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Review: Trapped in the Tar Pit

By Suzanne


Trapped in the Tar Pit
Written By Jessica Stremer
Illustrated By Alexander Vidal
New York : Beach Lane Books, 2025. Informational

This is a lively, fact-filled picture book that introduces readers to the world of paleontology through a prehistoric adventure set at the La Brea Tar Pits in modern day Los Angeles, California. It shows what it would have been like for ancient animals to become trapped in tar thousands of years ago, and how that tar preserved the fossils. The story continues with how scientists excavate the prehistoric bones and have made discoveries about Earth’s past!

The book blends science and storytelling in a way that’s accessible to young readers. Stremer highlights both the excitement of scientific discovery and the challenges involved in studying prehistoric life. By the end, children gain a deeper understanding of fossils, extinct animals, and the importance of curiosity—making the book a strong choice for classrooms, museum visits, or any reader fascinated by dinosaurs and ancient creatures.


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