Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark

November 15, 2019
A first backyard campout can be very scary...even for dinosaurs. As in Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug (2019), Fleck and Stutzman really bring the cute--outfitting the anxious, square-headed narrator and stegosaurian pal Pointy in fuzzy onesies (Pointy's actually patterned with dinos...awww) while Tiny, clutching plush bear Bob ("my special squish") frets about how Grumbles and Nom-bies come out when there are no "nighty-lights." Distrusting Tiny's mom's claim that there are always lights shining somewhere, the campers haul out lamps from the house and festoon the trees around their blanket tent with strings of colored bulbs. Now those Crawly-creeps don't stand a chance. But the relief only lasts until a fuse blows, and a page turn brings sudden, total darkness. What now? Maybe, together, the two can be brave enough to open their eyes and look for lights? They are, and when they do, there is the shining moon and a sky filled with glimmering stars. Tiny's superserious narration carries the adorableness with ease, and young readers will enjoy spotting the details that surround these anthropomorphic dinosaurs. The Grumbles and Nom-bies are revealed to be Tiny's snoring and snacking parents, respectively, which should kindle recognition in many mammalian readers. A reassuring promise for timorous toddlers with special squishes of their own. (Picture book. 2-5)

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February 1, 2020

PreS-Gr 1-Tiny T. Rex and his friend Pointy are very afraid of the dark. This puts a major damper on their plans to have a campout in the backyard. The two are used to night-lights and there aren't any outside. What will they do if the Grumbles and the Nom-bies come out? What if the Crawly-creeps show up? Tiny T. and Pointy are ready to tackle this problem. They start with what they think will be a sturdy hiding fort and strong helmets. But their tent doesn't do a very good job hiding Tiny T. Unfortunately, his helmet, a food strainer, is a little too small for his large head. The duo come to the conclusion that they need more light so they won't be as scared. Christmas lights will take care of that...until they break. Tiny's mother has told him there is always a light shining somewhere. Could she be right? This book captures how many children feel about the dark. It's a great way to open up conversation about this issue and help them deal with it. The text is clear and appealing. Young listeners will enjoy the elaborate plans the friends go through to conquer their problem. VERDICT A great read-aloud for little ones-and not just those who are afraid of the dark.-Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA

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