A fun celebration of kids being kids that also fosters good bedtime habits; what’s not to like? (Board book. 2-5)
After a full day of play, even dinosaurs can benefit from a healthy bedtime routine.
A houseful of rambunctious young dinosaurs wish they could extend their playtime ’round the clock, a notion that this book’s toddler audience will have doubtless shared from time to time. “Star light, star bright, / even dinosaurs say goodnight. // They wish they may, they wish they might, / get to stay and play all night.” Three raucous, double-page scenes follow, with boisterous dinos bashing a drum, blatting on a trumpet, twanging a guitar, dancing, clomping, and jumping on beds, with every intention of “making noise the whole night through.” The artwork is charming—the brightly colored dinosaurs (all different types) are gleeful, energetic, and expressive, and to all appearances, they are having an absolutely splendid time. When the dinosaur kids cut loose in the conventionally homey setting of their room, it feels like a tamer version of Maurice Sendak’s wild rumpus, sans jungle or island. This book is about more than rumpusing, however. “Even dinosaurs say goodnight. / When it’s time, they do what’s right.” “What’s right” includes brushing one’s teeth, washing one’s face, picking up one’s toys, and climbing into a comfortable bed for a peaceful night’s rest. After all, these dinos will have a big day of loud, lively play ahead of them tomorrow. The same crew of dinos contends with being confined indoors in Rain, Rain, Go Away, the Dinosaurs All Want to Play.
A fun celebration of kids being kids that also fosters good bedtime habits; what’s not to like? (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: Feb. 12, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4867-1557-2
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Flowerpot Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
Young dino fans will enjoy it, though their grown-ups may not.
What sounds did dinosaurs make? We don't really know.
Litton suggests some possibilities while introducing sophisticated vocabulary in a board-book format. Five dinosaurs are featured: Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, Pterodactyl, Diplodocus, and Triceratops. For each species there is a brief description that highlights its distinctive features, followed by an invitation to hear and repeat the dinosaur's sound. There is no explanation for why scientists think T. Rex “roared,” Stegosaurus “howled,” Pterodactyl “screeched,” Diplodocus “growled,” or Triceratops “grunted.” The author tries to avoid sexism, carefully referring to two of the creatures as “she,” but those two are also described in stereotypically less-ferocious terms than the male dinos. The touch point on the Pterodactyl is a soft section of wing. Readers are told that Diplodocus “loved splashing in swamps,” and the instruction is to “tickle her tummy to hear her growl,” implying that this giant creature was gentle and friendly. None of this may matter to young paleontologists, who will enjoy finding the tactile section on each creature that triggers the sound. Despite extensive directions in small print, most parents and libraries won't bother to change the battery secured by a tiny hex screw, but while the battery lasts, the book will get lots of play.
Young dino fans will enjoy it, though their grown-ups may not. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-58925-207-3
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Tiger Tales
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2016
A satisfying friendship story to share with very young children in the days leading up to Halloween.
This board book twists the traditional “Teeny Tiny” tale into a less-scary Halloween treat.
This version uses a singsong-y rhythm and cadence to tell the story. “In the teeny tiny barn / Of a teeny tiny house... / Lived a teeny tiny ghost / and a teeny tiny mouse.” Of course the ghost (being teeny tiny) is not very frightening. “But the determined little ghost / Let her mighty courage through / And with a teeny tiny breath / She said a teeny tiny: boo.” Spoiler alert: After just seven page turns the ghost and mouse become friends: “And now the teeny tinies play / In the teeny tiny house. / Just a teeny tiny ghost / And her best friend, mouse.” Pumpkins decorate the cover and final spread and illustrations throughout are in autumnal hues. The fairly high-for-the-format word count—19 to 21 words per page—may be more than toddlers will sit still for, but the “teeny tiny” repetition and rhymes will help. The size (just 6 inches square) makes using the book with a group a challenge, but with a lap-sitting child, it’ll be a pleasure.
A satisfying friendship story to share with very young children in the days leading up to Halloween. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 30, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-338-31848-7
Page Count: 16
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: April 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
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