Hiding Dinosaurs

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

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

The eggs have gone bad so a family has to have cereal for breakfast. Then the fun begins. After the parents leave the kitchen, the boy notices the box of eggs moving. Out hatch a half a dozen baby dinosaurs. The boy loves dinosaurs. He gives them spaghetti for lunch. Each baby dinosaur is playing with its food. The boy then hides the dinosaurs in his room. As they start to grow his parents remain clueless to six dinosaurs living under their roof. It also becomes increasingly obvious that the dinosaurs can no longer live in the boys room. Soon his parents discover his secret. But all ends well. It turns out that his parents love dinosaurs just as much as their son does. They end up as one very large happy family. Amusing pen & ink watercolor illustrations show the cuteness of the dinosaurs and the joy of the family. The illustrations are bold and simple with just the right touch of detail. No distractions. The writing has simple sentences, lots of sound and word repetition, and most words are familiar to the target audience of pre-k/K. This is a solid beginning reader choice for pre-k & K, as well as 1st graders needing some encouragement. This book would also be wonderful for any young child who is a dinosaur fan. Pair with any of Jane Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs...? series and Dinotrux by Chris Gall for a fun story time. A fine purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good