A DINOSAUR ATE MY HOMEWORK

This entry in the Flying Rhinoceros series (Wooden Teeth and Jelly Beans, 1995, etc.) presents factual material about dinosaurs through a cast of cartoon characters that includes Earl P. Sidebottom, Jr., who claims that a T. rex ate his homework. When his teacher asks him to bring the evidence for Show-and-Tell, he turns the school upside down with an array of dino-friends. Earl's story, told in doggerel, frames assorted factoids about dinosaurs. A confusing layout and use of typeface, and the anthropomorphism of dinosaurs, would undermine the story if the premise weren't already so weak—i.e., that children will sit still for information only if it's sugar-coated with bright colors and silly characters. Steer clear of this one. (First printing of 50,000) (Picture book. 6-12)