Book Review The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins

Have you ever heard of Waterhouse Hawkins?  150 years ago, he was "the man".  Waterhouse Hawkins was an artist who specialized in animals.  Not only did he draw and paint them, but he was a master sculptor, and his work was highly sought after.



During the 1850's, the first giant bones of what came to be known as dinosaurs were being reconstructed into models.  Waterhouse Hawkins had been hired by Richard Owen to construct the first ever models of these fantastic creatures.  Working together, the two scientists used existing animals to determine what the dinosaurs looked like, how the bones fit together, and what the overlying muscles and skin looked like.  Waterhouse then constructed models - scale models at first, and finally life size models - of their dinosaurs.  This was the first time, ever, that people had seen these gigantic creatures!

With gorgeous illustrations by Brian Selznick, the author Barbara  Kerley bring to life the story of the first dinosaur models, and how they came to be known by the general public.   They follow the tale of Waterhouse Hawkins from his triumph in London to the horrifying situation in New York City and on to his stops at the Smithsonian Institution and Princeton University.

The tale is true - Selznick and Kerley painstakingly researched this story using primary sources ranging from Hawkins' own journal to the Illustrated London News, the London Quarterly Review, and the New York Times.  Enjoy this fascinating tale of the man who was the first to bring dinosaurs to life! 

Note - this is a picture book, illustrated by one of the best illustrators currently working - Brian Selznick.  This is a Caldecott Honor Book - honored for the quality of its illustrations.  While the book is intended for elementary school age children, it is worth venturing out to the children's section of your library or book store to read.  Fascinating story!