Buying, Training, and Caring for Your Dinosaur

October 12, 2009
Literary agent Rennert's debut picture book opens on a wry note, explaining, “Dinos make great pets, but some may need a little more housebreaking than others.” But this manual for dinosaur owners falls short of the premise's comedic potential. A rather flat rundown of five species recommends triceratops as “a great watch-dino,” pteranodon as a skilled catcher of fly balls at baseball games and spinosaurus as a “great warm-weather dino” that can cast shade on summer days; kid-pleasing tidbits are scattered throughout. Subsequent spreads offer tips on “teaching an old dino new tricks,” including sit, heel and roll over (“Let's not even go
there”), as well as feeding, bathing and other aspects of prehistoric pet ownership. Though the text's humor is sometimes strained, Brown's (Wild About Books
) innovative art (gouache paintings of each image in reverse on glass) is consistently entertaining, spotlighting playful dinosaurs and happy children in scenarios that feature electric hues and rich textures, driving home the parting message: “Dinos are for fun!” Ages 5–8.

October 1, 2009
K-Gr 3-The opening spread, filled with smiling dinosaurs and children's faces, sets the tone for this tongue-in-cheek guide: "There is a dino for every kid, and a kid for every dino." The ensuing, satisfyingly large spreads focus on qualities readers may be looking for in a pet and the dinosaurs that best meet those needs. Children in the market for a winged dino will learn that the Pteranodon (pronunciation guide included) will help them catch fly balls at the baseball stadium and has a "long fourth finger perfect for removing unnecessary broccoli from dinner plates." After a tour of five popular varieties, advice is offered on keeping a pet comfortable, clean, and obedientwell, not very obedient. There are recommendations on exercising and traveling with a dino and suggestions about when to take one to school. While the book's approach is best for a kindergarten audience, the snarky, ironic tone is more suited to an older audience. Brown helps the cause with vivid monoprint with gouache artworksome of his best illustrations to date. His overly enthusiastic, sweet-faced, humongous patterned dinosaurs arein defiance of natural historyirresistibly delicious."Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2009
Grades K-2 This starter guide will come in handy, whether kids are in the market for a new fantasy pet or just a fun read-aloud. Divided into helpful sections, it begins with Choosing the right dinosaur for you, with recommendations on breeds for various needs. Looking for something with horns to play ring toss? Try the triceratops. Desperate for wings and long, broccoli-removing fingers? A pteranodon is the way to go. Then youll need supplies of course, like a looooooooooooong leash and lots of food. Also provided are ideas for teaching tricks like sit and stay (good luck!), bathing (a car wash is your best bet), going to the vet (please call ahead), and traveling (just charter a quetzalcoatlus). Perfect for kids who have just outgrown Jane Yolen and Mark Teagues dinosaur books, this features funny, colorful illustrations, created using monoprinting techniques, of multicultural kids cavorting with their prehistoric pals. Youngsters will quickly become absorbed in this enjoyable mix of facts, fantasy, and fossils.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)