Dinotopia

Dinotopia
by James Gurney [j Gurney]

This is an illustrated children's novel which begins when a father and son find themselves shipwrecked on an island called Dinotopia. They soon discover the island is inhabited by humans and dinosaurs who live together in the same society. The father and son meet a number of new friends, humans and dinosaurs, on their travels on the island. At first they both hope of returning home, but after a while, the son becomes so engrossed in the culture and way of life on the island, that he doesn't want to leave. The father becomes more comfortable and adventurous but unlike his son, he is more often homesick and desires to return home. The book reminded me of the film (based on the book of the same title) Lost Horizon. Both are stories of travelers who stumble upon a hidden dream like society. Some members of the travel party are content to stay and others seek an impossible way home. I think this book would appeal to readers of any age who enjoy fantasy, adventure, dinosaurs, or coming of age stories. -- recommended by Kristen A. - Gere Branch Library

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Dinotopia: The World Beneath By James Gurney, The Simon & Schuster Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Pre-Historic Creatures By: Barry Cox or Lost Horizon By James Hilton.]

[ official Dinotopia web site ]

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