Who wouldn’t gladly boogie down to bed with, say, a toothy T. rex?
In a rollicking romp, dinosaurs in pajamas and onesies gather to get down, then lie down.
“Dinos roar, and dinos shriek. / Dinos boom, and dinos squeak. // Dinos singing extra loud / rush to join the dino crowd.” In cadences reminiscent of Paul and Henrietta Stickland’s classic (and sadly out-of-print) Dinosaur Roar! (1994), dinos of diverse species march into a park to swing and shake to the “rocking sound” of a prehistoric dance band…until the sun goes down, and all trail off to snoozeland: “Snug in bed, / they dance no more. // Fast asleep, / the dinos snore.” The light may dim, but the intensity of Robertson’s palette doesn’t as he depicts in loud hues stampedes of hustling herbivores and cavorting carnivores rushing along a small-town street, boogeying to the beat, gradually winding down, and ending up snuggled beneath cozy coverlets in a dino-dormitory. Even by the end the energy level may be a bit on the high side for an effective bedtime read-aloud, but it’ll serve as a welcome alternative after the quadrillionth reading of Sandra Boynton’s Dinosaur Dance! (2016) or as a quick charmer in a dinosaur- or dance-party–themed daylight storytime. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Who wouldn’t gladly boogie down to bed with, say, a toothy T. rex? (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7624-9775-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
In the crowded field of dinosaur-themed children’s books, this one does not shine.
Do you want to celebrate your birthday with dinosaurs?
“Dinosaurs are BIG and strong. / They’re clumsy and they’re FARTY,” we’re told. “So do you really want them coming / to your birthday party?” A birthday banner drapes across the gutter, while full-bleed art depicts a diverse group of partygoers surrounded by dinos and looking perturbed (one child is holding their nose). The party appears to be thrown by a pair of adults for their child (all are brown-skinned). Spread after spread features overly busy art and more verse about why dinosaurs make poor party guests. A dinosaur at a pool party would jump in and displace all the water. Brontosaurus would love playing hide-and-seek—but likely wouldn’t be very good at it. Dinosaurs would gobble up all the food and, in their haste, accidentally trample all the birthday gifts. But, the narrator points out, dinosaurs are well intentioned, and soon we see examples of prehistoric pals working to make the celebration a smashing success—a group of kids use a dinosaur belly as a trampoline, and a velociraptor joins in for a fun game of tag. Though some dino fans may enjoy this one, it doesn’t rise to the top. The art is garish, and the verse often scans awkwardly. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
In the crowded field of dinosaur-themed children’s books, this one does not shine. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: June 20, 2023
ISBN: 9781400242054
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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