"The rhyming is fun, but the pictures sell it in this book; the expressive, goofy-faced pterodactyl is never a threatening figure, which makes the reactions from classmates and faculty even funnier. Watching a winged dinosaur upend the school from classroom to cafeteria is likely every kid’s dream, and will go over in a big way here. Absolutely fun reading—who doesn’t love a dinosaur?" —Rosemary, https://momreadit.wordpress.com
"Imaginative book for preschool-grade 2 w/illustrations that go farther than just “go with” text. Love the extra details that each adds, providing opportunities for conversation & vocab development." —Melanie Dulaney, retired teacher-librarian
Pterodactyl Show and Tell has been earned a Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval
"When a boy brings his pet pterodactyl for show-and-tell, chaos reigns in the third grade... Have your teacher read this the day before show-and-tell: Any pet will be more than welcome... as long as it’s not a pterodactyl." —Kirkus Reviews
"Altogether whimsical, and utterly delightful, Pterodactyl Show and Tell is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval." —Review, http://clcreviews.blogspot.com/2019/03/pterodactyl-show-and-tell-by-thad.html
"I think what children will really like about this book are the big, bold, and colorful illustrations that show the playfulness of the Pterodactyl as it carries on its day completely oblivious to the chaos it is creating. They’ll be amused from cover to cover. Dinosaur-loving kids will surely love this book. It’s a funny and sneakily educational tale making it a great book for school and home bookshelves." —Christa McGrath, http://edwardsbookclub.com
"This is a cute children’s book with wonderful illustrations that reflect what happens when you take a Pterodactyl to school. I think children will enjoy the illustrations and the simple story line. It even has a few moments that made me laugh out loud. We give it 5 paws up." —Leslie, https://storeybookreviews.com
"...a fabulous children’s book.... In addition to the skillful wordsmithing of this story, I absolutely LOVE the illustrations!... absolutely delightful! A must for every family's library." —Nina Lewis, review: https://grandmaideas.com/
"Giggles are guaranteed in this silly yet somewhat edgy story of a pet many kids would enjoying owing... at least, in their dreams... a fun read, packed with imagination..." —Tonja Drecker, https://bookwormforkids.blogspot.com/
"Kids really like books where things, people, kids, or animals get eaten. They just do. Get used to it. This book not only fulfills that basic urge, it also includes dinosaurs, so pretty much the two best things ever! ...Verdict: If, like me, you like to have things-being-eaten-themed storytimes, this is a definite addition to that delightful genre." —Jennifer Wharton, https://jeanlittlelibrary.blogspot.com
"...very highly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections." —Midwest Book Review, http://www.midwestbookreview.com
2018-07-24
When a boy brings his pet pterodactyl for show-and-tell, chaos reigns in the third grade.
Told from the boy's point of view, the book walks readers through this not-so-typical show-and-tell day, which starts when the pterodactyl almost eats a couple classmates before they've even entered the building. But then Krasnesky takes off the kid gloves, and the children start disappearing: "My teacher had to make some minor changes in attendance, / and social studies looked more like the War of Independence." The illustration that accompanies this last phrase shows the students barricaded behind desks and chairs, one holding an American flag, another playing a (banana) fife, the narrator playing a drum, and several flinging paper projectiles. At recess, the kids all played hide-and-seek (duh!). Leonello gets plenty of practice at illustrating fear, shock, and dismay in her digital artwork. As the day goes on, she masterfully incorporates funny elements that reflect what's happening: In math, there's a circle graph showing the number of students present and those absent (i.e., eaten), and during reading, don't miss the titles of the kids' books. The class, headed by a white teacher, starts the day diverse but ends up populated by only the white, redheaded narrator and his green pet.
Have your teacher read this the day before show-and-tell: Any pet will be more than welcome…as long as it's not a pterodactyl. (Picture book. 4-8)
