WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: The Iguanodon's Horn by Sean Rubin

 

THE IGUANODON'S HORN:

How Artists & Scientists put a Dinosaur back together again & again & again!

written & illustrated by Sean Rubin

Clarion Books, 2024

ISBN: 978-0-06-323921-0

Source: purchased

Ages 6-10

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by the publisher through Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Highlighting the role of artists in the scientific process, this crowd-pleasing look at dinosaurs explores how new discoveries deepen our understanding of the world. Ever since mysterious bones were found in 1822, scientists and artists have tried to figure out what the creature they came from looked like. But it seems that every time they’ve made up their minds, someone makes a new discovery, and they have to start all over. That’s only fair, though—after all, it’s how knowledge advances! With an inviting tone and detail-filled art, Sean Rubin traces the process of defining—and redefining—the dinosaur called Iguanodon . Entertaining, accessible, and beautiful, his tale will delight dinosaur fans, budding artists, and anyone curious about how science really works. 

REVIEW

The Iguanodon's Horn follows the fascinating development of human knowledge about dinosaur fossils, specifically the animal that came to be known as the Iguanodon. Rubin introduces young readers to how the perceptions of dinosaurs have changed over the years through science and art. With the Iguanodon as the primary example, he shows how ideas about them changed over they years as more was learned about them through the study of fossils and footprints as well as just general knowledge about dinosaurs in general. Science as a process of growing and developing is emphasized. The well-written text explains things beautifully but it's the illustrations that really bring the point home. The illustrations make it clear that people's theories and understanding of the iguanodon have changed a great deal since the first fossils of the animal were discovered. For example, the fossil that was originally thought to be a horn that was later determined to be a thumb spike. A truly thought-provoking look at the challenges of scientific thought and turning fossils into artwork. The artwork, called 'digital collage' by the author/illustrator truly makes the book stand out. The back matter that explains the artwork and what it was based on will be especially informative for the adults who take the time to read it. A great nonfiction introduction to the scientific and artistic sides of the paleontology coin. Highly recommended.