If we learn about creatures that once roamed the earth, it can sober us up enough to help preserve today’s endangered species. Polar bears are going extinct (no matter what Donald Trump says) and there are around 3000 wild tigers left on earth. Recently, National Geographic captured a heart-breaking photo of a carer caressing the carcass of the last-but-one species of a rare rhino. So that leaves one.
Forgotten Beasts is a wonderful book about creatures that once roamed the earth by Matt Sewell (he’s the artist who writes all those fun bird-watching pop-art books). Meet beasts that we have lost from the sabre-toothed tiger to the woolly mammoth, and obscure monsters that walked the earth, millions of years ago. One animal roamed the earth 500 million years ago, but the Tasmanian tiger only became extinct in 1936. Did you know that our plant once had:
- A Water King Penguin (the size of a man?)
- The largest owl that ever existed?
- A short-nosed bear that kept North America human-free?
Maisie Mammoth’s Memoirs is a beautifully illustrated child’s guide to the Ice Age. Knowing about the history of our planet, is ideal opportunity to learn about climate change now. Maisie reveals the defining stories of some memorable creatures, from prehistoric times. Learn about:
- Stella the sabre-toothed tiger (with huge canine teeth)
- Trevor the titanoboa (a mega-snake who could swallow a crocodile)
- Camera-shy Gavin the giant ape, who inspired the myth of the Yeti
The characterful creatures and humorous approach, belies good scientific research of palaeontology (learn how to defrost a woolly mammoth!) The book is by Professor Mike Benton, who is professor of vertebrate palaeontology at University of Bristol.