Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
How to Raise a Dinosaur
Illustrator: Pablo Bernasconi
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 8
Running Press Kids, 2010 ISBN: 978-0762433421
Picking the pet that is just right for you is very important. I mean, if you are allergic to fur, then a cat or a dog would be a very bad idea. Thankfully, there are so many different kinds of animals to choose from. There are birds, fish, horses, mice, snakes, and dinosaurs. I beg your pardon? You didn’t know that dinosaurs make good pets? Of course they do!
Before you go out and get a dinosaur, there are a few things that you need to know about these animals. For example, you need to make sure that your yard is big enough to accommodate one. If you have a small yard, make sure that you don’t pick a dinosaur species that is as tall as a house and as long as a soccer field. Make sure that you know what you pet is going to need before you get it. There is not point trying to feed a meat-eater some broccoli. Most important of all, you need to make sure that your dinosaur knows that it loved, otherwise….um…well….there could be dire consequences.
Children are sure to love this picture book with its novelty features and its deliciously funny illustrations. Though the advice offered is dinocentric, there are pet care tips that here that would apply to any pet. Readers who like dinosaurs will happily explore this book over and over, lifting flaps, opening doors, and laughing at the ending.
