How Do Dinosaurs Choose Their Pets

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

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

Apparently dinosaurs want pets just like human children. In Yolen's trademark style, it is asked if the dinosaurs would steal their pets from a zoo, choose dangerous pets, not listen to their parents about it, etc. The dinosaurs can be very naughty in their pursuits of getting a pet. But would dinosaurs really act like that? No, of course not. They would choose their pets wisely and safely. They would even care for them and train them properly. The dinosaurs would get their pets from pet stores, farms or the shelter. And not steal them from the zoo. I was disappointed that the author mentioned pet stores as a viable place to get a pet. It would have been nice, and perhaps more responsible, to suggest that the best place to get a pet is to adopt from the shelter, considering the rate of homelessness and abandonment of cats and dogs. The rhyme isn't as fresh and flowing in this title has it has been in previous titles in this popular series. But I don't think that children would notice. Teague's trademark illustrations are still wonderfully amusing and detailed. They depict the mischievousness of the dinosaurs and the situations with humor and absurdity. I'm not sure how the illustrations were created, but they enhance the text exponentially. In this title, they shine a bit brighter than the text. Pair with "Dogosaurus Rex" by Anna Staniszewski for an amusing dinosaur pet story time. Purchase only where the other "How Do Dinosaurs..." books are popular. Not a first purchase.

Overall Book Score: good