Dinosong

Sparse, rhythmic, and rhyming narration (“Rumble shiver/ grumble quiver/ SMASH!/ FLASH! JUMP!”) follows an ankylosaur, a triceratops, and a sauropod, among other dinosaurs, as they seek shelter before an impending volcanic eruption. The movements of each being are transcribed in gently calligraphic typography, which often evokes characteristics of the onomatopoeic prose (“whack” and “smack,” for example, enact the actions upon one another). Rendered in vibrant watercolors and finished digitally, the illustrations recall classic picture books with layered watercolors and stylized landscapes. The art portrays the dinos from a variety of angles, bestowing emotion through creative framing and simple facial features. A simple readaloud ideal for those who favor sound effect-based narratives. Back matter includes a glossary of relevant paleontology and geology vocabulary. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) – Publishers Weekly * August 3, 2020 *Modeled on their Watersong (2017) McCanna pairs a text composed nearly exclusively of sound-effect words to Smythe’s bright and sprightly views of a triceratops, an ankylosaurus, and a generic sauropod, all sporting smiles, googly eyes, and hides in glowing hues. They cross a log over a stream, lumber through a rocky landscape as thunder rumbles, and tumble into a dark cave to escape the eruption of a nearby volcano… . Definitely a rousingly rumbly ramble. – Kirkus ReviewsThe team behind Watersong shares the adventures of three young Cretaceous- era dinosaurs—a triceratops, an ankylosaurus, and a sauropod—using only spare, rhyming, onomatopoeic words. The three dinosaur friends, rendered in bright pastels with oversized eyes, enjoy exploring their world until a violent thunderstorm and a volcanic eruption put an end to their rough-and-tumble adventures. On the two-page spread where the magma explodes from the volcano, few words are used: “Shuffle scuffle. Slam bam BOOM!” … The layout of text, which readers will want to sound out, gives predominance to the vivid illustrations, which make excellent use of contrast and color… . Preschoolers will enjoy the simple language and bright colors of this dinosaur story. – School Library Journal

Tim McCanna is the author of Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway, an ALA Golden Duck Notable Picture Book; Watersong, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids; and In a Garden, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year. Peach and Plum: Here We Come!, the first book in the early graphic novel series, was his author-illustrator debut. When Tim isn’t creating books for kids, he enjoys visiting schools, speaking at writing conferences, and mentoring upcoming authors for Storyteller Academy. Tim lives with his family in San Jose, California.

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