Return to Jurassic Park
Today, June 12, the movie Jurassic World opens and we can return to Isla Nublar and genetically engineered dinosaurs. Michael Crichton wrote the first book, Jurassic Park, back in 1990 and the dinosaurs came to the big screen three years later in 1993. In his story we learn of an island where scientists have created dinosaurs from the blood of mosquitoes trapped in amber back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It's all explained in a cartoon in the movie. The book and movie were so popular that Crichton wrote a follow up novel entitled The Lost World in 1995 with another movie in 1997. The franchise spawned yet another movie, this one not based on a Michael Crichton novel and it was entitled Jurassic Park III in 2001 and finally the new movie.
All this got me thinking about dinosaurs and how as little children most people go through a dinosaur loving phase, but as adults we leave these prehistoric beasts by the wayside. Therefore, I have put together a list of dinosaur books and DVDs for dinosaur lovers of all ages.
Dino Books
The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle
The science fiction classic was written by the same genius who brought us Sherlock Holmes. This story is set in South America where Professor Challenger invites a reporter to travel with him to witness dinosaurs in person.
The Land that Time Forgot by Edgar Rice Burroughs
This story is the first of a trilogy set in 1918 during World War I and a sub that finds itself drifting towards an unknown land mass in South America where evolution was slowed down.
Anonymous Rex by Eric Garcia
This is a humourous dinosaur detective series with a cult following. What if dinosaurs didn't die out 65 million years, but instead hide among us, just trying to make a living.
The Doctor and the Dinosaurs by Michael D. Resnick
Doc Holliday, post-Okay Corral, teams up with a succession of historical figures to battle the enemies of a steampunk America.
Dino Movies
This title says it all, how dinosaurs would do against each other in a fight, how their bodies help or harm them in a bloody fight.
Walking with Dinosaurs the Movie
Follow a dinosaur from birth to leading his family in an amazing CGI film.
Dinosaur Train Classic in the Jurassic
This PBS Kids show teaches kids all about dinosaurs from different eras on a train.
Dino Books for Kids
What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night by Refe and Susan Tuma
This is a series of photographs put together by two paren'ts to show their children what their toy dinosaurs did every night.
Inside-Outside Dinosaurs by Roxie Munro
You can study 8 dinosaurs from their skeletons outwards in this cool book.
Dinosaur by Eyewitness
Eyewitness produced another great book that examines dinosaurs. This book is great for all ages, from pre-readers who love the pictures, to new readers who can read the captions and older students for their research projects.
Rory the Dinosaur: Me and My Dad by Liz Climo
Rory lives with his father on an island and one day, when his father needs some quiet time, Rory decides to go on an adventure by himself for the first time, unaware that his father is following behind to help.
4 thoughts on “Return to Jurassic Park”
Thank you for this great post! I will pick up Anonymous Rex for myself, and Rory the Dinosaur for my son. 🙂
I am glad that you liked the post! I hope you enjoy the books just as much!
Thank you for this post.
I really enjoyed the movie Jurassic World and can’t wait for the new movie. Plus dinosaurs are always cool and lots of kids love to read about them and tell us about them for the TD Summer Reading Club. Can’t wait!