I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU

Thanks to some kind words, Miyanishi’s Tyrannosaurus experiences an unexpected friendship.

A little Spinosaurus named Wimpy is poking about the seashore for red berries when a Tyrannosaurus appears looking for a meal. Just as the Tyrannosaurus is about to chow down on Wimpy, there is a giant earthquake. The ground cracks, the piece of land they are standing on breaks off, and the two dinosaurs drift away. As they spend more time together, they form an unexpected friendship. Wimpy shares that he was gathering red berries for his sick mother, and the Tyrannosaurus begins to empathize with him. When the Tyrannosaurs picks berries for them and protects Wimpy from a flying Tapejara, the Spinosaurus showers the Tyrannosaurus with compliments, calling him “cool” and “kind.” After another unexpected earthquake, the Tyrannosaurus makes an enormous sacrifice for his friend. In the end, the two friends can no longer be with each other, and Wimpy learns how to reflect on good memories and the kindness of his friend. Through this unusual circumstance, there are lessons of empathy, compassion, friendship, and self-sacrifice. The Tyrannosaurus’ response to Wimpy and subsequent behavior demonstrate how encouraging and powerful positive words can be. Miyanishi’s trademark artwork is very bold and vibrant, and the translation features great use of onomatopoeia throughout the story. (This book was reviewed digitally with 7-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 48% of actual size.)

A sweet story readers are unlikely to forget.