You Can Be a Paleontologist! (You Can Be a ...)

Gr 4-6—Bright photos accent the colorful pages in this eye-catching overview of paleontology. Sampson, otherwise known as Dr. Scott, the host of the TV show Dinosaur Train, takes a question-and-answer approach to entice readers. "How Do You Find Fossils?," "Where Are Fossils Stored?," and "How Do Paleontologists Study Fossils?" are among the baker's dozen of queries to which Sampson replies in brief, informative, and chatty text. While he doesn't mention education requirements for paleontology careers, he does urge readers to "learn as much as you can about all kinds of science" and "to spend a lot of time out in nature." A glossary of possibly unfamiliar terms (burlap and awl among them) is appended. While the book lacks an in-depth diagram that details how to become a paleontologist, it will certainly set the feet of incipient fossil hunters on the right road to their desired goal—and is a fun read as well. VERDICT Eye candy for the paleontological wannabe, and some serious scientific nutrition as well.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY