In this prehistoric setting, waterweed-eating duckbill dinosaurs live on one side of a river, and a "mean Tyrannosaurus with his grim and grisly bride" live on the other. "What a shame that bridges aren't invented yet," the Tyrannosauruses say. But then a duckbill egg accidentally lands in the T. rex nest via an egg-snatching Compsognathus. The hatchling is dubbed Tyrannosaurus Drip by his sisters because he prefers to eat plants and sings "Down with hunting! Down with war!" instead of singing "Up with hunting! Up with war!" Just as Drip discovers his true family, lightning strikes and, lo and behold, a tree bridge forms across the river. Hilarity ensues as the rather dense Tyrannosauruses attempt to cross. The dinosaurs are rendered in an Art Deco-influenced style, and the lines roll off the tongue like the rhymes of Dr. Seuss. Children will enjoy the repetitive lilt, and adults will appreciate how naturally it reads. Expressive characters enhance the humor, and the limited palette helps emphasize just how different the creatures' worlds are. An enjoyable group read-aloud.
Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages will cheer for Drip in this timeless story about little versus big, by the author of the beloved and bestselling picture book, The Gruffalo.
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; First Edition edition (May 27, 2008)
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