Mammoths and Mastodons
Titans of the Ice Age
By Cheryl Bardoe
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010
In association with The Field Museum, Chicago
ISBN #0-8109-8413-X
Grades 3-7
Nonfiction
48 pages
This is an Orbis Pictus honor book.
This book is one of my favorites. It came my way through the nonfiction picture book category of the Cybils, the blogger award. It was one I championed and one not to miss with its fascinating story of these legendary mammoths of the Ice Age. While I review many picture books, I feel this book is far more. Take a look at it.
“Ten-year-old Kostia squinted through the snow that blows across northern Siberia even in May. He and his brother Edik had just loaded their reindeer sledge with firewood when they noticed an odd lump by the river. Kostia guessed it was an injured reindeer. But when the brothers drew closer, Kostia could hardly believe his eyes. The strange dead animal had no antlers—but it had a trunk like an elephant. Kostia and Edik poked at the animal and then hurried home.”
I remember the excitement when this baby mammoth named Lyuba was found in Siberia. After this astonishing find—an entire frozen baby woolly mammoth—scientists had the unique opportunity to study this extinct species. This find provided information that traced the relationship of mammoths, mastodons, and modern elephants and may provide clues to saving the elephant from extinction.
Scientists pieced together fossil information along with this find to present theories and attempt to answer questions concerning these huge mammals from the past. Bardoe presents the story of the find and presents the latest research in a fascinating story. Diagrams, photographs, and art with captions add to the information to create a readable story of this now extinct group of Ice Age titans. From cave art to the current day elephant, this book opens the door to the latest body of knowledge about these animals.
The book combines up-to-date research with a wondrous, story narrative that is sure to interest any animal lover. It’s a great way to introduce the process of science and how science works to uncover answers to some of our greatest mysteries.
Activity
Compare the Asian elephant with the African elephant. Find the similarities and differences. Create a chart or diagram to illustrate the mammoths, mastodons, and elephant and show their characteristics.
This site has good information.
This site has information and photos of Lubya.
National Science standard: understandings about scientific inquiry; populations and ecosystems; structure and function is living organisms
Book provided by publisher to Cybils committee members
Ever since Ice Age my son has been really into mammoths! This looks like an amazing book for him, even though he is only in the 2nd grade.
I’m sure he’ll like it. Even if he can’t read it all yet, he’s sure to pore over the illustrations and captions! It’s a wonderful book.
This one caught my eye, too. I would love to get to see the exhibit that it goes with sometime.
I saw the one at the Field Museum years ago and loved it. Then I read all the Clan of the Cave Bear books. I probably couldn’t stand them today!
I was fascinated when the baby was discovered. This book gave me more information. I championed it for the Cybils shortlist.
Shrley, Once again we are on the same brain wave. I also featured Mammoths and Mastodons. Actually mine would have been last week but the post got away from me.
We certainly were! I hope you’ve recovered and are well by now. I loved that book.