Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex

December 1, 2010

PreS-Gr 2-Erin has decided to invite a Tyrannosaurus rex to her sixth birthday party. She writes him a letter, care of his museum, to let him know where her house is and what to expect in the way of fun. Enthusiastic descriptions of games, treats, the cake, party favors, etc., are accompanied by large cartoonlike illustrations featuring the T. rex as if he were in attendance. Each spread is filled with humor and draws readers in as the green-and-orange reptile clutches purple and pink presents in his "hands," sits in the play set and lets children slide down his tail, and creates quite the wind as he helps Erin blow out the candles. On the penultimate spread, the child seals the envelope and presumably mails the letter. An extra dose of magic comes in the final, wordless picture that shows Erin, her family, and friends opening the door on the big day, with a T. rex shadow cast over them. Perfect for reading aloud, this title could be paired with Jane Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? (Scholastic, 2005) or Dr. Seuss's Happy Birthday to You! (Random, 1959).-Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City

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