A high-energy celebration of a delightfully rambunctious childhood.
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. (drawing guide for characters) (Graphic fiction. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
ISBN: 9780593427781
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
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
Another resounding success for this series.
A new dino-centered collaboration from Yolen and Teague is definitely a sweet treat.
In rhyming text, Yolen amuses by wondering how these trick-or-treating reptiles would carry their candy and speculating on some unwelcome behaviors (“Does he stomp on the pumpkins and throw around bits?” “Does she grab for more treats and then make a big mess?”) before asserting that dinosaurs would never! Encountering the dinos on a suburban street, diverse costumed kids initially look startled, then pleased when the creatures show they know the ropes. Cadence and clear language carry readers smoothly along to a message of loving reassurance. Teague depicts lesser-known genera, including Massospondylus, Jainosaurus, and Labocania. As in the other titles in this extensive and popular series, he combines accuracy with rampant imagination and artistic flair; the dinosaurs have authentic body shapes, but since we know little about what their skin or feathers looked like, he freely plays with pattern and color. Teague’s precise, hyperrealistic reptiles walk—or strut—upright. They sport swaths of lime green or electric blue and purple, their scales embellished with flamelike streaks, bands, stripes, dots, and studs. The gentle words, absurd humor, and elegant artwork remind readers about social norms. Children can see themselves in these books and will enjoy the unthreatening proximity to some scaly but fascinating prehistoric predators.
Another resounding success for this series. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 2, 2024
ISBN: 978-1338891980
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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