Are The Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This was in a bundle of books that I won in a giveaway held by the publisher. My daughter and I enjoy reading this one together. I think she's still a bit young to fully grasp what's going on--but she likes the language and the illustrations. In particular, I think she enjoys hearing the dinosaur names, since they are new words with interesting sounds. I like that the father is so caught up in giving his educational tour, and so confident in his knowledge of the situation that he keeps dismissing his son. From a parental perspective, it's a good reminder to listen to my child, even when it seems like she's being silly. I also liked that most of the dinosaurs were more mischievous than dangerous. Ayto's illustrations add another layer of humor to the book, with clever signage in the background. I enjoy the way that he plays with proportion in his pictures. I liked how different aspects of the dinosaurs were exaggerated to draw attention. I also liked how everything else in the gallery was drawn itty-bitty. Overall, I thought that the style worked very well with the story. I just read the book by myself, then with my son (who is a full grown man) and we both laughed, especially lovin' the ending. I love a book with a twisted ending, and the fact that a picture book has a kind of...up in the air ending is great!I recently read the book to my grandson, then I took it to my school, where I read it to my granddaughter's class, and then to the other kindergarden class in the school.some random comments from the kids after reading:"I like when the dinosaur tried to eat the burger!""my favorite part was when the dinosaur winked at the kid""I liked when the dinosaur ROARED at the kid and dad!""I love when the dad yells to the boy to run"and so on.This book was a hit. The kids enjoyed the pictures and the text. I enjoyed the fact that the dad was so busy imparting his knowledge that he didn't really notice what was happening. A bonus was the bits of dinosaur facts that was painlessly learned within the story.It was a quick read that had them riveted. They were looking for expressions and actions from the dinosaurs and one of the best parts for them was when dad's hat ended up on the last dinosaur. They notice all those little details...The book was a definite hit with the kindergardeners. Next I read it to some first and second graders.The second graders caught on very quick about Dad not paying attention to his kid's questions. They laughed and mentioned this. They also loved the twisted ending that leaves things open - do they get away? did they get eaten? Lots of laughs were had. Everyone enjoyed the pictures, the expressions on the dinos, the signs and the quick story.This is a very fun book with entertainment value and a few dinosaur facts weaved into the story.
What do You think about Are The Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? (2013)?
Would have given it 4 stars if the book actually had an ending.
—alinkc
