Broeck (Wordsong, $10.95)
Jorge is trying to learn the ways of his new country and he wants to fit in without forgetting his homeland, Mexico. Learning a new language, getting a library card, and making new friends are just some of the challenges faced by Jorge. The bilingual poetry spotlights one boy’s struggle to make a new life in a new country. (Ages 7-9)

Un Amigo de Veras Maravilloso by Suzanne Bloom with a translation by Aida E. Marcuse (Boyds Mills Press, $7.95)
A duck can become a remarkable friend as featured in this award-winning book. With a text in Spanish, this is a perfect reader for youngsters just learning the basics of the language. (Ages 5-7)

Lost Worlds by John Howe with illustrations by Sir Ian McKellen (Kingfisher, $22.99)
John Howe, the concept artists for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings films, describes in words and images several mysterious and elusive realms of historical and cultural significance such as Pompeii, Teotihuacan, and Timbuktu. Each lost world is introduced with a glowing description and luminous full-color illustrations. Accompanying each spread are line drawings and photographs along with relics including coins and pottery. (Ages 9-12)

Warriors vs Warriors: Ten Fighters, Five Battles, One Winner with illustrations by Steve Stone (King Fisher, $19.99)
What would have happened if ancient warriors from one era were to engage in battle with those of another era and civilization? Would a Ninja have beaten a Knight, an Aztec a Samurai? Five battles are imaged, pitting one warrior against another until the five victors are finally narrowed to one. Children and young adult who are fascinated by ancient cultures are certain to be entertained by this innovative book. (Ages 9-12)