This book was produced for young readers (age eight and up) by the Field Museum in Chicago to accompany a major new exhibit on these Ice Age giants. It tells the story of Lyuba, a baby wooly mammoth found in Siberia by two boys in 2007 that has revealed much new information on these extinct cousins of elephants. The true story of Lyuba leads to a thorough discussion of mammoths and mastodons, their habits and habitats. It also explains the various theories surrounding their extinction and provides a behind the scenes look at what paleontologists and archaeologists do and what they are discovering. Of special interest is the discussion of the human role in mammoth and mastodon extinction.
While written for children, Mammoths and Mastodons is a highly intelligent account of an important scientific mystery that parents will also enjoy. The book is superbly illustrated with drawings and photographs, and a glossary of terms is particularly helpful. It would be a wonderful addition to the library of any curious youngster. —Mark Michel