Book Review: Dinosaur Thunder
Age Range: 3-5
Author: Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrator: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Scholastic Press
New York
2012
ISBN: 978-0-590-45296-0
List Price: $11.31 (amazon.com)
A storm is coming! Big brother Chad isn’t scared; he’s doing a dance. But little brother Brannon is terrified. One by one, the family tries to tell Brannon not to worry by tell him the thunder storm is nothing but cats purring, angels bowling, or clouds crashing. But none of these helps Brannon until his big brother gives it a try.
This is such a cute family story. The illustrations show a delightfully cozy family picture: parents, grandparents, and two brothers hanging out in a living room as a storm rolls in. Most kids can relate to being afraid of a thunderstorm at some point. And most parents know it is not always the easiest task to calm those little ones down when they are scared. I loved that while all the adults tried to help little Brannon, it was ultimately the big brother who knew just what to say. It has a great message about family, but perhaps especially about the special understanding between siblings.
The illustrations are bright and cartoonish, and quite unique. The book advises that they were “created using a variety of printmaking techniques and nontraditional materials, including textured wallpaper, vinyl fabric, plastic lace, and pencil erasers”.
This is a wonderful choice for anyone with kiddos who don’t like thunderstorms…but perhaps do like dinosaurs.