I wasn't really sure which way this one was going to go with Charlotte. When she first looked at the cover of "Tiny Dinosaurs" by Joel Stewart it was more or less an instant "No!" but, dedicated as she is to checking out each and every single book we receive, Charlotte and I curled up with this one.
"Tiny Dinosaurs" comes from the story-meister who has dazzled us many times, most notably with his gorgeous dreamy "Abney and Teal" stories both in book and TV form.
"Tiny Dinosaurs" tells the story of Daisy who really loves Dinosaurs, but also loves her best friend Rex (the scene-stealing sausage dog in this tale).
One amazing day, Daisy is exploring the undergrowth at the bottom of her garden when she finds a collection of tiny dinosaurs who have come to life.
They're so much fun that she loves playing with them.
Poor Rex, however, feels a little neglected and seems to have no choice but to pack his tiny (and utterly adorable) little knotted hankie with some of his things, and run away from home to try and find a new loving owner.
Of course Daisy might be carried away with her new friends, but that doesn't mean she's forgotten her best friend of all. With the Dinosaurs helping her, she sets out to find Rex and bring him home.
It's an "Awwwww" on nearly every page from Charlotte (she particularly loved Joel's way of imbuing Rex with the most hang-dog and sad expressions as Daisy initially gets carried away playing with her new friends). Rather a delightful surprise to hear her firmly nominating this as her book of the week choice (and it is as good as it sounds!)
Charlotte's best bit: Poor dear Rex trying to find a new home (his knotted hankie knapsack just completely slayed us, so gorgeous!)
Daddy's favourite bit: Just when we think we've seen just about every possible twist or plot involving tiny dinosaurs, this comes along with the most beautifully sweet story of friendship and imagination. Lovely stuff.
(Kindly supplied for review by OUP)
"Tiny Dinosaurs" by Joel Stewart is out now, published by Oxford Children's Books / OUP.