Horn Book (Fall 2010)Tess, in time-out for her "beastie behavior" at the library, accidentally shakes free a T. Rex from a book's pages. The mischievous dino rampages through the library while Tess tries to control him ("Take care!...The books..."). This lesson about regaining self-control isn't heavy-handed, and readers will enjoy the vibrant mixed-media illustrations that display Tess's vivid imagination.Kirkus Reviews (February 15, 2010)Tess is out of control and roaring--in the library, of all places--so her mother gives her a time out. Yoshikawa's colorful mixed-media illustrations on a soft yellow background show Tess, frustrated, leaning against a shelf and accidentally knocking it over. Now it's not Tess roaring but a T. Rex, who has escaped from one of the fallen books. As the dinosaur runs amok with Tess on his back, other characters and subjects from the books--knights, fish, pirates, cowboys, planets--rise up. T. Rex's rowdy behavior begins to concern Tess, and she starts to worry about the books themselves. When the dinosaur piles up books and climbs on them, Tess notices they are ripping, and, taking control, she gives T. Rex a well-deserved time out himself, pressing him back inside his volume. A lively introduction to the multitude of stories and topics found in a library with an emphasis on the importance of book care and library etiquette, this will especially appeal to active youngsters. Good for home, classroom and library use. (Picture book. 3-6)Library Media Connection (March/April 2010)Tess goes to the library with her mom and because she acts like a "beastie" gets put in time out. As she waits for her mother, a dinosaur escapes from a book. Tess rides the dinosaur around the library and they encounter knights, ocean creatures, and other adventures. When the dinosaur acts "beastie," Tess presses him back into a book. Full page color cartoon-like illustrations enhance the text. At times the text doesn't work well for being read aloud. There are a number of words that are difficult for an audience of early readers. If your collection needs an additional book with this theme this will complement the collection, but there are more engaging titles. Additional Selection. Allison L. Bernstein, Educational Materials Reviewer, Ridgewood, New JerseySchool Library Journal (January 1, 2010)PreS-K-Free an excitable beastie in a library and shelves will fall, pages will rip, and books will be chewed. After a fun, but slightly wild ride through the different sections of the building, Tess sees the need to get T. rex back into his book. But can she do it without saying goodbye forever? Luckily, she has the rules fresh in her mind, and the skills to keep a dinosaur in check. When reading Tess and T. rex's story, the roars, snarls, and snorts will need to be delivered in full force. Youngsters can also use their stern parental voice to say "Watch out!" "Time out!" and "Be careful!" and give commands like "Charge on" and "Yee-haw!" Buzzeo and Yoshikawa make it obvious how children are supposed to behave in a library while giving sneak peeks at some of the different sections and exciting possibilities that they might encounter on a visit. Mixed-media illustrations have loud colors, quick movements, and costume changes to match the section of the library. Although this book is lively at the start, it does have a calm ending consisting of a hug and a whisper. Offer this one to children who enjoy Jane Yolen's "How Do Dinosaurs." series (Scholastic).-Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information. This is a fantastic tale of imagination and the many worlds that books can take you to. I like that it's set in a library and the author reinforces that you cannot be rough or loud or destructive to books. The shouting, wild actions and yelling is not appropriate for the library, but that can be discussed while reading the story. And our girls liked that Tess ends up being like her Mom, telling the T. Rex to take a time out when he acts beastly with the books.
What do You think about No T. Rex In The Library (2010)?
A nice intro to different library genres, and also reinforces good library behavior.
—frodnard
