Dinotopia by James Gurney

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What began as a children’s book changed into across-the-board book, movie, and mini-series for all.  While this is not unusual (The Hobbit), this book created a world hidden from man, except when serendipitous events occur.

Dinotopia, was a world created and written by James Gurney in early 1990s.  Working with National Geographic, Gurney cooperated with archaeologists to create a world not imagined as yet, painting it, and ultimately produce posters to sell around the world, to a mass of fantasy fans.

Seeing other possibilities, Gurney created worlds and inhabitants.  This led him to write a successful Dinotopia book in 1992.  This other book took him on the path to other books, with the co-existence of sentient dinosaurs and partner humans.

James Gurney is an amazingly fantastic artist.  His work can be found in so many media that it is impossible to list.  This site, Gurney Journey in Art, is worth checking, as he demonstrates his thought processes. 

To tell you the plot, what happens next, who does what….would make no sense. The best condensed information can be found in here: Dinotopia. Let the photos speak for themselves.

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The complexity, co-habitation, shared language, richness of Dinotopia tells much about this series.  Exquisite art grabs the reader, as moves on to be a worthwhile read.