Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur Too Tall

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Dinosaur is feeling down because he thinks he is too tall. Danny sets out to encourage him and cheer him up. The story has excitement, humor, and drama in it. At first it doesn't work. Dinosaur is still taller than elephants and giraffes. Danny and Dinosaur happen upon a man operating a crane at a construction site. The crane is tall like Dinosaur and he is feeling a little better. But then a wind gust sends the crane tipping and the worker is in danger. Only Dinosaur can get the worker to safety since he is as tall as the crane. The worker climbs down Dinosaurs neck and is saved. Dinosaur then decides that he is okay with being tall. The theme of this story is to be proud of who you are and be encouraging as a friend. The illustrations are done in Photoshop and are true to Hoff's original illustrations. The text is longer than some beginning readers & there is not much repetition so this is best for confident beginning readers or in small group or one on one. This would be useful for units on self-acceptance. Pair with Todd Parr's "It's Okay to Be Different", "Henny" by Elizabeth Stanton, and "Me & You" by Genvieve Cote. There is always a need for solid beginning readers and this fits the bill nicely. There really aren't any weaknesses but since I'm supposed to find one for the purposes of this review, the possibility that Danny and the Dinosaur is a classic and has been around for a long time. So some kids may think it's too old fashioned to read. A great addition to most beginning reader collections.

Overall Book Score: very good