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Kirk Johnson

Kirk R. Johnson is the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. He received his PhD in geology and paleobotany from Yale University in 1989, and did postdoctoral research in the rainforests of northern Australia before joining the Denver Museum of Natural History in 1991, where he directed the installation of the museum's Prehistoric Journey exhibit. His research focuses on fossil plants, the environmental effects of the dinosaur-smiting asteroid, and the birth and death of biomes. Johnson lives in Washington, D. C.
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Titles by Kirk Johnson

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Titles Found: 6
Ancient Denvers
Ancient Denvers (4 Formats) ›
By Kirk Johnson, Illustrated by Jan Vriesen, Illustrated by Gary Stabb, Illustrated by Donna Braginetz
Trade Paper Price 12.95

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published Dec 2005

A look at how the geology, environment, and landscape of what is now Denver has changed over the millennia.
Ancient Wyoming
Ancient Wyoming (4 Formats) ›
By Kirk Johnson, By Will Clyde
Trade Paper Price 16.99

Trade Paper, PDF, EPUB, Mobipocket

Published May 2016

Sponsored by a grant from the National Science Foundation to the Denver Museum of Natural History. Ever wondered what the ground below you was like millions of years ago? Merging paleontology, geology, and artistry, Ancient Wyoming illustrates scenes from the distant past and provides fascinating details on the flora and fauna of the past 300 million years. The book provides a unique look at Wyoming, both as it is today and as it was throughout ancient history—at times a vast ocean, a lush rain forest, and a mountain prairie.
Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway
Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway (2 Formats) ›
By Kirk Johnson, Illustrated by Ray Troll

Trade Paper, PDF

Estimated Release Date Jun 2024

"A paleontological odyssey that manages to be informative, witty, educationaland enormous fun." Simon Winchester, author of The Map That Changed the WorldKrakatoa, and A Crack in the Edge of the World

An epoch tale of a scientist and an artist on the ultimate 5,000-mile paleo road trip.

Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway follows the most unusual travels of a paleontologist and an artist as they drive across the American West in search of fossils. Throughout their journey, they encounter "paleonerds" like themselves, people dedicated to finding everything from suburban T. rex to killer Eocene pigs to ancient fossilized forests. This updated editions brings the text up-to-date on new discoveries, new realizations, and new places, along with new art. 

A fascinating travelogue, Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway shows us that fossils are everywhere if you learn to look for themeven at 65 miles per hour. 


 
Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway Map
Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway Map ›
By Kirk Johnson, By Ray Troll
Price 19.95

Sheet map, folded

Published Oct 2018

An illustrated companion map for Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway, which follows the zany travels of a paleontologist and an artist as they drive across the American West in search of fossils.
Prehistoric Journey
Prehistoric Journey ›
By Kirk Johnson
Price 29.95

Trade Paper

Published May 2006

This is the story of the animals and plants that populated prehistoric Earth. It follows the journey of life from single-cell organisms to direct human ancestors.
Trees Are Made Of Gas
Trees Are Made Of Gas (2 Formats) ›
By Kirk Johnson, Illustrated by Mary Ann Bonnell
Trade Paper Price 18.95

Trade Paper, PDF

Published Sep 2021

See-oh-too is an influential guy. 

Trees Are Made of Gas teaches young readers all about carbon dioxide, an invisible, odorless gas that is essential for plant growth—but is also responsible for global climate change. Kids learn both the science and impact of the massive release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making a clear argument for conservation and clean up.
 
Providing simple explanations along with ways to reduce your own carbon footprint, this engaging book is sure to engage young environmentalists.