{"id":590597505,"title":"Ancient Animals: Terror Bird","handle":"ancient-animals-terror-bird","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/sarah-l-thomson\"\u003eSarah L. Thomson\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/andrew-plant\"\u003eAndrew Plant\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA creature whose name says it all.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a lot of large birds that inhabit our world today—the albatross, the condor, the emperor penguin. But none of these compare to the terror bird: a bird of prey that roamed ancient South America over fifteen million years ago. The terror bird could stand as tall as a basket ball hoop, with strong beaks designed to hunt. For sixty million years, the terror bird thrived. Almost every other animal could be considered its prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow did this prehistoric creature live and hunt? How did it eventually become extinct? Sarah Thompson presents this scientific information with the emerging reader in mind—the text is simple, concise, and clear, yet full of useful and thought-provoking facts and ideas. Andrew Plant’s illustrations, labeled throughout, provide readers with an accurate visual of the creatures presented. Lovers of nature and paleontology will find much to enjoy in this introduction to the biggest meat-eating bird that ever lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack matter includes facts about other flightless birds—both alive and extinct—as well as additional resources for further discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/raptor-s-revenge\" title=\"Raptor's Revenge\"\u003eRaptor's Revenge\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/feathered-dinosaurs-of-china\" title=\"Feathered Dinosaurs of China\"\u003eFeathered Dinosaurs of China\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Ancient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat\" href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/products\/ancient-animals-saber-toothed-cat?variant=1595507713\"\u003eAncient Animals: Saber-toothed Cat\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-spread.jpg?10105835714464524609\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarah L. Thomson, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarah is a former children's book editor who is now a full-time children's book writer. She has written more than thirty books across many genres, including \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Terror Bird\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat\u003c\/em\u003e. She lives in Portland, Maine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/sarah-l-thomson\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Sarah\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Plant, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew is a trained zoologist with a strong interest in paleontology. He has illustrated more than one hundred books for children, including\u003cem\u003e Living Fossils: Clues to the Past\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eA Platypus, Probably\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Terror Bird\u003c\/em\u003e; and \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat\u003c\/em\u003e. Andrew lives in Melbourne, Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/andrew-plant\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Andrew\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNSTA Recommends\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the title implies, a \"terror bird\" is a member of an ancient and fearsome family. Living in the land that was to become South America millions of years ago, these birds ruled the grasslands. We are still learning about these fascinating creatures from their fossil records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book introduces the reader to a species that was previously unknown--a group that varied widely in size from as small as an eagle to as big as a one-story building. A voracious consumer, this bird could swallow its prey whole or slice it apart with its sharp, curved beak. Although it had wings, the terror bird did not fly but it ran really fast. As a top predator, it ruled!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientists have a variety of theories about the extinction of the terror bird. The reader can continue investigating through the resources listed at the conclusion of the text. The colorful illustrations present comparison to modern top predators as well as flightless birds familiar to readers. The drawings embedded with the scientific name of various organisms help the reader make connections and begin to understand the connectivity over species over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagine a predator that stands about seven feet tall and has an enormous hooked beak and long, thick, sharp talons. All of these traits combined to form the largest-known carnivore in the avian world, called the terror bird. It thrived in South America more than 15 million years ago but died out after a land bridge between South and North America formed. These facts, coupled with acrylic gouache illustrations that artfully depict the terrain and various items on the terror bird's menu as they are eaten, will appeal to children fascinated by predator\/prey relationships and creatures of the past. The book includes a gallery of other flightless birds. The text is simple and straightforward, with short sentences and an open format. The author concludes with theories about the bird's demise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDinosaurs get plenty of attention, but what about other ancient creatures? Thomson and Plant attempt to remedy this oversight with a glimpse into the life of the terror bird, a prehistoric bird with powerful hind legs; a gigantic, meat-tearing beak; and tiny, flightless wings. In brief, informative free-verse lines, Thomson details the terror bird's size (\"The smallest was the size of an eagle. A large one could be as tall as a basketball hoop\"); predatory habits (\"It could break bones with one kick\"); and its place in the ecosystem (\"They kept a balance between food, predators, and prey\"). Plant's vivid paintings of the terror bird in action--chasing down prey, tearing apart their quarry--are clearly labeled with scientific names. Though the book notably lacks a glossary, the list of flightless birds that can be seen today (the much gentler ostrich and emu, for example) and resources for futher research make this a good starting point for young readers interested in prehistoric animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ancient Animals: Terror Bird book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-cvr.jpg?13134105694834598293\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-hires.zip?13134105694834598293\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-398-5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-399-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-610-4 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e⁄\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e x 6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReading Informational. Grades 1 to 3. Standards 1-4, 7, and 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2015-05-05T13:42:00-04:00","created_at":"2015-05-04T15:05:54-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Early Reader","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Animals \u0026 Dinosaurs","Browse by Subject_Science \u0026 Nature"],"price":648,"price_min":648,"price_max":648,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":1295,"compare_at_price_min":1295,"compare_at_price_max":1295,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":1597025153,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"93985","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Ancient Animals: Terror Bird - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":648,"weight":236,"compare_at_price":1295,"inventory_quantity":99,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-1-58089-398-5","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-cover.jpg?v=1570208229"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-cover.jpg?v=1570208229","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"Ancient Animals: Terror Bird book cover image","id":2448404119631,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.727,"height":825,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-cover.jpg?v=1570208229"},"aspect_ratio":0.727,"height":825,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-cover.jpg?v=1570208229","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/sarah-l-thomson\"\u003eSarah L. Thomson\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/andrew-plant\"\u003eAndrew Plant\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA creature whose name says it all.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a lot of large birds that inhabit our world today—the albatross, the condor, the emperor penguin. But none of these compare to the terror bird: a bird of prey that roamed ancient South America over fifteen million years ago. The terror bird could stand as tall as a basket ball hoop, with strong beaks designed to hunt. For sixty million years, the terror bird thrived. Almost every other animal could be considered its prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow did this prehistoric creature live and hunt? How did it eventually become extinct? Sarah Thompson presents this scientific information with the emerging reader in mind—the text is simple, concise, and clear, yet full of useful and thought-provoking facts and ideas. Andrew Plant’s illustrations, labeled throughout, provide readers with an accurate visual of the creatures presented. Lovers of nature and paleontology will find much to enjoy in this introduction to the biggest meat-eating bird that ever lived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack matter includes facts about other flightless birds—both alive and extinct—as well as additional resources for further discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/raptor-s-revenge\" title=\"Raptor's Revenge\"\u003eRaptor's Revenge\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/feathered-dinosaurs-of-china\" title=\"Feathered Dinosaurs of China\"\u003eFeathered Dinosaurs of China\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Ancient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat\" href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/products\/ancient-animals-saber-toothed-cat?variant=1595507713\"\u003eAncient Animals: Saber-toothed Cat\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-spread.jpg?10105835714464524609\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarah L. Thomson, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarah is a former children's book editor who is now a full-time children's book writer. She has written more than thirty books across many genres, including \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Terror Bird\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat\u003c\/em\u003e. She lives in Portland, Maine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/sarah-l-thomson\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Sarah\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Plant, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew is a trained zoologist with a strong interest in paleontology. He has illustrated more than one hundred books for children, including\u003cem\u003e Living Fossils: Clues to the Past\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eA Platypus, Probably\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Terror Bird\u003c\/em\u003e; and \u003cem\u003eAncient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat\u003c\/em\u003e. Andrew lives in Melbourne, Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/andrew-plant\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Andrew\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNSTA Recommends\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the title implies, a \"terror bird\" is a member of an ancient and fearsome family. Living in the land that was to become South America millions of years ago, these birds ruled the grasslands. We are still learning about these fascinating creatures from their fossil records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book introduces the reader to a species that was previously unknown--a group that varied widely in size from as small as an eagle to as big as a one-story building. A voracious consumer, this bird could swallow its prey whole or slice it apart with its sharp, curved beak. Although it had wings, the terror bird did not fly but it ran really fast. As a top predator, it ruled!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientists have a variety of theories about the extinction of the terror bird. The reader can continue investigating through the resources listed at the conclusion of the text. The colorful illustrations present comparison to modern top predators as well as flightless birds familiar to readers. The drawings embedded with the scientific name of various organisms help the reader make connections and begin to understand the connectivity over species over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImagine a predator that stands about seven feet tall and has an enormous hooked beak and long, thick, sharp talons. All of these traits combined to form the largest-known carnivore in the avian world, called the terror bird. It thrived in South America more than 15 million years ago but died out after a land bridge between South and North America formed. These facts, coupled with acrylic gouache illustrations that artfully depict the terrain and various items on the terror bird's menu as they are eaten, will appeal to children fascinated by predator\/prey relationships and creatures of the past. The book includes a gallery of other flightless birds. The text is simple and straightforward, with short sentences and an open format. The author concludes with theories about the bird's demise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDinosaurs get plenty of attention, but what about other ancient creatures? Thomson and Plant attempt to remedy this oversight with a glimpse into the life of the terror bird, a prehistoric bird with powerful hind legs; a gigantic, meat-tearing beak; and tiny, flightless wings. In brief, informative free-verse lines, Thomson details the terror bird's size (\"The smallest was the size of an eagle. A large one could be as tall as a basketball hoop\"); predatory habits (\"It could break bones with one kick\"); and its place in the ecosystem (\"They kept a balance between food, predators, and prey\"). Plant's vivid paintings of the terror bird in action--chasing down prey, tearing apart their quarry--are clearly labeled with scientific names. Though the book notably lacks a glossary, the list of flightless birds that can be seen today (the much gentler ostrich and emu, for example) and resources for futher research make this a good starting point for young readers interested in prehistoric animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ancient Animals: Terror Bird book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-cvr.jpg?13134105694834598293\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/ancient-animals-terror-bird-hires.zip?13134105694834598293\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-398-5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-399-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-610-4 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e⁄\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e x 6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReading Informational. Grades 1 to 3. Standards 1-4, 7, and 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

Ancient Animals: Terror Bird

By: Sarah L. Thomson / Illustrated by: Andrew Plant

A creature whose name says it all.

There are a lot of large birds that inhabit our world today—the albatross, the condor, the emperor penguin. But none of these compare to the terror bird: a bird of prey that roamed ancient South America over fifteen million years ago. The terror bird could stand as tall as a basket ball hoop, with strong beaks designed to hunt. For sixty million years, the terror bird thrived. Almost every other animal could be considered its prey.

How did this prehistoric creature live and hunt? How did it eventually become extinct? Sarah Thompson presents this scientific information with the emerging reader in mind—the text is simple, concise, and clear, yet full of useful and thought-provoking facts and ideas. Andrew Plant’s illustrations, labeled throughout, provide readers with an accurate visual of the creatures presented. Lovers of nature and paleontology will find much to enjoy in this introduction to the biggest meat-eating bird that ever lived.

Back matter includes facts about other flightless birds—both alive and extinct—as well as additional resources for further discovery.

$ 12.95
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Sarah L. Thomson, author

Sarah is a former children's book editor who is now a full-time children's book writer. She has written more than thirty books across many genres, including Ancient Animals: Terror Bird and Ancient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat. She lives in Portland, Maine.

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Andrew Plant, illustrator

Andrew is a trained zoologist with a strong interest in paleontology. He has illustrated more than one hundred books for children, including Living Fossils: Clues to the Past; A Platypus, Probably; Ancient Animals: Terror Bird; and Ancient Animals: Saber-Toothed Cat. Andrew lives in Melbourne, Australia.

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As the title implies, a "terror bird" is a member of an ancient and fearsome family. Living in the land that was to become South America millions of years ago, these birds ruled the grasslands. We are still learning about these fascinating creatures from their fossil records.

This book introduces the reader to a species that was previously unknown--a group that varied widely in size from as small as an eagle to as big as a one-story building. A voracious consumer, this bird could swallow its prey whole or slice it apart with its sharp, curved beak. Although it had wings, the terror bird did not fly but it ran really fast. As a top predator, it ruled!

Scientists have a variety of theories about the extinction of the terror bird. The reader can continue investigating through the resources listed at the conclusion of the text. The colorful illustrations present comparison to modern top predators as well as flightless birds familiar to readers. The drawings embedded with the scientific name of various organisms help the reader make connections and begin to understand the connectivity over species over time.

School Library Journal

Imagine a predator that stands about seven feet tall and has an enormous hooked beak and long, thick, sharp talons. All of these traits combined to form the largest-known carnivore in the avian world, called the terror bird. It thrived in South America more than 15 million years ago but died out after a land bridge between South and North America formed. These facts, coupled with acrylic gouache illustrations that artfully depict the terrain and various items on the terror bird's menu as they are eaten, will appeal to children fascinated by predator/prey relationships and creatures of the past. The book includes a gallery of other flightless birds. The text is simple and straightforward, with short sentences and an open format. The author concludes with theories about the bird's demise.

Booklist

Dinosaurs get plenty of attention, but what about other ancient creatures? Thomson and Plant attempt to remedy this oversight with a glimpse into the life of the terror bird, a prehistoric bird with powerful hind legs; a gigantic, meat-tearing beak; and tiny, flightless wings. In brief, informative free-verse lines, Thomson details the terror bird's size ("The smallest was the size of an eagle. A large one could be as tall as a basketball hoop"); predatory habits ("It could break bones with one kick"); and its place in the ecosystem ("They kept a balance between food, predators, and prey"). Plant's vivid paintings of the terror bird in action--chasing down prey, tearing apart their quarry--are clearly labeled with scientific names. Though the book notably lacks a glossary, the list of flightless birds that can be seen today (the much gentler ostrich and emu, for example) and resources for futher research make this a good starting point for young readers interested in prehistoric animals.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58089-398-5

Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-58089-399-2

E-book
ISBN: 978-1-60734-610-4 PDF

Ages: 6-9
Page count: 32
8 14 x 6

Correlated to Common Core State Standards:
Reading Informational. Grades 1 to 3. Standards 1-4, 7, and 10.