Dinotopia by James Gurney, A Dinosaur Fantasy

[Alia]

James Gurney wrote three books concerning Dinotopia:
Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time
Dinotopia: The World Beneath
Dinotopia: First Flight
The art work in these books are nothing short of breath taking and brilliant! I own two of the three books and my son spends hours looking over them, never growing tired of the amazing pictures. The books are in journal form, telling the day by day account of a father and son who are shipwrecked on an island filled with dinosaurs who live side by side with humans.
It's a nice fantasy without all the fairies, elves, witches and other magical creatures...

 

[Brian G Turner]

There was a TV adaptation made of this not too long ago, and I've been curious about the quality. What is the age range for the story, though - ie, something really for older kids? OR a glorious wade through a dinosaur land for anyone?

 

[Alia]

I watched the movie, it was very nicely done! And for the age range of the story I not quite sure how young. My son is 9 and has been reading them for some time now, since he was about 7 (most of the time he was just looking at the pictures). I think, and this is my personal opinion, the story is for all ages. An experienced for the whole family.
Here's some additional information:

Dinotopia Adaptations
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Dinotopia began as a series of art prints and illustrated books by James Gurney about a lost island shared by human and dinosaurs. The original New York Times bestseller Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time appeared in 18 languages in over 30 countries and sold two million copies. Gurney has written and illustrated tow other volumes in the series, called Dinotopia: The World Beneath and Dinotopia: First Flight. An exhibit of original art by James Gurney is currently on display in Switzerland.

Mr. Gurney has also worked closely with other authors to create a series of 16 youth novels and two adult novels that continue his vision, introducing new characters and adventures, while remaining true to the spirit of the original books.

In 2002, Hallmark Entertainment produced Dinotopia as a lavish 86 million dollar television miniseries which aired on ABC, receiving record-setting ratings and an Emmy award for best visual effects. Hallmark is currently finalizing production of a new animated film based on the dinosaur "26."

A faithful audio adaptation of James Gurney's Dinotopia books was created by producer Tom Lopez of ZBS Productions, who worked closely with the author to develop two audio adventures that follow the books both in detail and in spirit.


The website:
http://www.dinotopia.com/

On the website, there is information regarding games, educational tools for teachers, and much more...

 

[Brian G Turner]

What worried me about Dinotopia is that it seemed to present an idyllic, and if there's something stories like to do, it's present an idyllic and destroy it, maybe leaving a little hope at the end.

I was worried about getting this for that reason, as my kids just aren't at the age to appreciate that sort of use of plot.

 

[dwndrgn]

I saw the adaptation and liked it a lot. Unfortunately I didn't get to see the end. However, as far as I could tell, there was plenty of hope throughout so I would think that the ending isn't too tragic.

 

[Alia]

I'm bad... it took me this long to figure out how the end of the adaptation went. I personally don't own it, but recently watched it while borrowing it from a friend, so it took a few hours to remember.
There are some tense moments but it ended with the heroes accomplishing what they set out to do and more. And viewers were left with warm good feelings about the story as a whole. I don't know the ages of your children, Brian or how sensitive they maybe, but this movie should be fine. I would think that the Harry Potter Movies are more tense then Dinotopia. And if anyone has seen both, please feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Maybe worth taking a risk with Dinotopia.

 

[GOLLUM]

I've not read the books but saw the TV adaption mini-series and really enjoyed that.

Looks like a worthwile exercise for YA..

BTW those are beautiful looking prints you posted there Alia..

 

[Jaxom_Ruatha]

I have that Dinotopia book those pictures are from, and I watched the movie that came out to preced the mini-series, I think it was a three night showing for the movie. Lots of creativity put into that book, some great ideas.