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Sticks 'n Stones 'n Dinosaur Bones
This first book in Ted Enik `n G.F Newland’s “Unhinged History” series is a ripping yarn – full of adventure and deceit – that brings to life the best-known public spat in all of Paleontology: the bitter rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh that became known as “The Bone Wars.” Lively and witty rhymes plus beautifully demented illustrations by Newland reveal how the paleontologists’ infamous rivalry began and how their mutual obsession with outdoing and ruining one another spun out of control.
42 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2013
About the author
Ted Enik
90 books13 followersAuthor/Illustrator Ted Enik has worked for most of the well-known publishing houses in New York, applying his versatility to both original art as well as classic and current children's book characters.
The artist for the beloved Fancy Nancy “I Can Read™” series, Enik was tapped to fill Hilary Knight’s venerable shoes by illustrating the latest Eloise hardcover, "Eloise in Hollywood."
He is beavering-away on a series of Seuss-inspired Unhinged History and science books.
The artist for the beloved Fancy Nancy “I Can Read™” series, Enik was tapped to fill Hilary Knight’s venerable shoes by illustrating the latest Eloise hardcover, "Eloise in Hollywood."
He is beavering-away on a series of Seuss-inspired Unhinged History and science books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 11, 2017
I would love to have been in on the pitch for this book. "I want to write a picture book, its about dinasurs, well, it is about the paleontologist that dug them up, and they competed. And they lied and they made up dinasurs to boost their ego. Oh, and it will all be in rhyme.
If I had known all that before I read this, I think I would have not read it.
But, it works. This is a very light-hearted look at a time when men (because non one considered Mary Anning to be a real paleontologist because she was a woman) went looking for fossils and naming dinasuars.
Great for kids who like reading about danseurs, which is just about all of them, and fun to read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
If I had known all that before I read this, I think I would have not read it.
But, it works. This is a very light-hearted look at a time when men (because non one considered Mary Anning to be a real paleontologist because she was a woman) went looking for fossils and naming dinasuars.
Great for kids who like reading about danseurs, which is just about all of them, and fun to read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 23, 2017
'Sticks 'n Stones 'n Dinosaur Bones' by Ted Enik with illustrations by G.F. Newland is a funny picture book about unscrupulous paleontologists.
Between 1865 and 1890 there was a period of time called "The Bone Wars" in which competing scientist tried to find the best dinosaur fossils. This book is about the feud between Edward Drinker Cope and O. Charles Marsh. In the race to outdo each other, they turned to unethical methods to compete. They are also credited with naming some famous dinosaurs, and that is given at the end of the book.
The text rhymes in a way I can only call 'Seuss-like' and the illustrations are as wacky as the verse. The story is silly enough, even though it is true. I think young readers would get some laughs about these grown-ups and the means they go to in order to compete. That subtle lesson might even catch on with young readers.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Between 1865 and 1890 there was a period of time called "The Bone Wars" in which competing scientist tried to find the best dinosaur fossils. This book is about the feud between Edward Drinker Cope and O. Charles Marsh. In the race to outdo each other, they turned to unethical methods to compete. They are also credited with naming some famous dinosaurs, and that is given at the end of the book.
The text rhymes in a way I can only call 'Seuss-like' and the illustrations are as wacky as the verse. The story is silly enough, even though it is true. I think young readers would get some laughs about these grown-ups and the means they go to in order to compete. That subtle lesson might even catch on with young readers.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
June 10, 2017
3.5 stars
A Seuss-like take on the Bone Wars, and a fairly good introduction to the subject for kids. The Bone Wars have been something that has fascinated me since I was a kid, in the prime of my dinosaur phase--my biography report in 1st grade was on O(thniel) Charles Marsh. However, since then I have not actually read or researched the feud in-depth. This was a nice introduction to the feud between Edward Cope and O. Charles Marsh, as they raced to see who could uncover and name the most dinosaur species. The feud started out relatively civil, but quickly escalated to a manipulative contest where science and reason took a back seat to the determination of the two professors to outdo each other.
This book is written in rhyme and starts off strong, providing the background information on the feud. But once we get to the actual discovering of the dinosaurs and the various talks that the professors held to "introduce" their new discoveries to the public, the prose remained quirky, but it lacked information on what actually happened. While I got the general idea, there were very few facts interwoven in the second half or so of the book, which I was disappointed with.
Despite this, the rhyme format and the illustrations make for a very cool book, and it would be perfect for any kid who loves dinosaurs.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
A Seuss-like take on the Bone Wars, and a fairly good introduction to the subject for kids. The Bone Wars have been something that has fascinated me since I was a kid, in the prime of my dinosaur phase--my biography report in 1st grade was on O(thniel) Charles Marsh. However, since then I have not actually read or researched the feud in-depth. This was a nice introduction to the feud between Edward Cope and O. Charles Marsh, as they raced to see who could uncover and name the most dinosaur species. The feud started out relatively civil, but quickly escalated to a manipulative contest where science and reason took a back seat to the determination of the two professors to outdo each other.
This book is written in rhyme and starts off strong, providing the background information on the feud. But once we get to the actual discovering of the dinosaurs and the various talks that the professors held to "introduce" their new discoveries to the public, the prose remained quirky, but it lacked information on what actually happened. While I got the general idea, there were very few facts interwoven in the second half or so of the book, which I was disappointed with.
Despite this, the rhyme format and the illustrations make for a very cool book, and it would be perfect for any kid who loves dinosaurs.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
June 23, 2017
The rhyming fell a bit flat for me but the story was awesome and the illustrations fantastic.
November 6, 2017
“I’ll tell you a story – and some of It’s true – that explores and explains what the Bone Hunters do.” So begins this story about a feud between two paleontologists during America’s Gilded Age in the 1870s and ‘80s.
The story is told in a rollicking rhyme with lots of humor, and is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss in its writing style and sense of fun. It is about the frenzied competition to find dinosaur bones that grew between Edward Drinker Cope of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and O. Charles Marsh of the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University, New Haven, CT.
“Each paleontologist used less-than-ethical methods to outdo the other – lying, stealing, blackmail, even destroying fossils,” writes Enik in a prologue. “Both obsessed and vengeful men attacked each other in professional journals as well as in newspapers targeted at the general public, in an all-out attempt to ruin his rival’s credibility and have his funding withdrawn.”
Enik is a master of rhyme and rhythm. A Goodreads reviewer said she found herself nearly singing when she read the book aloud to her daughter.
The story begins:
“Wrinkled professors from northeastern colleges/ saw there was room to expand certain knowledges.”
“Edward D. Cope was the man that School “A” / felt was perfectly suited for digging away!
“O. Charles Marsh represented School “B.” / Who could think of no Bone Hunter better than he!”
“If any bone promised a glimmer of glory, / a scout set about telegraphing the story
To big city newspapers – holding their deadlines -- /and poised to report it in EXTRA LARGE headlines.”
Before long before both paleontologists decide to stoop to less ethical means of winning the most accolades.
“To heck with science,” Marsh hissed to his shovel, / Outshining my rival’s the goal, far above all.
“It’s much more important to outdo my foe, / and if fibbing comes into it, who’s going to know?”
Both men spread rumors that they found something far greater than any bones so far discovered. Each gathers crowds and crows about their amazing discoveries.
“Behold!” bellowed Cope/ like a one-person chorus. / An animal never on Earth seen before!!!!
“My NeverTopThisOne-Ginormous-asaurus!”
His opponent Marsh tries to one-up him:
“Exclaiming, ‘Good People, look here! Feast your eyes! / What I’m holding before you – though tiny in size—
“Is by far-and-away, of the hundreds I’ve found, / quite the topmost dead treasure I took from the ground!”
Despite the scientists’ raving superlatives, their audiences see through their insincere claims.
“Like that! The Bone Hunters were fired, and broke. / Where once they were famous they now were a joke.
“And why not/ They were phonies/ and Bone Buccaneers
“Who swindled their sponsors and spoiled their careers.”
Regardless of their childish competition, these two scientists each discovered the bones of many dinosaurs and the two of them were responsible for the flowering of the science of paleontology, Enik says.
Marsh discovered and named the Allosaurus, the Apatosaurus (originally named Bronotosaurus), the Diplodocus, the Stegosaurus, and the Triceratops. Cope discovered and named the Camarasaurus, the Coelophysis, and the Dimetrodon. He named the Elasmosaurus, which was discovered by another paleontologist, Dr. Theophilus Turner.
G.F. Newland’s illustrations are charming, stylistic, and colorful, and keep the story moving at a gingerly pace. Their old-fashioned look suits the historical subject.
This is the second time “Sticks ‘n’ Stones ‘n’ Dinosaur Bones” is being published, now by Schiffer Publishing, Philadelphia, with Pixel Mouse House, New York, and available in hardcover. It was originally published in 2013 by Pixel Mouse House and was selected as a Finalist for American Book Fest’s 2014 Best Children’s Nonfiction and a Finalist for American Book Fest’s 2014 International Book Award for Best Children’s Nonfiction. It is an Unhinged History Book, the first in a Seuss-inspired series about history and science that Ted is writing and Newland is illustrating for children.
The story is told in a rollicking rhyme with lots of humor, and is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss in its writing style and sense of fun. It is about the frenzied competition to find dinosaur bones that grew between Edward Drinker Cope of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and O. Charles Marsh of the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University, New Haven, CT.
“Each paleontologist used less-than-ethical methods to outdo the other – lying, stealing, blackmail, even destroying fossils,” writes Enik in a prologue. “Both obsessed and vengeful men attacked each other in professional journals as well as in newspapers targeted at the general public, in an all-out attempt to ruin his rival’s credibility and have his funding withdrawn.”
Enik is a master of rhyme and rhythm. A Goodreads reviewer said she found herself nearly singing when she read the book aloud to her daughter.
The story begins:
“Wrinkled professors from northeastern colleges/ saw there was room to expand certain knowledges.”
“Edward D. Cope was the man that School “A” / felt was perfectly suited for digging away!
“O. Charles Marsh represented School “B.” / Who could think of no Bone Hunter better than he!”
“If any bone promised a glimmer of glory, / a scout set about telegraphing the story
To big city newspapers – holding their deadlines -- /and poised to report it in EXTRA LARGE headlines.”
Before long before both paleontologists decide to stoop to less ethical means of winning the most accolades.
“To heck with science,” Marsh hissed to his shovel, / Outshining my rival’s the goal, far above all.
“It’s much more important to outdo my foe, / and if fibbing comes into it, who’s going to know?”
Both men spread rumors that they found something far greater than any bones so far discovered. Each gathers crowds and crows about their amazing discoveries.
“Behold!” bellowed Cope/ like a one-person chorus. / An animal never on Earth seen before!!!!
“My NeverTopThisOne-Ginormous-asaurus!”
His opponent Marsh tries to one-up him:
“Exclaiming, ‘Good People, look here! Feast your eyes! / What I’m holding before you – though tiny in size—
“Is by far-and-away, of the hundreds I’ve found, / quite the topmost dead treasure I took from the ground!”
Despite the scientists’ raving superlatives, their audiences see through their insincere claims.
“Like that! The Bone Hunters were fired, and broke. / Where once they were famous they now were a joke.
“And why not/ They were phonies/ and Bone Buccaneers
“Who swindled their sponsors and spoiled their careers.”
Regardless of their childish competition, these two scientists each discovered the bones of many dinosaurs and the two of them were responsible for the flowering of the science of paleontology, Enik says.
Marsh discovered and named the Allosaurus, the Apatosaurus (originally named Bronotosaurus), the Diplodocus, the Stegosaurus, and the Triceratops. Cope discovered and named the Camarasaurus, the Coelophysis, and the Dimetrodon. He named the Elasmosaurus, which was discovered by another paleontologist, Dr. Theophilus Turner.
G.F. Newland’s illustrations are charming, stylistic, and colorful, and keep the story moving at a gingerly pace. Their old-fashioned look suits the historical subject.
This is the second time “Sticks ‘n’ Stones ‘n’ Dinosaur Bones” is being published, now by Schiffer Publishing, Philadelphia, with Pixel Mouse House, New York, and available in hardcover. It was originally published in 2013 by Pixel Mouse House and was selected as a Finalist for American Book Fest’s 2014 Best Children’s Nonfiction and a Finalist for American Book Fest’s 2014 International Book Award for Best Children’s Nonfiction. It is an Unhinged History Book, the first in a Seuss-inspired series about history and science that Ted is writing and Newland is illustrating for children.
August 31, 2017
Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones written by Ted Enik and illustrated by G.F. Newlan is currently scheduled for release on September 28 2017. This is the first book in the Unhinged History series brings to life the best-known public spat in all of paleontology: the bitter rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh. This frenzy of discovery and one-upmanship—known today as the Bone Wars—was a gold rush–like scramble to find the most and “best” dinosaur fossils, thus bringing to glory to their respective home-base universities. Lively and witty rhymes plus wonderfully demented illustrations reveal how the paleontologists’ infamous rivalry began, and how—despite making genuine and lasting contributions to the field—their mutual obsession with outdoing one another spun out of control.
Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones is a nonfiction picturebook in rhyme. I have always been interested in paleontology, and this book brought the initial rush to find and identify dinosaur bones to life. While there was some exaggerating and silliness to make the picturebook my engaging, the facts and fascinating tidbits of information I had not known were included as well. I think that this is a must read for children (and adults) interested in American history and paleontology.The trouble Cope and Marsh cause for themselves is entertaining, but rather sad, that adults would cheat and lie to gain notoriety for themselves and their employers, but it is not all that surprising when you see what some are still willing to do in the name of money or fame. I found the factual parts to be well written and accessible, and the story of Cope and Marsh's rivalry was entertaining and engaging. The artwork is just as entertaining and attention grabbing as the text and story, keeping readers turning pages. I think this would be a great addition to school and public library collections. It could inspire future scientists and historians as well as starting discussions on how rivalries can get out of hand and cause the participants more trouble than it is worth.
Sticks 'n' Stones 'n' Dinosaur Bones is a nonfiction picturebook in rhyme. I have always been interested in paleontology, and this book brought the initial rush to find and identify dinosaur bones to life. While there was some exaggerating and silliness to make the picturebook my engaging, the facts and fascinating tidbits of information I had not known were included as well. I think that this is a must read for children (and adults) interested in American history and paleontology.The trouble Cope and Marsh cause for themselves is entertaining, but rather sad, that adults would cheat and lie to gain notoriety for themselves and their employers, but it is not all that surprising when you see what some are still willing to do in the name of money or fame. I found the factual parts to be well written and accessible, and the story of Cope and Marsh's rivalry was entertaining and engaging. The artwork is just as entertaining and attention grabbing as the text and story, keeping readers turning pages. I think this would be a great addition to school and public library collections. It could inspire future scientists and historians as well as starting discussions on how rivalries can get out of hand and cause the participants more trouble than it is worth.
September 23, 2017
***This book was reviewed for Schiffer via Netgalley
In Sticks, 'N’ Stones, 'N’ Dinosaur Bones author Ted Enik introduces young readers to the 'bone wars’ and the birth of paleontology, the study of dinosaurs. Edward Drinker Cope and O Charles Marsh were two of the earliest paleontologists, and they loathed one another. Engaging in behaviour worthy of the most spoiled toddlers, each employed tactics such as sabotage and slander against the other. They were both stubborn, vengeful men, not above destroying fossils, lying, stealing, and blackmail to get their way.
Cope set to work fossil hunting in Colorado Territory, while Marsh started his work in Nebraska, each trying to find the best fossils so that their sponsoring universities would gain great acclaim. New discoveries turned to games of one-upmanship, and they disgraced themselves trying to be number one. Still, despite the ending to their careers, they did further the study of dinosaurs, and help grow the field of paleontology.
The story is written in clever, rhyming poetry, with beautiful illustrations covering each page. At the end of the story there's a small glossary of dinosaur named by each Bone Hunter. The glossary has more information on how the feud actually began. Marsh noticed Cope had placed the head of an aquatic dino on its long tail rather than its equally long neck. As the field of paleontology grew more refined, the number of 'new’ dinosaurs discovered by Marsh and Cope dwindled from 142 to a mere 32.
I find it so amusing that I received this book for review at the same time I got M Crichton's Dragon Teeth, an adult-oriented novel of the same feud. My cubs really enjoyed this book. We read it on my tablet, but ending up getting a hardcopy.
📚📚📚📚📚 Highly recommended for kids who love dinosaurs.
In Sticks, 'N’ Stones, 'N’ Dinosaur Bones author Ted Enik introduces young readers to the 'bone wars’ and the birth of paleontology, the study of dinosaurs. Edward Drinker Cope and O Charles Marsh were two of the earliest paleontologists, and they loathed one another. Engaging in behaviour worthy of the most spoiled toddlers, each employed tactics such as sabotage and slander against the other. They were both stubborn, vengeful men, not above destroying fossils, lying, stealing, and blackmail to get their way.
Cope set to work fossil hunting in Colorado Territory, while Marsh started his work in Nebraska, each trying to find the best fossils so that their sponsoring universities would gain great acclaim. New discoveries turned to games of one-upmanship, and they disgraced themselves trying to be number one. Still, despite the ending to their careers, they did further the study of dinosaurs, and help grow the field of paleontology.
The story is written in clever, rhyming poetry, with beautiful illustrations covering each page. At the end of the story there's a small glossary of dinosaur named by each Bone Hunter. The glossary has more information on how the feud actually began. Marsh noticed Cope had placed the head of an aquatic dino on its long tail rather than its equally long neck. As the field of paleontology grew more refined, the number of 'new’ dinosaurs discovered by Marsh and Cope dwindled from 142 to a mere 32.
I find it so amusing that I received this book for review at the same time I got M Crichton's Dragon Teeth, an adult-oriented novel of the same feud. My cubs really enjoyed this book. We read it on my tablet, but ending up getting a hardcopy.
📚📚📚📚📚 Highly recommended for kids who love dinosaurs.
September 22, 2017
O. Charles Marsh and Edward D. Cope were paleontologists in the 19th Century who became known as the Bone Hunters. Professors Marsh and Cope led the “Bone Wars,” also known as the Great Dinosaur Rush, from 1877 to 1892. Their searches soon turned into competitions to see whose discovery was greater, and there was increasing pressure to find bigger and better treasure.
In Sticks ’N’ Stones ’N’ Dinosaur Bones, this pressure led Professors Marsh and Cope to engage in some questionable behavior. The note at the start of the book describes them using "less-than-ethical methods," including lying, stealing, blackmail, and even destroying fossils. They attacked each other's reputation and pointed out (and exploited) the other's errors.
The book is told entirely in rhyme, with a substantial amount of humor built in (dinosaurs with names like “Watchumacaurus,” “Thingamasaurus,” “NeverWas Rex,” and “Phonybalone-us”). It is a lot of fun to read while learning more about this historical time.
The end pages of the book show pictures of actual dinosaurs that Professors Marsh and Cope found and named—Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Dimetrodon, to name just a few. During their Bone Wars, the two rivals claimed to have discovered more than 142, although today’s paleontologists accept only 52 of those species.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review. Many thanks to Mr. Enik and Schiffer Publishing!
In Sticks ’N’ Stones ’N’ Dinosaur Bones, this pressure led Professors Marsh and Cope to engage in some questionable behavior. The note at the start of the book describes them using "less-than-ethical methods," including lying, stealing, blackmail, and even destroying fossils. They attacked each other's reputation and pointed out (and exploited) the other's errors.
The book is told entirely in rhyme, with a substantial amount of humor built in (dinosaurs with names like “Watchumacaurus,” “Thingamasaurus,” “NeverWas Rex,” and “Phonybalone-us”). It is a lot of fun to read while learning more about this historical time.
The end pages of the book show pictures of actual dinosaurs that Professors Marsh and Cope found and named—Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Dimetrodon, to name just a few. During their Bone Wars, the two rivals claimed to have discovered more than 142, although today’s paleontologists accept only 52 of those species.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review. Many thanks to Mr. Enik and Schiffer Publishing!
November 22, 2017
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book through Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
I’m always interested in children’s books which encourage children to read about science. And so, I was predisposed to liking a book about dinosaurs, since dinosaurs, and evolution, are such a sticky topic in recent times in the US. Providing kids with information about paleontology and the ages of dinosaur skeletons is so important.
While this book seeks to make children enjoy the topic of the famous paleontology Bone Wars of the latter half of the 1800’s, I’m concerned that their emphasis on Cope and Marsh’s overblown claims may fan the flames of dinosaur and evolution doubters by emphasizing what these men did wrong instead of the many things they did right. After all, Marsh was a respected member of the National Academy of Sciences, and both scientists, without the aid of modern techniques, would have been unable to discern species that should be consolidated any more than a person could predict, without modern methods, that the remains of a tadpole were the same species as the remains of a frog.
This is a nicely illustrated book with a rhyming structure. I just hope emphasis is placed on the end pages- what these two men gave us in terms of paleontological science.
I’m always interested in children’s books which encourage children to read about science. And so, I was predisposed to liking a book about dinosaurs, since dinosaurs, and evolution, are such a sticky topic in recent times in the US. Providing kids with information about paleontology and the ages of dinosaur skeletons is so important.
While this book seeks to make children enjoy the topic of the famous paleontology Bone Wars of the latter half of the 1800’s, I’m concerned that their emphasis on Cope and Marsh’s overblown claims may fan the flames of dinosaur and evolution doubters by emphasizing what these men did wrong instead of the many things they did right. After all, Marsh was a respected member of the National Academy of Sciences, and both scientists, without the aid of modern techniques, would have been unable to discern species that should be consolidated any more than a person could predict, without modern methods, that the remains of a tadpole were the same species as the remains of a frog.
This is a nicely illustrated book with a rhyming structure. I just hope emphasis is placed on the end pages- what these two men gave us in terms of paleontological science.
August 29, 2017
I had no idea that there was such a competitive nature between paleontologists, but apparently it was quite a big deal. With a hats off to Dr. Seuss, Enik tells the story of how these men used any means necessary to have the biggest discoveries in finding dinosaur fossils and even resorted to crime and outright lies.
I would have loved to see more talked about the actual dinosaurs and discoveries they found, but this book was about the ridiculous desire to one-up the other. The two men got so caught up in their desire to be famous that they forgot about the science of what they were supposed to be doing. As a media student, it quickly reminded me of yellow journalism, and my husband pointed out that it was fake news.
This book is a must for the dinosaur lover and a great read-aloud. I could definitely see how this would get a classroom of kids talking about fact and fiction, competition, and the importance of fair play.
*** I read a digital copy of this from NetGalley in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I would have loved to see more talked about the actual dinosaurs and discoveries they found, but this book was about the ridiculous desire to one-up the other. The two men got so caught up in their desire to be famous that they forgot about the science of what they were supposed to be doing. As a media student, it quickly reminded me of yellow journalism, and my husband pointed out that it was fake news.
This book is a must for the dinosaur lover and a great read-aloud. I could definitely see how this would get a classroom of kids talking about fact and fiction, competition, and the importance of fair play.
*** I read a digital copy of this from NetGalley in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 7, 2017
The illustrations are going to grab your eye and have you journeying across the entire page with its minute details, vivacious coloring schemes and humorous characters PLUS there are dinosaur bones!
The story is lyrical with its rhyming sentences that flow in almost a song like way. As I read this aloud to my daughter who is a huge dinosaur fan at times I caught myself nearly singing some lines thanks to how well they flow which she thought was funny.
Even as an adult I didn’t know about this type of archeology’s early beginnings so I found the story fascinating which caused me to look up more about the early hunters and museums for us both. I think this is a wonderful way to introduce some historical context into a scientific dominated subject and plan to use this as a basis for some fun summer lessons.
It’s a wonderful book for caregivers and educators to use to stir up interest in how early settlers found the bones – before Jurassic Park made them popular.
The story is lyrical with its rhyming sentences that flow in almost a song like way. As I read this aloud to my daughter who is a huge dinosaur fan at times I caught myself nearly singing some lines thanks to how well they flow which she thought was funny.
Even as an adult I didn’t know about this type of archeology’s early beginnings so I found the story fascinating which caused me to look up more about the early hunters and museums for us both. I think this is a wonderful way to introduce some historical context into a scientific dominated subject and plan to use this as a basis for some fun summer lessons.
It’s a wonderful book for caregivers and educators to use to stir up interest in how early settlers found the bones – before Jurassic Park made them popular.
August 24, 2017
Sticks ’n’ Stones ’n’ Dinosaur Bones by Ted Enik, and illustrated by G. F. Newland gives the reader a humorous look at deception in the scientific world. Children will love the topic of dinosaur but there is a moral lesson that is greater than the science one.
Primary age children will understand and enjoy this rhyming story best, though older children may be interested in the scams that these paleontologists tried to past off as unique “discoveries”. While funny, I found it also to be sad that there was such a waste of talent by their competitiveness.
The illustrations add to the comical side of the story along with the story done in rhyme. My grandson loved the rhyming as well as the illustrations but I found the text to be tongue-tying when I read it aloud. Just the same, it is a part of history that we usually do not hear about.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
Primary age children will understand and enjoy this rhyming story best, though older children may be interested in the scams that these paleontologists tried to past off as unique “discoveries”. While funny, I found it also to be sad that there was such a waste of talent by their competitiveness.
The illustrations add to the comical side of the story along with the story done in rhyme. My grandson loved the rhyming as well as the illustrations but I found the text to be tongue-tying when I read it aloud. Just the same, it is a part of history that we usually do not hear about.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
June 25, 2017
Dinosaurs, hoaxes, scientists, con-artists… What a fun story.
Somehow Enik took one of the most disreputable incidents in paleontology and turned it into a humorous contest of crooks. Humor is by far biggest point of this story; you’ll get the general idea of what happened, but not specifics.
I would recommend everyone, whose child is interested in any branch of paleontology or anthropology, read this book to them. It’s any easy way to introduce them to the very human and often flawed side of the scientific world.
The illustrations are ever as whimsical as the lyrics, pardon me, rhymes.
There are touches of evolution here and there, but not too much. Mostly it’s confined to the first few pages and the index of dinosaurs finds at the end.
I received this as a free ARC from NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. It was my pleasure to give my honest opinions.
Somehow Enik took one of the most disreputable incidents in paleontology and turned it into a humorous contest of crooks. Humor is by far biggest point of this story; you’ll get the general idea of what happened, but not specifics.
I would recommend everyone, whose child is interested in any branch of paleontology or anthropology, read this book to them. It’s any easy way to introduce them to the very human and often flawed side of the scientific world.
The illustrations are ever as whimsical as the lyrics, pardon me, rhymes.
There are touches of evolution here and there, but not too much. Mostly it’s confined to the first few pages and the index of dinosaurs finds at the end.
I received this as a free ARC from NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. It was my pleasure to give my honest opinions.
November 20, 2017
This is a slightly humorous tale about the first two men who instigated the collection and promotion of Dinosaur bones discoveries.
Edward Drinker Cop and O. Charles Marsh, were the paleontologists w"who used unethical methods" in competing against each other during the years 1865 and the 1890s.
Several methods used are comically addressed through word and illustration.
The poetry and prose, throughout the tale, was well-written.
The slightly abstract illustrations by G.F. Newland, were colorful and well done, but not the type this reviewer is a fan of.
The Book Title and Cover are very well done and a "good fit". The book is made of a Covered Hardcover with heavy, quality paper pages.
This is recommended for children ages 8 to 12.
This earns a Four Stars rating.
*This book was gifted to me with no suggestion of a positive review.. This is my honest review.
Edward Drinker Cop and O. Charles Marsh, were the paleontologists w"who used unethical methods" in competing against each other during the years 1865 and the 1890s.
Several methods used are comically addressed through word and illustration.
The poetry and prose, throughout the tale, was well-written.
The slightly abstract illustrations by G.F. Newland, were colorful and well done, but not the type this reviewer is a fan of.
The Book Title and Cover are very well done and a "good fit". The book is made of a Covered Hardcover with heavy, quality paper pages.
This is recommended for children ages 8 to 12.
This earns a Four Stars rating.
*This book was gifted to me with no suggestion of a positive review.. This is my honest review.
July 2, 2017
This is a pleasant story in rhyming couplets of two wacky scientists failing to live up to their calling and just trying instead to out-do each other in the quest for better dinosaur remains - and yes, then, it's based on a true story. The artwork is fun for the young to look at and the verse bubbles along nicely, with a couple of tweaks to the rhyme and rhythm here and there. I liked the additional factual text at the end, too, where we see the true legacy of the real characters. While the story goes deeply into the realms of the silly when I'm sure the truth was fantastical enough, I can see the kind of response it would get from the young audience member, and this book is still an interesting window into the past of our paleontologists.
June 14, 2017
If your kid loves dinosaurs, or you own a dinosaur book at all, you should add this one to the collection. Two men, Cope and March, led the pack in discovering dinosaur bones in the US. They made paleontology cool. But they were very competitive, and raced against each other to find the most unique dinosaurs. They were so competitive that they even stooped to faking finds. This story is very interesting, but told in an entertaining and rhyming way. The rhymes can be harsh at times, and do not always flow freely, but the illustrations and ideas more than make up for it.
August 3, 2017
The paleontology-based rivalry between Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh comes to life in this humorous adventure. From sincere discovery to one-upmanship to flat out lying Cope and Marsh's tale comically unfolds. With it's great rhythm, rhyme, illustrations, and voice, Sticks ’n’ Stones ’n’ Dinosaur Bones reads more like fiction than nonfiction and is sure to be a fast favorite.
Plus, it's the first book in the Unhinged History series, so except more fun to come!
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
Plus, it's the first book in the Unhinged History series, so except more fun to come!
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
October 10, 2017
The target audience for this Seuss inspired Palaeontology book is Five to Eight year old’s. When I was that age I wanted to be a palaeontologist when I grew up. Ok I really wanted to be a magical princess who could bring dinosaurs back to life and control them, but same-same. I would have eaten this book up a trillion times over. The rhyming is brilliant, it is informative and humorous and the 48 pages are all full of colourful and fun illustrations.
I absolutely adore these type books. The kids will just think they are having fun reading, but they are secretly learning about the early days of Palaeontology.
I will have to pick up a hard copy of this book for my son. I know as he gets older he’ll be a dinosaur lover too. I really do hope that these two go onto to do more books like this together on multiple topics - I’ll be keeping my eye out!
I absolutely adore these type books. The kids will just think they are having fun reading, but they are secretly learning about the early days of Palaeontology.
I will have to pick up a hard copy of this book for my son. I know as he gets older he’ll be a dinosaur lover too. I really do hope that these two go onto to do more books like this together on multiple topics - I’ll be keeping my eye out!
December 28, 2017
***I was provided this book by Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing LTD for an honest review. ***
My first impression was that the book was very imaginative and that the illustrations were adorable. This book will appeal to children and parents passing by and give a brief education into the Great Bone Rush. I enjoyed being educated in an unconventional way and the hilarious names for the fraudulent dinosaur discoveries. I would recommend this book to parents with inquisitive kiddos and to teachers looking for a way start a conversational segway into paleontology.
My first impression was that the book was very imaginative and that the illustrations were adorable. This book will appeal to children and parents passing by and give a brief education into the Great Bone Rush. I enjoyed being educated in an unconventional way and the hilarious names for the fraudulent dinosaur discoveries. I would recommend this book to parents with inquisitive kiddos and to teachers looking for a way start a conversational segway into paleontology.
June 14, 2017
This book is a must have for any school and home library collection. It is sure to delight any bone and fossil loving young boy or girl. It would appeal to the Pre-K and elementary age child. The story is told in a quick paced rhyming scheme. The illustrations are perfection making the tale appear much like a circus side show.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2017
What happens when two paleontologists are hired by two different universities to find the most and be the best? Bone Wars! Told in humorous rhyme we follow each man as they unearth real fossils but push the limits with "fake news."
September 19, 2018
I thought that "Sticks 'n Stones ' Dinosaur Bones" was a wonderful american tall tale for students. It describes the Bone Wars that happened in the late 1800's where paleontologists fought to find the most dinosaur bones. this book is engaging to students. Most enjoy hearing about dinosaurs and would enjoy the funny tall tale that Ted Enik wrote.
September 16, 2022
I had way too much fun “performing” this for my kids. It was written so well and brought to light such an interesting story in history.
August 13, 2016
I really like this book! In it we meet two personalities from paleontology's history and experience a fictionalized account of their race to outdo each other.
The writing is done in rhyme, which I love because it's so much fun to read. It flows well and has a nice rhythm. I like all the wacky phrases that the author used, and the made up dinosaurs the characters found. I particularly liked the big "discoveries" the two rivals came up with. I couldn't help but laugh at those. The illustrations are are just as good as the writing. They are really expressive and chuck full of personality.
The book is quite long. It's definitely for older kids (ages 4 and up). Your child needs to be old enough to comprehend the story and what's happening. I read it to my kids and my kindergartener loved it and has asked to read it multiple times (which we did). My three year old wandered away half way through. So it may be too long for a preschooler, but it's perfect for kids in kindergarten and the lower grades of elementary.
My blog: Batch of Books
The writing is done in rhyme, which I love because it's so much fun to read. It flows well and has a nice rhythm. I like all the wacky phrases that the author used, and the made up dinosaurs the characters found. I particularly liked the big "discoveries" the two rivals came up with. I couldn't help but laugh at those. The illustrations are are just as good as the writing. They are really expressive and chuck full of personality.
The book is quite long. It's definitely for older kids (ages 4 and up). Your child needs to be old enough to comprehend the story and what's happening. I read it to my kids and my kindergartener loved it and has asked to read it multiple times (which we did). My three year old wandered away half way through. So it may be too long for a preschooler, but it's perfect for kids in kindergarten and the lower grades of elementary.
My blog: Batch of Books
June 18, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
2017; Schiffer/Schiffer Publishing
(Review Not on Blog)
I really love the illustrations in this book and the story is well done. The story reminds me of Seuss and Dahl's writing. A great picture book for kids that love dinosaurs.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2017; Schiffer/Schiffer Publishing
(Review Not on Blog)
I really love the illustrations in this book and the story is well done. The story reminds me of Seuss and Dahl's writing. A great picture book for kids that love dinosaurs.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
Want to read
September 24, 2017Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
February 14, 2019
I am reviewing this book for Ted Enik, Schiffer Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
This is a rhyming book, so a hit for me with fantastic illustrations. It is all about the bone wars of the 19th century, when competing palaeontologists competed to find the best fossils. It shows their underhand ways of trying to achieve this – worse than kids!
This is a rhyming book, so a hit for me with fantastic illustrations. It is all about the bone wars of the 19th century, when competing palaeontologists competed to find the best fossils. It shows their underhand ways of trying to achieve this – worse than kids!
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