Cave Detectives: Unraveling the Mystery of an Ice Age Cave by David L. Harrison, illustrated by Ashley Mims Ages 7-10 48 pages Chronicle April 2007 Hardcover     In 2001, a construction crew near Springfield, Missouri blasted a hill to make way for the building of a new road. When the dust of the explosion settled, the crew was amazed by what they saw. A hole in the hillside revealed an ancient cave below filled with fossil evidence that helped scientists piece together what life was like for the animals of the Ice Age. Author David L. Harrison takes us through the cave’s excavation step by step, explaining what different kinds of scientists do, how they figure out the mysteries hidden in the cave, and why all that wildlife came to be in the cave in the first place. Ashley Mims contributes illustrations to help the reader visualize behind-the-scenes activity, and Edward Biamonte’s photographs of the cave’s interior capture the breathtaking beauty of this underground world. A glossary and timeline help readers understand how the story of Riverbluff Cave and other such excavations fit into the history of our world. Though it is a slim volume at less than 50 pages, Cave Detectives is packed full of information. This is an ideal gift book for anyone, young or old, who holds an interest in archaeology, prehistoric animals, or earth sciences. s    web reviews   Deborah Adams/2008 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)