Dino-Hanukkah

September 1, 2023

PreS-K-The dinosaurs are back, this time to celebrate Hanukkah! A variety of dinosaur species celebrate different aspects of the holiday through brief rhyming text. From making latkes, to lighting the menorah, to opening presents, to telling the story, to playing dreidel, it is all here. The brevity of the text necessitates leaving out the full Hanukkah story, but it is referenced, as is the oil's lasting eight nights. At times the rhymes strain and the rhythm doesn't always scan, but for the most part the text is readable. Digital full-bleed artwork is colorful and busy, with personified dinosaurs who wear no clothes but otherwise act like humans. The dinos are all brightly colored and a wide selection of species are included, making it likely that little ones will find their favorites. VERDICT While not outstanding, this will please fans of Wheeler's other dinosaur books. Libraries will likely want to make space on their shelves for this additional offering.-Amy Lilien-Harper

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2023
Hanukkah suits these dinos to a T. All the dinosaur households are getting ready for the Festival of Lights. At Bary's, they clean, mop, and dust so the house will look its best when Gran arrives. Meanwhile, T. rex prepares a scrumptious brisket for his family, and Tricera makes applesauce for his guests. Everyone's excited to participate in Dino-Hanukkah. A group of little ones are anxious to light the menorah on each of the eight nights. However, they are told that the youngest dino child gets first dibs at performing the solemn ceremony. Readers watch as the dinosaurs lead songs and blessings, savor latkes and jelly doughnuts, open gifts, spin dreidels, win chocolate coins, and reenact the story of the brave Maccabee heroes of ancient times. This latest entry in the popular series is a rollicking holiday story, told in jaunty, bouncy rhyming couplets that scan very well and convey the happiness of the holiday, its traditions, and the warmth of family closeness. Several characters are referred to by nicknames that play off their species name--for instance, "Bary" for Baryonyx, "Stego" for Stegosaurus, and "Allo" for Allosaurus. Readers might have benefitted from backmatter identifying the dinosaurs by their full names. The vivid digital illustrations depict wonderfully energetic, expressive cartoonish dinos bursting with lively good cheer. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A high-spirited holiday charmer. (Picture book. 4-7)

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