2022-09-28
Buckle up, young dino!
Eight species of dinosaurs from across geologic periods are featured, each paired with a type of motor vehicle. The nearly all-white backgrounds keep children’s full attention on the dinosaur and vehicle introduced on each double-page spread. Iguanodon drives an electric vehicle, while Triceratops and their friends prefer motorcycles. Tyrannosaurus Rex drives a monster truck, while Carnotaurus makes a living driving a limousine. Diplodocus drives a bus, while Brachiosaurus dreams of driving a Jeep—but only when she’s old enough to do so. The concept of the book is interesting and gets a big lift from four appended suggestions for caregivers on engaging readers and honing their critical-thinking skills. The text is spare; a phonetic pronunciation guide to some of the more unusual dino names would have been appreciated. (We’re looking at you, Compsognathus!) This is a minor quibble, however, and the watercolorlike illustrations do a lot of heavy lifting to promote the humor of each new page—children will gleefully note that most of the huge creatures are themselves crammed into relatively tiny vehicles. Young readers who sit firmly in the Venn diagram overlap of dinosaur lovers and car enthusiasts will be thrilled, and with the right guidance, those outside of that overlap will be interested as well. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Amusing fun from the “Car”-taceous era! (Picture book. 4-6)
Praise for Dinos Driving
2024 Children’s Book Council “Summer Imagination Celebration” Feature
2023 Children’s Book Council “November Hot Off the Press” Feature
2022 The Children’s Book Council “August: Hot Off the Press” feature
“The concept of the book is interesting and gets a big lift from four appended suggestions for caregivers on engaging readers and honing their critical-thinking skills…Young readers who sit firmly in the Venn diagram overlap of dinosaur lovers and car enthusiasts will be thrilled, and with the right guidance, those outside of that overlap will be interested as well… Amusing fun from the “Car”-taceous era!”—Kirkus Reviews
“Dinosaurs hit the road as Leitch and Ritchie pair eight species with their ideal vehicles… Ritchie’s cartoonlike pencil, ink, and digital art presents the subjects’ personalities with an anthropomorphized stylishness befitting their vehicle of choice… a playfully tender concluding scene should fuel driving daydreams.”—Publishers Weekly
“In a (mostly) four wheeled flight of “What If…” Leitch pairs prehistoric motorists to preferred motor vehicles and Ritchie puts pedal to the metal with windswept views of full sized dinos atop, usually, hilariously tiny cars…Sporting loud, unnatural, vigorously brushed colors the eight drivers prance…alongside identifying labels and facts, and the author tacks on a set of extension activities.”—Booklist
“There is a page of facts about dinosaurs at the end of the book and a list of questions prompting creative thinking about dinosaurs and vehicles.”—School Library Journal
“Lively dinosaurs and colorful vehicles collide, combining two preschooler-popular topics in one playful story….Whether read aloud by an adult at home, shared by a teacher in the classroom, or selected as an independent reading choice, the title has vast appeal and will fascinate children and adults alike….Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children's Literature
“Dinos Driving would be an entertaining addition to picture book collections for young ones interested in both dinosaurs and things that go. Recommended”—CM Magazine
“Cute and cuddly dinosaurs drive a variety of vehicles… The very attractive pen-and-ink drawings filled with digital color look like watercolor…I definitely liked the clean, spare, and stylish look of the book, with its boldly colored illustrations on mostly white pages.”—Youth Services Book Review
“I recommend this book to parents or teachers of young children in the age 3-8 range who enjoy dinosaurs and are beginning to explore repetitive beginner books with increasing independence.”—YA Books Central
“I love the opportunity for critical and creative thinking involved in Dinos Driving…Scot Ritchie’s illustrations are whimsical and fun…Children will have a good laugh seeing how the different dinosaurs navigate driving their vehicles.”—Storytime with Stephanie
“I like looking at the pictures on each page because they are bright and colorful…This story would be a good one for little kids to enjoy or people of any age who really like dinosaurs! Reviewed by: Lydia - age 8”—Kids Book Buzz
“I love the whole exciting vibe of the book and I highly recommend it.”—Storywraps
“If your favourite dinosaur drives a vehicle, what kind would it drive? In this picture book, author Lynn Leitch answers just that question….I love the illustrations by Scot Ritchie.”—Book Time
“[A] wild ride that will be especially exciting for little ones who like dinosaurs and cars….A fun book to share out loud.”—The International Educator
“5 out of 5 stars….This is such a fun book!...I like that the text is simple, but it really sparks your imagination! The illustrations are adorable, and I loved the cute designs for each dinosaur character….Every page has something new and interesting!”—Luminous Libro
“[H]umorous, fun filled and adorable”—Picturebookrecommendation (Instagram)
“The pictures are fun and colourful…Highly recommend for preschool & kindergarten aged children.”—Mrs.MakesReadingFun's Reviews (Goodreads)
