HOW DO DINOSAURS STAY FRIENDS?

The 10th dinosaur outing for Yolen and Teague playfully addresses the minefield of school friendships, as always cleverly subbing in outsized dinosaur antics for the gigantic feelings in every little kid's body.

Beginning with the question, "How does a dinosaur keep his best friend / when a terrible fight just might signal the end?" more than half the book is made up of dinosaurs behaving badly (and comically). They egg doors, throw lunchboxes into lakes, lie to teachers, and even "write on the blackboard a very bad name" ("DILONG IS STUPID": truly not nice). The scenes of hostility are writ large in two-page spreads, each labeled dinosaur (Leptoceratops, Masiakasaurus, etc.) breathing again in skillfully textured detail and with humorously angry or hurt expressions. Human kids and teachers look on, mortified that dinosaurs could behave so...well, human. The resolution, of course, occurs when the dinosaurs instead put their best claws forward, exchanging notes of apology, sharing toys, and making special cookie deliveries. Even giant beasts who get into fights learn, "There is always a way to make everything right." If that isn't enough to convey the message, the endpapers feature dinosaur duos having the best time since prehistoric days as they ride bikes, fly kites, or share pizza, among other activities.

If the formula is pat by now, it’s still effective; who can resist when dinosaur buddies share a sincere, well-earned hug? (Picture book. 3-6)