Dino Poems and Fossil Bones

For as long as fossilized bones and teeth have been found, dinosaurs and other primitive creatures have been an exciting topic of exploration for scientists, adventurers and the general public. Art, literature, movies, toys and everyday products have been developed based on the fascination with prehistory and particularly with the lives and times of dinosaurs. Dino Poems and Fossil Bones is for all ages to enjoy reading out loud or for quiet contemplation, to use as a map to further study about particular dinosaurs and, in the case of some of the poems, simply to have a chuckle. The photographs are of actual projects the author and her husband have worked on through their unique business, Prehistoric Journeys. There is something in the book for everyone. Here is a sample of two short poems. The Only T-rex Trauma No way to befriend this dinosaur if you lived in his neighborhood. It only took one look at his height or bulk and you clearly understood. Watching left to right with his laser eyes, this 40-foot tyrant did not want to play. King of the Land moved fast in spurts, mowing down anything in the way. Five-foot long head beyond belief with many, many knife-like teeth. Six-inches long, serrated for shredding, a mouth of daggers set to cause grief. With size and might, the T-rex ruled, and very rarely came to any harm. He just had to hope he never fell down. It was hard getting up with his short little arms. Dinosaur Digestion Eating all-green meant diet opportunities. Leaves and ferns, pine cones and flowers. Needing so much food for their survival, herbivores would munch away at all hours. Often the teeth were not good at shredding; some plants missed being thoroughly chewed. The solution was actually very straight-forward; swallow “stomach stones” to grind up the food. The stones, smooth and polished from much use, are often found with dinosaur skeletons. Between ribs where the stomach would have been, some stones the size of peas, others like plums. It is not unusual for present-day lizards and birds to utilize this very reliable action. A gravelly-mix called “gizzard stones” guarantees digestive satisfaction. If you are ever at the museum, checking out dinosaur bones, ask the curator about “gastroliths,” the scientific name for stomach stones.