L. L. Owens

books for children and young adults

Ankylosaurus

Young dinosaur lovers will enjoy this high-interest look at one of the last living dinosaurs on Earth. Short, engaging chapters offer interesting facts and theories about the origins, life, and last days of Ankylosaurus; and they are chock full of vibrant illustrations. Ages 8 and Up.

Ankylosaurus is available in paperback (PB) and reinforced library binding (RLB) editions. Rourke Publishing, 2007; 24 pages; PB ISBN 978-1-60044-251-3; RLB ISBN 1-60044-251-X.

To order the book, please call 1-772-234-6001, fax 1-772-234-6622, or click here.

Note: The publisher also offers Accelerated Reader® software and a Teacher Resource for this title.

Excerpt from Chapter 4: "What Did Ankylosaurus Look Like?"

Ankylosaurus was the last of a group of armored dinosaurs called ankylosaurs. Its bulky body was lined with bands of flat, bony plates.

The plates were joined together to make one covering. This "armor" covered most of its body. Spikes on top of its head and the armor over its eyelids offered extra protection. If you've ever seen an armadillo or a crocodile, you've seen an animal with a similar body armor.

Two rows of bony spikes on top of Ankylosaurus's body also helped protect it. Its soft belly was the only part left unprotected. Ankylosaurus was probably careful to shield its belly from enemies, just like porcupines do today.

Ankylosaurus also had a short neck. Its small, square head held a tiny brain. Some scientists think its brain was no bigger than a golf ball.

There really is no way to know what color Ankylosaurus was, though. Experts think it was probably a dark green or brown. That way it would blend in with trees, shrubs, and other plant life in its habitat.