by Jim Benton ; illustrated by Jim Benton ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2016
Despite the title, not a fact-based book but rather one catering to toddlers whose favorite T-shirts sport cheery, cartoon...
A board-book version of a hide-and-seek game is set in a fantasy world where dinosaurs live among us.
The first page answers the title's question with a vague assertion: “Some say they vanished long ago.” But Benton is willing to ignore the facts in favor of a playful “what if” scenario. Subsequent double-page spreads offer an invitation to find the dinosaurs hiding in the book as well as some clues to guide youngsters in the search. The next three spreads include dinosaurs hiding in plain view, wearing Western gear, walking through a city, driving cars, and playing ball. Confusingly, there are no dinosaurs in the penultimate spread, which follows the assurance that “dinosaurs won't bother you”—but the final image demonstrates that they might show up to eat your ice cream. That's probably OK, since these grinning, toothy creatures depicted in bright neon colors bear little resemblance to any ancient dinosaur.
Despite the title, not a fact-based book but rather one catering to toddlers whose favorite T-shirts sport cheery, cartoon dinos . (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: May 31, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-545-64789-2
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2016
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by Jim Benton ; illustrated by Jim Benton
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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 3, 2023
Peek, and you’ll find a rollicking romp here.
The favorite game of toddlers gets a dino twist.
A large dinosaur tries to outsmart a smaller companion when the duo play peekaboo together. The big dino naïvely believes they won’t be noticed behind or under sundry hiding places, but the little pal always finds their playmate. Young listeners will giggle as the large dino attempts to outwit the little one, but in vain; in every instance, the diminutive, overalls-clad dino calls out a triumphant “Peekaboo!” How come? Is it because thin tree trunks and a potted plant can’t conceal the large dino’s frame? Do the big dino’s bold, flower-print shirts stick out a mile? Even when the large dinosaur attempts an aerial hiding place, they discover that ruse doesn’t, ahem, fly, nor does hiding in a crowd wearing a Where’s Waldo?–esque red-striped cap and T-shirt do any good. In a display of good sportsmanship, the big dino concedes at the end the game was fun. The youngest audiences, all of whom will have likely engaged in marathon peekaboo sessions themselves, will undoubtedly scramble to play again. Besides stimulating playtime, this adorable board book, expressed in lilting rhymes, boosts vocabulary development through the use of some common prepositions (behind, in) and adverbs (here, there, everywhere). The illustrations are sweetly engaging; the round cutout on the front cover invites youngsters to play peekaboo games with adult partners and others. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Peek, and you’ll find a rollicking romp here. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-840-3
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton
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by Jane Yolen & illustrated by Mark Teague ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2012
Despite some glitches in the scansion and lack of originality, this outing goes down pretty easily.
This familiar dinosaur series takes a look at a favorite treat.
From the trip to the grocery store through consumption, these cookies present a satisfying crunch. There's male and female supervision (of both baking and the dinos themselves); one lady works in the kitchen in dress and pearls. Yolen's now-familiar rhythm loses some of its lightness in occasionally forced rhymes. “Does a dinosaur grab for a cookie that's hot? / No, that's something that he does decidedly NOT!” Scratch-and-sniff elements add sweet smells. For budding pastry chefs old enough to mix the ingredients, the addition of two recipes may provide inspiration (“Ask an adult to help you bake”). In the spirit of the series, there is a heavy focus on manners (and sweets in moderation) as the dinos devour their goodies; they drink milk daintily and hold the bag of chocolate chips in the supermarket instead of ripping it open.
Despite some glitches in the scansion and lack of originality, this outing goes down pretty easily. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-38253-3
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
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by Jane Yolen ; illustrated by Maya Shleifer
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by Jane Yolen ; illustrated by Nicole Wong
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by Jane Yolen ; illustrated by Kathryn Brown
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