Ashleigh Barton (text) and Blithe Fielden (illustrator), Dinosaur in My Pocket, Lothian Children’s Books, March 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780734422668
Lots of children like James can recite the name of every dinosaur ever recorded. Others, also like James, may love miniature toys. When his class visits the museum shop and he sees shelves of miniature dinosaurs, temptation overcomes him and he takes one.
The story then moves into a fantasy with a warning about the consequences of not being honest. His parents’ solution is to encourage him to earn some pocket money so that he can purchase his much-desired miniature.
This cautionary tale is related with humour and understanding and complemented with bright, playful illustrations.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Douglas
