This delightful bedtime story is sure to please young and old. Toddlers will love Mark Teague’s bright and bold illustrations, with dinosaurs that are not quite so ferocious as in real life. The background music and the sound effects (thumping, groaning) provide wonderful transitions between the pages. Jane Yolen’s narration is just right, with a sterner, more demanding voice for the dad; a gentler voice when mom arrives; and a soft, calming voice for the end. The natural pacing, without slowing down the text, allows time to find the name of the dinosaur hidden somewhere on the page, providing plenty of prompts for discussion at other than bedtimes; this should also help transition young children into a calm sleep mode. W.L.S. 2003 ALA Notable Recording © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
Duration: 4 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
"The car trip to Grandma’s always feels exciting until after the first hour,” begins Robert Petkoff in the informative voice of a travel guide. Questioning and mystery enter his tone as he wonders what happens after that hour, “when your brain is bored.” Then Petkoff departs from his neutral role to become the squeaky-voiced complaining backseat child who issues the classic titular question. On the accompanying CD, Santat’s comic illustrations mark changes in the story and the child’s emotions. Petkoff animates the tale with a dinosaur roar, alien chatter, and, of course, the continual whine of the bored but imaginative passenger. Illustrations and narration work together well to emphasize the humor.
(Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: April 12, 2016
Duration: 5 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478908999
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Travel back sixty-five million years to hear about dinosaurs and dinosaur bones. Bob Barner packs much dinosaur food for thought into his book. Not only can one simultaneously listen to and read the text, but one can also enjoy the bold illustrations and accompanying factual information. Barner's rhymes will appeal to young audiences, especially as read by Jerry Dixon. This audio production provides the listener many options—the text itself, the facts themselves, as well as either of the former with or without page-turning prompts. Both younger and early learners will find the right track. Zippy music, including an original song, complete the package.
Ages 4-6Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2006
Duration: 4 mins
Publisher: Weston Woods Studios
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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