HELLO DINOSAURS!

A group of smiling dinosaurs chases after some runaway eggs while modeling some of the traits that make our prehistoric predecessors so fascinating to toddlers.

Though at first glance this resembles any number of other dinosaur-themed board books, there’s a lot to like here. The artwork makes no attempt at realism, but the bright hues and vibrant personalities of the dinosaurs are eye-catching and fun. The text has an engaging, simple cadence: “Hello dinosaurs / Hello eggs / Hello GIANT stomping legs,” etc. The plot, such as it is, is uncomplicated: A group of inquisitive dinosaurs pokes and prods at some eggs in a nest, accidentally sending them rolling down a hill. Their pursuit of the eggs becomes a vehicle for comparing different modes of dinosaur locomotion; other comparisons made include diets, size, teeth, and protective features (think claws, plates, tails, and horns). The book conveys a surprising amount of information in terms that kids will easily understand: “Carnivores snag a treat / on the go they gobble meat. / Herbivores grab plants to munch / Omnivores grab both for lunch.” After the eggs safely come to a complete stop, the pages fold open on both recto and verso into a double-gatefold panorama wherein 21 types of dinosaurs are named. The proceedings conclude with the hatching of three adorable baby dinosaurs.

Fun, accessible Jurassic jargon and hijinks.