Mega Rex tells the story of “Scotty,” the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton in the world. Scotty was found in Saskatchewan in 1991 and his study added substantially to the understanding of tyrannosaurs. Persons, a paleontologist, writes with an engaging tone while presenting concepts that will develop scientific literacy in young readers. He provides a broad overview of tyrannosaurs and their anatomy, behaviour, and ecosystem. Persons also profiles the team involved in studying Scotty, including researchers, geologists, and paleo artists, thus illuminating for readers the complex field of paleontology and the different applications of the scientific process in the field. The book provides an overview of natural selection by explaining how dinosaurs evolved into birds and reptiles. Mega Rex also supports place-based learning for students in the Canadian Prairies.

128 pp., 6 × 9", colour photographs and illustrations, b&w illustrations • Index

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

 

Dr. W. Scott Persons IV is a paleontologist and instructor at the University of Alberta. He has taken part in fossil-hunting expeditions throughout the badlands of the American West, the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, the canyons of Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge, the pampas of Argentina, and the volcanic ash beds of Northern China. His work has been featured on the National Geographic and Discovery channels and in Smithsonian and Discover Magazine. He lives in Edmonton, AB, with his wife, Amanda.

 

 

 

W. Scott Persons' profile page

Beth Zaiken is an artist and illustrator specializing in natural science communication. She has over a decade of experience creating large-scale murals, dioramas and reconstructions of modern and prehistoric animals in both traditional and digital media. She is a principal ar tist and the lead muralist for Blue Rhino Studio and her work can be seen in such institutions as the Panama Biomuseo, the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre in Kuwait, the Royal Alberta Museum, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Chicago’s Field Museum, Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, the San Diego Zoo, the New York State Museum and the Minnesota Zoo. Her work has also appeared in National Park Service publications. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Beth Zaiken's profile page

“... lively, authoritative, and fun.”

Kirkus Reviews

“In the crowded field of dinosaur non-fiction books, Mega Rex stands out. This guide is expertly written by Scott Persons, the paleontologist who led the first research study of the largest and oldest Tyrannosaurus rex known to the scientific world.”

<i>Quill and Quire</i>

“One of the best books about a single dinosaur, Mega Rex is also one of the most informative on current dinosaur research and how we understand the details of their lifestyles!”

Dr. Philip Currie, University of Alberta

“Thorough, detailed and well-researched, Mega Rex: A Tyrannosaurus Named Scotty will captivate dinosaur enthusiasts with its engaging text and well-chosen illustrations. Highly Recommended.”

Gail Hamilton, <i>CM: Canadian Materials</i>

“An informative, delightful introduction to dinosaurs, told through the lens of Scotty, the ultimate survivor.”

Sabrina Ricci, from <i>I Know Dino: The Big Dinosaur Podcast</i>

“Mega Rex will delight the dinosaur-aficionado… And the Mesozoic novice will benefit from jargon-free prose, complemented by superb paintings by Beth Zaiken who captures the wet sub-tropical woodland of Scotty’s world.”

Dr. Bob Bakker, Curator of Paleontology, Houston Museum of Natural History, author

“Beth Zaiken’s artwork brings the dinosaurs to life, making the easy-to-devour text by Dr. W. Scott Persons IV even more engaging.”

Elliott Seah, author of <i>Elliott’s Guide to Dinosaurs</i>

“Take a journey back in time when central Canada was a tropical sea with the largest predator on the continent hunting along the shoreline. Readers of all ages will enjoy this amazing tale of good science in action.”

Bob McDonald, Host of CBC’s Quirks & Quarks