Wings, Horns, & Claws: A Dinosaur Book of Epic Proportions

Wormell’s linocut technique seems to get better and better. This elegantly designed production sees the author’s deceptively simple images used to describe a range of well-known and less well-known dinosaurs, a subject well suited to this muscular medium. The familiar solid blacks are enhanced by the addition of a further two or three colours, sometimes subtly tonally graded, giving the page a depth and richness that is balanced by exquisite typography. Wormell’s illustration is familiar in a variety of stylistic guises, but it is the engraved work that is perhaps his real forte. The nature of the medium does not allow for unnecessary detail, focusing the mind on structure and composition, a great strength in this artist’s work. The perennial attraction of dinosaurs for children is served by a plethora of books on the subject. Rarely though is the subject introduced through the use of such beautiful artwork. This is a book that will excite young children’s interest, whilst also providing exposure to art and design at its best. Wormell cleverly explores scale by introducing the smallest, chicken-sized dinosaur at the outset and carries him through the book as he encounters the various other species. The illustrations reappear at the end of book (even lovelier at small scale) with a paragraph of explanatory text about each.