DINOSAURS ARE 568

by Jean Rogers ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 17, 1988

The Alaskan author of several excellent picture books (Runaway Mittens--p. 284/ C-44) writes a longer book about experiences in kindergarten and first grade. At five, Raymond is already sensibly in control: to his parents' consternation, he refuses, quietly but completely, to go to kindergarten--they don't do anything new there, and he is busy at home being Robinson Crusoe (his parents have read him the book). But when he discovers that first grade will include reading and access to the school library (where dinosaurs are indeed 568), he becomes a convert to school. Rogers captures perfectly Raymond's vision of what's important: obviously bright, he loves to learn and is not about to waste his time on busy work. He's also a nice, normal boy who enjoys his friends--in spite of some natural jealousies that arise with changes in the neighborhood. Blessed with humor reminiscent of Cleary's--and with detail deftly selected for interest combined with illumination--this will serve as a chapter read-aloud for preschoolers or a fine choice for capable early readers; Raymond's sturdy independence should also amuse young readers older than he is.

Pub Date: Oct. 17, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 80

Publisher: Greenwillow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S