Review: The Dinosaurs of Appalachia by Alex McLean

The Dinosaurs of Appalachia by Alex McLean is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of prehistoric life, scientific discovery, and the enchanting world of dinosaurs on the East Coast of the US. Through the eyes of its captivating dinosaur characters, the book invites readers on an expedition back to the Mesozoic Era, offering both a wealth of knowledge and a profound appreciation for the region’s paleontological significance.

At the forefront of this journey is Monty, the Appalachiosaurus, whose orange and red plumage and formal attire embody the grandeur and mystery of the ancient creatures that once dominated the landscape of the Eastern United States. Monty serves as the charismatic guide, drawing readers into the fold with tales of geological wonders and the vital importance of dinosaur paleontology in Appalachia. His eloquent discourse sets the stage for a book that is as informative as it is enchanting.

Contrasting Monty’s refined demeanor, Tracy the Eotrachodon brings a refreshing and relatable perspective. Her country-girl charm and expertise in the ecosystems of Appalachia ground the narrative, providing a bridge between the lofty ambitions of paleontology and the tangible, mud-streaked reality of fieldwork. Tracy’s hands-on knowledge and passion for the environment enrich the book’s exploration of the diverse habitats that once flourished in the region.

Ronald the Lophorhothon adds a layer of historical depth to the narrative. Dressed in his white suit and puffing on a corncob pipe, Ronald recounts the earth’s vast history and the monumental efforts of paleontologists to unravel the secrets of the past. His stories of the earliest fossils and the pioneers of paleontology imbue the book with a sense of continuity and respect for the scientific endeavor. Sparky the Arkansaurus injects a dose of levity and curiosity into the journey; his rapid-fire delivery of fascinating facts and observations makes the complex field of paleontology accessible and engaging to readers of all ages. Nio the Niobrarasaurus, the laid-back expert on fossilization, introduces a captivating segment on the unique conditions that preserved the remnants of ancient life in the South. His narrative, from the beaches of Florida to the ancient shorelines of Kansas and Alabama, reveals the unexpected connections between land and sea in the story of dinosaur evolution.

While McLean’s book succeeds in bringing the prehistoric world to life through its inventive use of characters and vivid storytelling, the tone of the book often wavers between childlike and encyclopedic, with information that may be too detailed for younger readers. The illustrations are most certainly aimed at kids, and there are certain captions for a very young audience, such as “Scientists who study the earth are called geologists,” but then the text will go into fairly heady detail about geologic formations. Telling most of the dinosaur facts through dialogue makes the information seem more conversational, but these scenes still seem like a recitation of facts without fully incorporating the distinct personalities established at the start of the book.

That said, the information provided is fascinating, and the book is obviously written with an enormous passion for the subject, which is inspiring and engaging. An ideal read for young readers who have already shown an interest in dinosaurs, the book offers a treasure trove of compelling information, and an eye-opening account of the rich prehistory of Appalachia and the US.