Giant Rhinoceros

Janet Riehecky
Illustrated by Jon Hughes

Giant Rhinoceros is the largest of the mammals to have ever walked on the earth, and they lived during the prehistoric era in Asia 30 million years ago. These dinosaurs looked like giraffes and grew up to 23 feet tall, or seven meters. Their necks were very long so they could reach the leaves on the tall trees, and walked on four legs, on hard hooves. They ate leaves all day long, using their strong lips to grab the leaves from the trees. Then they pulled the leaves from the trees using their four long front teeth. Their back teeth were flat which they used to chew. The Giant Rhinoceros are believed to have lived in herds while protecting their young from predators.

The fossils of this dinosaur can be found in museums. No one knows why they died out about 26 million years ago. At the end of this picture book, is a glossary that includes the following terms from the text: fossil, herd, hoof, mammal, museum, predator, and prehistoric. Information on additional resources, a web link, and an index can be found at the end of the book.

The colorful pictures of the Giant Rhinoceros are realistic and yet fascinating. Children should be enthralled by the pictures as they are read to and eventually learn the text. The vocabulary used for the intended grade level is appropriate and engaging. The science of the prehistoric life is detailed enough to encourage further reading, yet simple enough for age appropriate comprehension.

BIBLIO: 2009, Capstone Press, Ages K-1, $21.32
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-4296-0037-8
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 7/11/09