I'm unable to resist a book about dinosaurs, at the same time, I also believe that the love for dinosaurs can not be taught too early. So, this picture book about two siblings looking for dinosaurs after they find mysterious tracks is right up my alley.

It was a quick and cute read. There is some real mystery going on and the drawings are nice. I'm positive I would have really liked it as a child.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

 

Pig and Small (I do not like those names for a pig and a bug, unspecified) find it difficult to do some things together, but then they discover other things that they can do together just fine. As an adult the lesson feels a little too pointed, but I did enjoy the resolution.

Library copy

I received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Pig and Small is about a Pig who thinks he is sick -- his snout keeps squeaking and he doesn't know why. After realizing their isn't anything wrong, he discovers Bug on his nose -- the one who is squeaking. Quickly, they become friends and try to play with each other. However, there are a lot of logistical issues with a Pig and a Bug being friends.

Throughout the book the two try to find things they can do together and work around those they can't. This, I think is useful for not only big and little brothers and sisters, but also siblings of special needs children. I was able to quickly turn this metaphor into a learning lesson about her brother who has autism. While there are things her brother can't do that other kids can, that doesn't mean he isn't worth the work of friendship. For my son, hopefully messages like this will help him as he grows older and is dealing with being different.

The illustrations are featured with many colors and pictures -- some scenes have their own page, while several could be on others. The sentences were short and quick and the vocabulary was easy to read. This would be a great reader for children starting out in the reading process.

My daughter loved this book, especially all the squeaking. My son loved the end, when an elephant asks to be friends with the two. They actually made me read the story again once we finished. Overall, I recommend this to families with younger children -- under five. The book would make a great addition to any bookshelf.

For this book and more, visit Such a Novel Idea.

Finally... a book for those boys (and girls) who are always accused of fibbing (and who are really telling the truth)!