I BELIEVE IN YOU

A spirited young triceratops is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her family in this latest entry in the Tyrannosaurus series from Japan.

A pleasant day of berry-picking quickly turns nightmarish after the triceratops family takes cover from rain in a cave, feasting on red berries that can heal both physical wounds and unkind hearts. Suddenly an earthquake sends boulders tumbling down from the mountain; little Rikayla’s father throws her to safety before he and her mother are trapped inside by the rock fall. One by one, other dinosaurs offer help, some suffering injury as they attempt to move or shatter the giant rock blocking the entrance. Demonstrating heroic perseverance, Rikayla bravely seeks out the mighty, fearsome tyrannosaurus, offering herself up as a meal in exchange for his assistance—which he grants, duplicitously anticipating eating three triceratops. But the rock turns out to be a challenge even for him. Rikayla’s innocent trust and tender ministrations to his wounds with the special berries ultimately prove transformative for the tyrannosaurus, even if Rikayla’s hopes of finding her parents alive are shattered. The high-stakes drama, bold illustrations, and effective use of onomatopoeia make this a compelling read. As this rather somber tale does not flinch from portraying children’s deepest fears, it may prove uncomfortable for some adults, yet the potential for deep discussion and emotional exploration is great. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 63.8% of actual size.)

A fearlessly intense read that respects children’s ability to grapple with difficult subjects.