Well-trodden dino turf, but the grass is still fairly green.
A tongue-in-cheek look at some of the many ways that idle household dinosaurs can be put to work.
Jack casts a host of cartoon dinosaurs—most of them humongous, nearly all smiling and candy bright of hue—in roles as can openers, potato mashers, yard sweepers, umbrellas on rainy days, snowplows, garbage collectors, and like helpers or labor savers. Even babysitters, though, as Bailey aptly notes, “not all dinosaurs are suited to this work.” Still, “[t]he possibilities are amazing!” And even if there aren’t any handy dinos around, she concludes, any live-in octopus, sasquatch, kangaroo or other creature can be likewise exploited. A bespectacled, woolly-haired boy who looks rather a lot like Weird Al Yankovic serves as dino-wrangler in chief, heading up a multiethnic cast of kids who enjoy the dinosaurs’ services. As with all books of this ilk, the humor depends on subtextual visual irony. A group of kids happily flying pterosaur kites sets up a gag featuring a little boy holding a limp string tied to the tail of a grumpy-looking stegosaurus. Changes on this premise have been run over and over since Bernard Most’s If the Dinosaurs Came Back (1978), and though this iteration doesn’t have any fresh twists to offer, at least it’s bright and breezy enough to ward off staleness.
Well-trodden dino turf, but the grass is still fairly green. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-77049-568-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: March 30, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
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BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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