I AM A DINOSAUR

A boy and his toy dinosaur explore their powers of pretend in a smashing romp.

Spaghetti-limbed Hugo begins a conversation with his googly-eyed toy dinosaur, who subsequently comes to life in spectacular fashion. Hugo gleefully transforms into a dinosaur to wreak havoc alongside his toy. In short order, they smash through a wall, dig a deep hole in the yard (damaging water mains and power lines in the process), and battle the spooky yet adorable Cursed Skeleton King. Hugo soon realizes the extent of their destruction and returns to human form to make the necessary repairs. The pair’s restoration efforts are as comedically broad as the rampage—super-gluing large furniture and refitting a tree together like a jigsaw puzzle—and the results show every crack. This first entry in Roselló’s new series is bubbly and joyful, full of dynamic crashes, literal sparks of electricity, and full-throated roars. The duo’s efficient dialogue, situated somewhere between Mo Willems’ simple sentences and Dav Pilkey–like irreverence, will hold great appeal for beginning and reluctant readers. Winks to the realities of managing dinosaurlike children will offer great amusement for adult caregivers as well. Hugo, brown-skinned when in human form, is cued as Latine.

A high-energy celebration of a delightfully rambunctious childhood.