Pick of the Day: Planet Dinosaur (DVD)

Planet Dinosaur. DVD. approx. 3 hrs. Prod. by BBC Worldwide. Dist. by Warner Home Video. 2012. ISBN 0-7806-8447-8. $19.96.
Gr 5 Up–In the last two decades, paleontologists have made great discoveries about dinosaurs thanks to new computer-generated imaging (CGI) technology and cutting-edge research. The film, narrated by John Hurt and featuring computer-generated images, brings these prehistoric creatures to life. A whole new cast of dinosaurs are introduced, such as the Predator X, a sea creature that liked to tear the Plesiosaurs to bits;  the Camptosaurus and the Stegosaurus, who often lived within the same herd to protect each other from the Allosaurus and other larger creatures; and the Microraptor, a lizard who used the earliest forms of flight to catch prey in the trees. The information is engrossing and presented in an easy-to-follow format. The science information provided is fascinating and the blending of speculation and fact is well defined. An hour-long special feature, “How to Build a Dinosaur,” shows how dinosaur skeletons are pieced together and would be a good tool for dinosaur units. A great addition to upper elementary and middle schools and public library collections.–Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT