Adam Wallace (text) and Christopher Nielsen (illustrator), A very dinosaur birthday, Thomas Nelson, June 2023, 40 pp., $24.99 (hbk) 9 781400 242054
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
From cover to cover, there is A LOT happening in A very dinosaur birthday. Fun, frivolity, and farts begin this rhyming escapade exploring the hilarious notion of a bunch of dinosaurs crashing a birthday party.
Triceratops, Brontosaurus and T-Rex are all there, creating havoc and mayhem. Educational and funny, this must be one of the most chaotic party events, never held. T-Rex playing pass the parcel with his tiny arms will have readers in stitches – a most often observed shortcoming (pun totally intended) of one of the largest and scariest prehistoric giants.
Brilliantly conceived by Adam Wallace, the story has enough excitement and engagement to make readers want to lay down, just to carry on. Christopher Nielsen’s illustrations are reminiscent of a party invitation – a colourful ‘call to action’ to join in the fun or miss out on the funniest party on the planet.
This is going to be an immensely popular read aloud with anyone fanatical about dinosaurs or science. Not only can you enjoy the party, but you can name each dinosaur AND get ideas to celebrate your own dinosaur themed party with appropriately named snacks and activities.
A prehistoric celebration not to be missed!
Adam Wallace writes picture books and novels for children of all ages.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
