A cheery, diverse introduction to dinosaurs for young readers.
A lineup of various girls and their favorite dinosaurs.
In bright double-page spreads, racially diverse girls and smiling, rainbow-hued dinosaurs play in a jungle as simple text explains why each girl likes her dino “best friend.” Some pairings reflect a girl’s appearance. Stella, sporting a spiky hairdo, a prosthetic leg, and a stegosaurus-shaped backpack, likesStegosaurus for its spikes; long-haired Brianna likes Brachiosaurusfor its “long, curved” neck. Others reflect hobbies. Stilt-walking Tyra likes tall Tyrannosaurus rex, with whom she picks coconuts. Crafty, wheelchair-using Theresa snips dino- and person-shaped garlands with Therizinosaurus, who boasts “scissor-like claws.” As each dinosaur is introduced, a highlighted pronunciation follows in parentheses; however, the thin black text is occasionally hard to read against darker colors. The final spread proclaims, “Dinos are a girl’s best friend!” and reveals the girls to be playing with toy dinosaurs in a park. On the following page, the girls share interesting facts about their dino friends in speech-balloon dialogue. Stegosaurus“had a brain that was about the size of a hot dog”; Triceratopshad “a beak like a parrot.” Though they occasionally feel somewhat forced, the alliterative pairings may aid in remembering the dinosaurs’ names, and Priya’s Pterodactylpal introduces silent letters. Depicting energetic girls whose interests include aviation, dancing, and football, Gray’s cartoon illustrations reinforce that girls can follow a wide variety of passions.
A cheery, diverse introduction to dinosaurs for young readers. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Nov. 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4867-1824-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Flowerpot Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily.
A group of young “dinosauruses” go out into the world on their own.
A fuchsia little Hugasaurus and her Pappysaur (both of whom resemble Triceratops) have never been apart before, but Hugasaurus happily heads off with lunchbox in hand and “wonder in her heart” to make new friends. The story has a first-day-of-school feeling, but Hugasaurus doesn’t end up in a formal school environment; rather, she finds herself on a playground with other little prehistoric creatures, though no teacher or adult seems to be around. At first, the new friends laugh and play. But Hugasaurus’ pals begin to squabble, and play comes to a halt. As she wonders what to do, a fuzzy platypus playmate asks some wise questions (“What…would your Pappy say to do? / What makes YOU feel better?”), and Hugasaurus decides to give everyone a hug—though she remembers to ask permission first. Slowly, good humor is restored and play begins anew with promises to be slow to anger and, in general, to help create a kinder world. Short rhyming verses occasionally use near rhyme but also include fun pairs like ripples and double-triples. Featuring cozy illustrations of brightly colored creatures, the tale sends a strong message about appropriate and inappropriate ways to resolve conflict, the final pages restating the lesson plainly in a refrain that could become a classroom motto. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-82869-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
A muddy message about stick-to-itiveness salvaged by a winsome dino duo.
Tiny T. Rex and Pointy the stegosaurus overcome their fears and inexperience to participate in the talent show.
Inspired by the Amazing Presto, enthusiastic Tiny and apprehensive Pointy decide to do a magic act. They don top hats and wield wands, select their magic word, and enlist the help of their special assistant, Bob the teddy bear. At first, the pair expect the magic to just happen, but after careful planning and creative thinking, they find a way to make their disappearing trick work. Nervous Pointy pulls out of the performance at the last minute but in the end finds the courage to appear on stage—as Tiny puts it, “Sometimes the grandest ta-da is not making something disappear. It is when someone who disappeared bravely comes back.” Stutzman’s story touches on hard work and preparation, feelings of anxiety, and perseverance. Tiny does the majority of the narration with brief interjections from Pointy. As a result, aside from facial expressions, readers mostly learn how Pointy feels through Tiny. Because the story never shows Pointy working through fears or uncertainties, some may find the resolution a bit too easily wrapped up. Still, the two are a charming pair. Fleck’s illustrations feature sweet dinos with Tiny’s recognizable toothy grin, bright colors, and a cute supporting cast of characters. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A muddy message about stick-to-itiveness salvaged by a winsome dino duo. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: April 11, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-45218-488-3
Page Count: 52
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
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