Maša P. Žmitek: Po sledeh velikanov

Who are the giants mentioned in the title? They are the mammals that roamed the Earth during the Cenozoic era. This educational picture book explores and illustrates the creatures that dominated the land after the extinction of the dinosaurs—an era often overshadowed by the fascination with dinosaurs. Unlike the countless books dedicated to prehistoric reptiles, this book sheds light on lesser-known prehistoric mammals, making it not only a treasure trove for children but also a fascinating read for adults. The book features an accessible foreword by paleontologist Matija Križnar, who provides an overview of the Cenozoic era and the evolution of large mammals. Additionally, the author shares insights into the research process, including visits to museums across Europe and discussions with paleontologists, that went into creating this richly informative work.

The book introduces 19 prehistoric mammals, each accompanied by a scientific (natural history, paleontological) illustration and a brief description highlighting interesting characteristics and basic facts about the animal, such as when and where it lived, its height, weight, and genus. To help readers grasp the size of these giants, a dog is depicted alongside each animal in dynamic poses, serving as a scale reference—sometimes dwarfed by the massive creatures.

But that’s not all! The book also includes a special grid that allows readers to animate these prehistoric animals, bringing them to life in a way that will captivate young readers. This beautifully crafted book is a true gem, appealing to a broad audience and offering something new and exciting for everyone.