THE SHY STEGOSAURUS OF CRICKET CREEK

by Evelyn Sibley Lampman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 25, 1955

A newly acquired ranch in the West, and the odd conglomeration of people and animals who find themselves there, are personages and props for a really enjoybale fantasy by the author of a growing list of good stories for children. Joey and Joan are 12 and twins and their widowed mother has Just inherited a small ranch at cricket Creek. Finances and the work they must put into it to make it a going concern are their problem. There is a ray of hope, however, in that frail Professor Harris has asked them if he might dig on their land for dinosaur bones and of course he promises a money gratification if he finds any. Out by the professor's diggings one day, Joey and Joan run into George, a shy stegosaurus, and it is through their chats with him that all their difficulties are really solved. Taking full advantage of the implications of a stegosaurus' personality-especially a shy one who has been wandering around for eons and who wants a little companionship- the author builds a clever narrative around his thoughts and his comings and goings. As a supposedly stupid creature, George bemoans his shortcomings, but he has a backhanded brilliance as he lets the kids in on some of the principles of evolution, provides a delightful foil for human foibles and prods Joey and Joan into making the most of their opportunities. Before George says goodbye and fades away into the rocks, a thief has been caught, Prof. Harris has found eohippus bones and a stray pilot has convinced the twins and their mother of the practicalities of land reclamation.

Pub Date: Aug. 25, 1955

ISBN: 1930900376

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1955

Categories: FICTION