IF I HAD A TRICERATOPS

The creator of If I Had a Raptor (2014) switches out one dino-pet for another, doggier, one.

“Owning a triceratops is a lot of work,” observes the young narrator as he runs after his huge orange pet with a shovel, watches her “fetch” an entire uprooted tree and delivers a soapy scrub with a push broom (“No! Don’t shake!”). On the other hand, she’ll learn tricks, guard against burglars or “the occasional T-Rex” and (literally) bust out of the house for a joyful reunion at the end of a wearying school day. In bright, loosely drawn cartoon illustrations, O’Connor opens with the instant bonding of lad and elephant-sized ceratopsid through a pet store window and closes with a cozy clinch. In between, he shows the triceratops—lolling tongue on one end and waggy tail on the other—chasing cars, digging up (dinosaur) bones, eating homework and generally being boy’s best friend. Tongue stuffed firmly in cheek, O’Connor lets his premise go positively nuts in the pictures while keeping the text understated for maximum irony.

Different dino, same goofy premise and rapturous tone. Young dog lovers will understand perfectly.