THE BIG HATCH

A determined young paleontologist-to-be wrestles with a gift that doesn’t evolve as expected.

Della Goldberg’s 11th birthday party, dinosaur-themed of course, is a flop. Not one of her classmates shows up. Her heartbreak is eased when her free-spirited paleontologist granny breezes in with a present: a prototype “Design Your Own Dinosaur” kit for Della to test out. Granny will return in time for Shabbat dinner this Friday to pick up Della’s fast-growing creation. But when Della’s fashion-forward classmate and ex-friend Avery peeks in the incubator, Della’s carefully designed creation short-circuits, resulting in a pink, glittery surprise. Crestfallen and convinced that Granny will be horrified, Della decides to hide the hatchling, dubbed Glamosaurus. It will take all of her paleontological know-how, plus help from the entire fifth grade, to keep the Glam safe, fed, and out of adult sight. Rubinstein ably balances Della’s interpersonal conflicts with the dino drama, and her trajectory from loner to thoughtful, confident friend is believable and authentic. Though Della’s parents are loving and helpful, in general the youngsters have the edge on the adults, who panic when they discover Glamosaurus. Bye’s black-and-white illustrations capture Della’s paleontologist’s trappings as well as horned, speckled Glam’s unique look. Physical descriptors are minimal, but classmate names cue diversity, and Della and her family are Jewish.

An upbeat tale infused with a “teamwork makes the dream work” message.