Here Comes Destructosaurus!

Starred review from January 27, 2014
In this very funny mash-up of Dr. Spock and Godzilla, a dragonlike monster who also looks an awful lot like a rampaging toddler (its big round head is a giveaway) is wreaking havoc in New York City—and the narrator is fed up: “Stop throwing around buildings that don’t belong to you. You’ve been brought up better than that, you naughty monster! Look with your eyes, not with your claws.” But the narrator feels a little more sympathetic—and guilty, of course—when the monster’s source of fury is pinpointed: a misplaced teddy bear (“Wait, what’s that in your hand? No, I know that’s a train station. I mean, in your other hand”). This fresh spin on the “Will my rage consume me and everyone I love?” genre has something for everyone. Tankard’s (It’s a Tiger!) scary-funny cartooning, with its bold outlines and flammable colors, should be catnip to young eyeballs, while grownups will appreciate Reynolds’s (Carnivores) spot-on imitation of every frustrated, momentarily ineffectual parent in, well, the history of parenthood. Ages 2–4. Author’s agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. Illustrator’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

February 1, 2014
A parent/caregiver--unseen after a glimpse at the beginning--translates a "terrible twos"-style tantrum into a movie-monster rampage. As it turns out, it's all just a failure to communicate. As a Godzilla-like monster emerges from the ocean in Tankard's thick-lined cartoon scenes and proceeds to wreak havoc amid skyscrapers, the now-unseen narrator scolds every action. The amused tone of the narrative--"Wipe your feet, Destructosaurus! For crying out loud, you're tracking seaweed and dead fish all over the tourists"--turns annoyed as the rampage continues: "Stop throwing around buildings that don't belong to you. You've been brought up better than that, you naughty monster!" But when the uproar turns out to have been just a search for a misplaced teddy bear, the scolding changes to repentance ("You could have used your words. But, still. Sorry I yelled") and ends with a hug. Also, after a "GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW," a general tidying up. The silliness of the premise is nicely amplified by the mixed-media illustrations, which feature disaster-movie perspectives and lots of rubble. A familiar interchange, featuring a less-ferocious-looking cousin of the tempestuous T. Rex of Bob Shea's Dinosaur vs. Bedtime (2008) and its sequels. (Picture book. 2-4)

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April 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-A baby dinosaur emerges from the sea and goes on a rampage across New York City, tracking seaweed and dead fish all over the tourists and setting fire to every ship in the harbor. His tail the size of a small planet, Destructosauraus is chastised by the narrator for his lack of self-control and for his sassy attitude, much like a mother would speak to a wild child. And in the end, readers discover that the lonely creature is simply looking for his teddy bear. Once he finds it, he retreats to the sea, softening the tone of the narrator and even hugging her. But while the narrator instructs Destructosauraus to help clean up the mess he's made, the creature just heads back to the sea from where he came. Enter King Kluck, a giant chicken, and, much to the narrator's surprise, instead of helping, the destruction continues. Big bright art outlined in bold black lines brings the young dinosaur's search for his toy to life, and his expressions clearly display his determination and frustration. This over-the-top tale that pushes the limits of the narrator's authority will delight readers.-Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2014
Preschool-K The author of Creepy Carrots (2012) makes a nod to movie monsters in his latest, featuring a child in the midst of a tantrum who becomes an oversize, havoc-wreaking dinosaur. Destructosaurus tracks in seaweed and dead fish, burps flames, topples bridges and skyscrapers, roars, and tosses buildings about before locating his missing teddy bear, the reason for his rage. The text, a monologue delivered by his caregiver, consists of the mostly calm (but sometimes sarcastic) language used by exasperated adults trying to diffuse an angry outburst. Tankard's cartoon-style art is the perfect foil for Reynolds' seemingly rational text. His humorous illustrations feature boldly outlined characters, vivid colors, and rich backgrounds. The compositions are often cluttered (apropos to the mayhem depicted) but Destructosaurus (and the child's perspective) remain clear focal points. Although the text may leave toddlers restless, this will strike a chord with older preschoolers and their caregivers who are experienced with these tirades. Pair with Jane Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad? (2013).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)