How do we know what dinosaurs REALLY looked like?

Ever since mysterious bones were found in 1822, scientists and artists have tried to figure out what the creature they came from looked like. But it seems that every time they’ve made up their minds, someone makes a new discovery, and they have to start all over. That’s only fair, though—after all, it’s how knowledge advances!

With an inviting tone and detail-filled art, Sean Rubin traces the process of defining—and redefining—the dinosaur called Iguanodon. Entertaining, accessible, and beautiful, his tale will delight dinosaur fans, budding artists, and anyone curious about how science really works

 KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW

★ HORN BOOK STARRED REVIEW

★ BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW

Booklist Best Books of 2024

Hornbook Fanfare 2024

Kirkus Best Books of 2024

NYPL Best Books for Kids 2024

“Imagine my joy, then, to discover a book that deftly illustrates the basic dynamic of paleontological interpretation with marvelous illustrations and more historical sophistication than even its adult readers will appreciate. It’s called The Iguanodon’s Horn, and its author is Sean Rubin, whose previous books include Bolivar and This Very Tree. I love this book. In fact, I love it so much that I’ve developed the annoying habit of explaining why its great to anyone who will listen…

Max Dresow, EXTINCT: THE PHILOSOPHY OF PALEONTOLOGY BLOG

Evanston Library Best Books 2024

Good Housekeeping Best Books 20024

The Smithsonian Best Kids Books 2024

Bank Street Best Books 2024

New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2024

Los Angeles Public Library Best 2024 Children’s Books

NSTA Best Books 2024

Science Friday’s Best Science Books for Kids 2024

Children’s Books Review Best Kid’s Non-Fiction Books 2024

★  “Lively, funny, and mesmerizing.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ “The chipper text is entertaining and educational, packed with humorous asides and unexpected anecdotes without losing the overarching story. Younger readers will adore the arresting artwork, and older readers will appreciate the wealth of newfound knowledge. A terrific tribute to the adaptability of the scientific process and the wonders that it unearths.” — Booklist (starred review)

★  "Rubin’s pencil, watercolor, and digital collages portray the paleontologists and artists of each era alongside a rendition of the time period’s signature dinosaur, with humorous asides from both species." — Horn Book (starred review)

"Rubin masterfully weaves a tale of discovery, curiosity, and the ever-changing nature of scientific understanding. With its engaging story and captivating artwork, this is an excellent choice for school and public library collections." — School Library Journal

“Via carefully cross-hatched pencil and digital collage, sprightly prose, and comic asides, Rubin surveys changing depictions of dinosaur anatomy and presents those changes as examples of science as ‘a process that never ends.’” — Publishers Weekly