Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits

by Joyce Uglow, Valerya Milovanova (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Science, History, Nature, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Deb Buschman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story that was so informative and amazing. I knew nothing about all the various species of animals stuck in the pits but also the history and the fact that they are still trapping animals. It is a must for any classroom.

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this intriguing nonfiction picture book with my kids for their homeschool curriculum. My son said he “loved learning about how the pits fossilized many life forms,” and my daughter commented on the “cool” illustrations and she enjoyed “learning about different animals that don’t live on our planet today.” Stuck, The Story of La Brea Tar Pits is a must-read!

[Michaela Skweres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book when doing some research about paired books to go with my new science curriculum for next year. It was timely considering the topic of this week's module! I read it in print book format and enjoyed it greatly! I think that the ice age is a fascinating topic for younger grades because of the animals! This book combined storytelling with factual information which I believe will be quite engaging! The illustrations are beautiful and realistic. I am looking forward to reading it to my class!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page to the last, Uglow’s lyrical text and Milovanova’s evocative illustrations transport the reader to a place in time filled with unsuspecting Megafauna and their sticky fate in the La Brea Tar Pits. Readers will be intrigued and hooked with text that pulls the readers in to witness animals become trapped in an inviting pond “without bubbles.” From the moment animals fall into the tar pits, to the discovery, and more recently the research and study, this book doesn’t disappoint and would be a fantastic addition to any school or home library. Back matter includes a time capsule of the formation of the La Brea Tar Pits, glossary, the types of plants and animals that have been discovered (from amphibians and birds to invertebrates and fish), and additional information about the La Brea Tar Pits. Highly recommend!

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A fascinating story that was new to me about the La Brea Tarpits. Uglow's mix of fact and lyrical alliteration and repetition make the text both fun and informative to read while Milovanova's illustrations bring the emotion and setting to life. A great addition to school and libraries.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the dynamic cover to the murky-swirly endpapers, readers are immersed in a dramatic, slightly sinister place and time. Namely, ice-age survivors of the great extinction of dinosaurs dwell on land once immersed under oceans. In this location, the oozing asphalt just below the surfaces of shallow waters or a thin-scrim of land lays a trap for creatures large and small. The art design reveals the passage of time as the underground asphalt accumulate fossils in a bottom-of-page ooze. Using lyrical, minimal text and extensive science details, interactive animal dynamics come alive. This continues through the past century of first discovery and into modern times when there are still counted crates of materials and fossils awaiting detailed study. The tar pits themselves continue their processes. A recurring theme is the hope of escape, portrayed by a dragonfly, hinted at in early pages but celebrated on the final double spread. Back matter provides clarity about the timing and processes, with examples of fossil types and further text/timeline. The enticement is priceless, and the payoff does not disappoint.

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know anything about the La Brea Tar Pits until I opened this book, but Joyce Uglow’s lush, lyrical language and Valerya Milovanova’s dramatic and detailed illustrations immediately captivated me. I was hooked from page one and my fascination didn’t waver until I read the last word of the extensive backmatter. What I especially like about this book is that it works on several different levels. It can be used for science and history lessons, but it can also be used in language arts classes when studying lyrical language and poetic devices. The main text is simple enough to be read aloud to young children, but the backmatter is substantial enough to engage middle school and adult readers. It’s accessible for all ages and all attention spans. By the time I finished reading this book, I had added the La Brea Tar Pits to my list of places I want to visit. This book is a must-read for the science lovers and fossil fanatics in your life. I also highly recommend this book for classrooms and libraries.

[Lori Dubbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading STUCK! THE STORY OF THE LA BREA TAR PITS by Joyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova. The words are both lyrical and informative and tell the true story of how animals, plants, seeds, insects, and more got trapped and stuck over a very long period of time in the murky, sticky, and shallow water of the La Brea tar pits. Layers and layers of animals plopped into the shallow water seeking food or maybe a cool drink of water and got stuck from the Ice Age to today. The illustrations are excellent, showing the emotion and motion of the animals leaping and then getting stuck. The back matter is extensive and so interesting, from scientific findings to charts to amazing details for curious readers. I recommend this book for science classrooms and all classrooms and libraries. Young readers will be intrigued!

[Julie Winterbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Joyce Uglow does an amazing job of taking readers back in time, thousands of years, to witness firsthand the drama of scores of animals, from huge mastodons to tiny insects, unwittingly becoming trapped in the sticky La Brea tar pits of California. Then she deftly explains how when oil workers dug into the pits, they uncovered a living laboratory of millions of fossils that allow scientists to study how plants, animals, and the climate have changed since the Pleistocene Epoch. Told in economical, lyrical prose that’s a joy to read out loud, with gorgeous illustrations by Valerya Milovanova, this exciting story is sure to be a hit with kids, parents, librarians, and teachers. With excellent back matter for readers and teachers who want to know more about the history of the site.

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow is such an interesting read!

I loved all the information and facts it includes, both throughout the story and also in the extensive back matter at the end. As someone who didn't know much about these tar pits, I found this book fascinating. I had no idea of how many animals were stuck there, or that some continue to get stuck even nowadays!

The repetition of words in the text plus the engaging illustrations by Valerya Milovanova make this book one that children will enjoy reading over and over, as they get to learn about terms like climate change, fossils, ecosystems, paleontologists, among others.

I highly recommend for homes, libraries, and schools.

[Kelly Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits tells the story of animals trapped and preserved in the tar pits, but it goes beyond. It entices readers from 5 to 50 because its chock full of information and detailed pictures. The magical, musical words the author uses draws the reader in.

Stuck contains a treasure chest of adjectives and the alliteration makes the book read like a delicious poem:
Meandering, making a meal
Then sniffed, stalked….pounced on sloth

This book will excite children with its fascinating story and thrill teachers with its beautiful language.

[Nadia Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow, illustrations by Valerta Milovanova is a creative nonfiction story about the tar pits located in Los Angeles. Written for ages 7-12, Joyce's lyrical language entices and intrigues readers to turn the page to find out which animals will get stuck? The illustrations are phenomenal. My favorite illustration is a double page spread, “ Unearthed! Uncovered! Unstuck!” With it’s engaging storytelling, illustrations and backmatter, this book is an excellent resource for both learning and leisure. Highly recommended.

[Lori Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits takes readers on a captivating journey into ancient Los Angeles. The tar pits have intrigued explorers and scientists for centuries, revealing secrets of prehistoric creatures like mammoths and saber-toothed cats. The story explains the formation of the pits and how they preserved bones with engaging illustrations and fun facts. Readers will travel through the mysteries of fossil excavation, fostering curiosity about the natural world and inspiring appreciation for the history beneath their feet. A wonderful addition to any home or school library!

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic picture book brings to life the experience of the La Brea Tar Pits, sharing one of our national treasures that needs more attention. Until last year, I didn't know the pits existed. I had the good fortune of being able to go and see them in person. Uglow did an incredible job capturing its history and opens the door to those who may never be able to visit the site. The illustrations bring the narrative to life. This will captivate a broad audience. The back matter is fascinating and a wonderful enhancement to the story. Highly recommend.

[Mary Helen Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The La Brea Tar Pits is living history and a favorite place of mine–fascinating and full of prehistoric fossils that are still actively excavated. Stuck! The History of the La Brea Tar Pits is a fantastic introduction to this incredible spot. Kids will be hooked by spare, poetic language that make the story very accessible, and they’ll be intrigued by the super expressive illustrations. Extensive nonfiction information in the back of the book includes a timeline, glossary, and more background on the tar pits, sure to appeal to budding paleontologists and anyone intrigued by ancient history.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about topics close to home--and the La Brea Tar Pits fit that perfectly. I like how this book brings attention to this interesting topic but does so in an upbeat way where kids can become immersed in the text and, hopefully, want to know more about science.

The Tar Pits are a fascinating place where ongoing research adds to the conversation of extinction and how our actions may affect the planet.

The art's earthy tones add another layer of interest to the text and the animals are beautifully done.

[Jessica Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

From dragonflies and dire wolves to mastodons and sloths – good luck escaping the La Brea Tar Pits! With poetic language and vibrant illustration, Joyce Uglow and Valerya Milovanova pack millions of years of natural science into one fascinating, STEM-filled, and inspiring picture book. The La Brea Tar Pits pique so much natural wonder and curiosity in kiddos, and this team has done an incredible job of bringing the Tar Pits to life. Also, terrific backmatter for still-curious kiddos and classroom applications. STUCK! is a great book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book version of the tar pits. When I was reading it I was thinking about how some kids might get sad that the animals are dying when they get stuck...but maybe that's just how I would have felt as a kid. It was a great description of what happened though, and how over time they stuck more and more, and more and more animals, plants etc. got stuck in the tar. And how it was found and scientist use the pits to help them learn more about the past. Good nonfic for school and a good read aloud too...As long as kids don't get sad about the animals dying.

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits is the story of the way plants and animals were preserved in the La Brea tar pits. The text is lyrical and also factual and engaging book for any reader. If you haven’t been to the real La Brea tar pits, it gives reason for a fieldtrip. The illustrations are exciting to look at and show animals leaping and getting stuck. The back matter is also very interesting. This book is for anyone who likes an educational book and so much more! Great book, especially for homes, classrooms, and libraries!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very attractively illustrated, poetically concise books disappointed me because of one very large missing piece:

Why was the tar SO sticky it could trap SO many creatures, even a giant mastodon (shown, but not labeled), but then it was NOT so sticky that later archaeologists could dig through it as if it were just like dirt?

I don't remember what that process was, but I am certain kids will want to know.

Also, I wish it said something like "Your family can visit the La Brea Tar Pits and see these fossils yourself." Why not?

[MD Knabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetic story about the La Brea Tar Pits is a magical reading experience by combining the who, how, and why these animals were stuck in the oozing, oily, mysterious muck. Readers will learn how prehistoric animals were preserved in asphalt to become living fossils we can study today. Back matter includes more about the La Brea time capsule, a timeline, glossary, color coded critter chart, and details about La Brea today. This book is sure to captivate readers with its rhythm and word choice plus vibrant illustrations.

[Kathy Groth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits is fabulous!!! The descriptions and illustrations are magnificent, telling an informative and understandable history of how the tar pits came to be. Joyce Uglow's skilled poetic style weaves its way through the entire story. The back matter, including the glossary, makes it a great fit for classrooms and libraries. A perfect gift for anyone who treasures a beautifully composed book and enjoys learning history in a straightforward, uncomplicated way.

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow, with illustrations by Valerta Milovanova, is a delightful and engaging nonfiction read-aloud about the animals that once became trapped in the tar pits of Los Angeles. I loved the captivating story accompanied by lyrical language and informative backmatter. Highly recommended for children and teachers who are fascinated by fossils and Earth's history!

[Lynn Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story that will appeal to kids and educators interested in prehistoric times. This non-fiction story makes great use of lyrical language and engaging illustrations to tell the story of all of the prehistoric animals that became stuck in what is now the La Brea Tar Pits. I learned a lot while reading this captivating story, and I think it will make a great classroom and library read.

[Theresa Dabney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An alliterative, lyrical delight as the reader is taken on a journey into the hows and whys of the La Brea Tar Pits. Animals “mired in the mysterious muck”, “vultures ventured in”, an “errant eagle”…the author strings her words in a most admirable manner while telling the fascinating story of the Los Angeles La Brea Tar Pits accompanied with rich, detailed illustrations. All nonfiction reading for children should be this engaging!

[Gina Soldano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, informative story! This story by Uglow is fascinating and filled with more to discover upon every reading. There are refrains for younger readers, plenty of interesting science, history, and charming verse. Highly recommend for readers young and old, spark curiosity about what came before and what we have to learn about the layers and layers and layers of history just waiting to be revealed. The art is also captivating!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous art and lyrical text celebrate one of the most amazing prehistoric sites in North America!
This beautiful book combines poetry with science. I adore La Brea Tar Pits (love those giant ground sloths, dire wolves, oh yeah...). The book highlights the remarkable nature of the place and the ecosystems that existed in prehistoric times. What's not to love? This book will capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.

[Laura Bontje · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stuck! Trapped! Sunk! Stacked!" I love the way this book builds on both the language and the progression of animals getting stuck in the tar pits, from familiar creatures like vultures to those that went extinct long ago, like dire wolves and ground sloths. Unlike sticky tar, the lyrical language flows through the story, and the illustrations transport readers from past to present. There's detailed back matter at the end for readers who'd like to learn more about La Brea Tar Pits.

[Amy Laundrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits” was fascinating. This picture book will appeal to a wide range of ages since many adults won’t know about the active paleontological research site in urban Los Angeles. The bones of trapped animals preserved there reveal important data about the history of our world. The book’s back matter includes many more details, and the illustrations help readers visualize the now extinct animals. Highly recommended.

[Jamie Bills · Rating 5 out of 5]

STUCK! starts back at the beginning when animals were unsuspectedly STUCK! TRAPPED! SUNK! STACKED! in the pits. It teaches what plants and animals are inside the tar and about the layering throughout the years... until the time the remains are finally UNSTUCK and used to learn information about our past and planet.
In addition to the interesting history and fun facts, the story structure, illustrations, and lyrical language in this book are excellent.