Chased by Dinosaurs: Chased by Sea Monsters

Chased by Dinosaurs: Chased by Sea Monsters. Burbank, CA :  Warner Home Video Inc., 2003.

Plot: Biologist Nigel Marvin goes back in time to explore the seven deadliest seas. Such oceans are marked as deadly  based on the presence of large, smart predators. While some predators, such as sea scorpions, merely demand protective chain-link gear, others, like mosasaurs and dunkleosteus, simply overwhelm human cautionary equipment. Perhaps earth's most dangerous creatures did not threaten the visitors of Jurassic Park. They may have stalked their prey unseen in ancient oceans.

Genre: Unlabelable; the concept - time-traveling biologists - is science fiction. However, most of the information about the animals is scientifically-based.

Reading Level: Not Rated, but some intense moments may make it unsuitable for sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Walking with Dinosaurs, Discovery Essential Dinosaur Pack

Personal Thoughts: Much like How to Keep Dinosaurs, the show combines a ludicrous concept with realistic theory in a surprisingly convincing manner. The show combines live action, computer graphics, and models to produce realistic creatures, oceans, and scenarios.

Top Gear

Top Gear Episode 2, Season 9.

Plot: Three British car fanatics take unique views and unexpected challenges pertaining to perhaps the world's most popular transportation device - the automobile. The challenges, however, are highly unusual. Challenges range from finding a parking space for a power car in London to driving to the North Pole.

Genre: Documentary, Car Culture

Reading Level: Rated TV-PG

Similar Titles: Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters

Personal Thoughts: Much like Mythbusters, the show makes a series of complicated tests for two main reasons: to test if a challenge is possible and to do it because they can. The very quirky show manages to satisfy both "car guys" and non-car aficionados with solid information, surreal challenges, and humor. Additionally, they review and reflect on famous high-end cars, occasionally with British superstars.

Finally, the Stig. Look him up.

A Practical Guide to Dragons

Trumbauer, Lisa. A Practical Guide to Dragons. Renton, WA : Wizards of the Coast, 2006.

Plot: After many adventures with his Dungeons and Dragons styled-group, Sindri Suncatcher painstakingly gathered information on all the major species of dragons for the benefit of his aunt. By mischieveously peering into the private notes of the kinder, the reader can learn about the biology, habits, and culture of the eight major chromatic and metallic dragon species inhabiting the wilds and not-so-wilds of Suncatcher's world.
 
Genre: Fantasy, Picture Book

Reading Level: Ages 7-12

Similar Titles: Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, The Book of Dragons

Personal Thoughts: An attractive and well-written book. The reader empathizes with the quirky and adventurous Suncatcher as he relays information on the elusive reptiles. The graphics and lettering mimic parchment drawings, increasing the effect of medieval field notes. Overall, a highly recommended reading for fantasy fans.

Side Note: Dreamworks Dragon approves of dragon propaganda + 4.

Indiana Jones Omnibus: Volume 1

Richardson, Mike. Indiana Jones Omnibus: Volume 1. Milwaukie, OR : Dark Horse Books, 2008.

Plot: World-renowned archaeologist Indiana Jones travels the world in search of treasure and trouble in the first three stories of the omnibus. As he seeks his quarry, he discovers action and supernatural artifacts. His journeys inevitably bring him in contact with World War II superpowers, crooked leaders, deadly hitman, and, unfailingly, femme fatales. 

Genre: Comics, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Aimed at teens, but younger and older readers may enjoy it, too.

Similar Titles: Star Wars Omnibus, Indiana Jones movies

Personal Thoughts: The book is good, but not remarkable. Most of the stories are exciting, but predictable. The graphics echo the stylized realism typical of superhero comics in a manner which displays the story, but not in an exceptional way. The plots seem slightly rushed and the characters, with the exception of Jones, suffered from underdevelopment. Still the humor and dialog remineces the movies quite effectively. Overall, the book is good, but has room for improvement.

As a side note, it bugs me a bit when an omnibus has multiple volumes. I'm not sure why.

Owly: Volume 1

Ruton, Andy. Owly: Volume 1. Marietta GA : Top Shelf, 2004.

Plot: Owly is a lonely owl living in a forest. Despite his good intentions and generous nature, he remains widely distrusted among other birds. His life begins to change after he finds and assists a drowning worm. As he breaks from his routine to assist the worm, he gradually finds acceptance and adventure. Ruton clearly spent considerable time producing a book with a cute story, lovable characters, and attractive graphics. Yet, he also adds an additional challenge. Most of his work is done in pantomime, with little or no written dialog. The lack of written words do not inhibit the story. If anything, Ruton manages to use the lack of diction to draw more attention to the emotions portrayed by the characters.

Genre: Comics, Graphic Novels

Reading Level: Aimed at ages 9-11, but younger children and adults will enjoy it as well

Similar Titles: Yotsuba&

Personal Thoughts: It always annoys me when people treat comics as a lesser or inferior writing style. A good comic often takes as much effort as a good novel. Yet, like novels, everyone thinks they can make a comic.

Personal rant aside, the novel manages to produce a likable story reflecting on the glory of the everyday.