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Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Dinotopia

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Dinotopia is the story of a naturalist named Denison and his son Will who are stranded on a mysterious island in the 1800's. Carried ashore on the back of dolphins they soon find themselves alone on a strange beach, and when they strike inland they discover that the land is inhabited by dinosaurs as well as people. The dinosaurs however are intelligent and (mostly) peaceful- it seems that dinosaurs and people coexist peacefully. 

As they are taken into the interior of the island they come to a dinosaur hatchery tended by humans, and learn that all the people on the island are descended from shipwreck survivors. The dinosaurs bring a long history of knowledge and wisdom to the society they have built alongside humans, and everyone seems to play a role, for the betterment of all. The Denisons learn that as newcomers they are expected to go to Waterfall City, the intellectual heart of the island, to register and apply their skills. Denison wants to leave the island, of course, and is not happy to learn that no one has done so. 

Over time he and his son make their way to Waterfall City and experience amazing sights along the way. While it's true that the isolated location and treacherous seas around the island make leaving difficult, if not impossible, the reality is that Denison soon learns to love Dinotopia, and soon has no will to leave. 

The story is told in the grand tradition of a framing story, where the author "finds" the manuscript in a university library and brings the story to the masses. It's told in both words and pictures, and the illustrations really bring the place to life, as the story is told through both sketches of everyday life and beautiful full color illustrations. 

Dinotopia is a fantastic picture book with an intriguing "lost world" story and iconic art.   


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All image are copyright jamesgurney.com and are used with permission for non- commercial use only.  

28 comments:

  1. I remember this book from loonngg ago, it's fantastic 😁

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  2. My son loved these books and the TV series. I don't remember if he read the books first or read them because of the show. 👍✨

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  3. I remember this. The art is stunning!

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  4. I started watching the TV version but I don't think I finished it for some reason. I've never read the book.

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  5. Omg, just seeing the cover and title brings me back to my youth! I was amazed by this book and it definitely fueled my fascination (and small obsession) with dinosaurs. I remember wishing so badly that Dinotopia existed lol

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  6. When I realized that this had nothing to do with dino's fighting each other or eating humans, I gave it a pass :-)

    Bookstooge.wordpress.com

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  7. Oh jeez, how did I not think of this for my nephews! It'd be perfect for them!

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  8. I remember seeing the TV show if it's the same

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  9. Such great artwork. And anything with dinos is kind of awesome. :)

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  10. Wow, I'm not sure if I ever actually had a chance to check out this book, it's only vaguely familiar. I love the artwork, I think I might have to try to look for this!

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  11. Those images are quite stunning and the story sounds fantastical! I am intrigued by this one. Thanks for sharing it. :)

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  12. I loved the show when it came out, and although I knew about the book, I haven't had the opportunity to read it as of yet. Thanks for the blast from the past!

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  13. Oh wow! This sounds fascinating! And that artwork is gorgeous! I don't believe I've seen it before. Thanks for sharing! :)

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  14. I loved this book! The illustrations were GORGEOUS. I think I may still own my copy, actually (and the sequel. Or possibly just another book featuring artwork and dinosaurs? Uncertain)

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  15. I've only ever seen the movie, but it looks beautiful!!

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  16. The images are wonderful, Greg.

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  17. Not my cup of tea, usually, but the pictures make me want this book really bad.

    I want to sit in my treehouse and have a friendly dinosaur face suddenly appear!!!! Ok. I need this book. Even if I never read it, I need this book.

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  18. I like the dino covers and pictures. I've always like dinosaurs.

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  19. Wow, that is some beautiful artwork, and what a fun story idea with the dinos and humans peacefully living together!

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  20. I've never heard of this book it sounds brilliant and I love the artwork.
    Lynn :D

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  21. Oh wow...this looks great! I love the art :)

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  22. Wow, these pictures are gorgeous! I've always been intrigued with castaway-types stories, ever since I read Swiss Family Robinson. All the better when the castaways discover a different world! This looks so fun.

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  23. Oh this looks so fun! I think my son would love them. He's not much of a reader (out of pure stubbornness) but he does love dinosaurs.

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  24. I've always wanted to read/get this book but keep forgetting to do so. I love the artwork.

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  25. I had no idea this was a book! I loved the tv show!

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