The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins

Kerley, B. (2001). The dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins. New York: Scholastic Press

Book Summary:

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins tells the lesser known story of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, who was a major contributor to the field of paleontology. Although dinosaur bones had been discovered years before, when Waterhouse Hawkins lived, people didn’t know what they might look like. Using his knowledge of animal bones and how those were connected, Waterhouse created models of these ancient creatures. As an artist, he was able to show the whole world what these creatures may have looked like. Although not a scientist, he helped bring dinosaurs into the every day world through his art. While he was a major success in England, where his models were on display in the Crystal Palace, the book also tells about the failure in America, where despite his hard work to create a display of dinosaurs in Central Park, he was foiled by a corrupt politician who had his work destroyed.

As scientists discovered more bones and more clues concerning dinosaurs, it was discovered that Hawkins’ dinosaurs had some flaws. However, his dinosaurs introduced the ancient creatures to the world, and helped fuel the excitement to discover and learn more about ancient Earth.  

Impressions:

This was a thrilling story of a man who was passionate about teaching the world about dinosaurs. It was fascinating to hear how dinosaurs were introduced to the everyday people of the world, especially now that we are almost inundated with information on dinosaurs. They are in TV shows and books, and enthrall almost every child who encounters them. I think this book would appeal to any child with an interested in dinosaurs because the author manages to depict Hawkins’ passion for the creatures. Children to share that passion can relate to his excitement to share his dinosaurs with the world.

Professional Review:

“A picture-book presentation about the efforts of Hawkins to erect the first life-sized models of dinosaurs on both sides of the Atlantic. A Victorian artist and sculptor, he was well respected in England, and his reputation insured his being invited to construct replicas of creatures no one had ever seen and to unveil them at the newly constructed Crystal Palace. Kerley's spirited text and Selznick's dramatic paintings bring Hawkins's efforts into clear focus, including his frustrating experience in New York City when Boss Tweed set vandals loose in his workshop. Both author and illustrator provide copious notes of biographical material delineating Hawkins's works, and Selznick's trips to Philadelphia to view a rare scrapbook that is the model for this book's design and to London to see the original Crystal Palace models. Painstakingly researched, written and illustrated with careful attention to detail, this book presents the fervor and spirit of a dedicated, little-known individual whose conceptions-however erroneous by today's discoveries-astounded the minds and stirred the imaginations of scientists then involved in the actual birth of paleontology. A distinguished book in every way.”

Manning, P. (2001, October 1). [Review of the book The dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins]. Library Journal.

Library Uses:

There are so many ways this book could be used. As many libraries are looking towards incorporating MakerSpaces into their buildings, this book would be a great tool to introduce sculpture and modeling to young patrons. Waterhouse Hawkins would sketch his dinosaurs, then build small models before he moved onto his large, brick statues. Using this book as a catalyst to sculpture, you could do a program on beginning sculpture, with sketches and small clay models.