James Gurney
Hatchling Helper  1992

Baby dinosaurs, like baby birds, become attached to whoever they meet and have to be acquainted with their own kin. Here, a Maisaura hatcling is lifted up to meet a visiting aunt in a painting inspired by the work of scientist Jack Horner, who discovered a famous dinosaur nesting site. Maisaura means "good mother lizard." Dinosaur and human facial expressions reflect the close companionship that island residents share.

Illustration for Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time
Oil on board

Link to image of plaque at Norman Rockwell Museum