Gwango's Lonesome Trail [Hardcover]

Justin Parpan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A lonely dinosaur wanders the barren desert of the Southwest, looking for a companion. Each time he thinks he has found a friend, his hopes are dashed. He winds up in an unlikely place, makes an unlikely friend, and finally feels that his life has a sense of purpose.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-5–A first-time author/illustrator gets it right with this kitschy tale of a lonely dinosaur in search of an amigo exactly like himself. Gwango's encounters with each potential friend introduce readers to the landscape of the American Southwest as he comes across a bear from a traveling circus, a gleaming Santa Fe train, a Tiki next to a Polynesian motor hotel, a hot-pink family RV, and, finally, the projectionist at a deserted drive-in movie theater. Peppered with colorful comparisons, Spanish words, and exclamations like Holy mackerel, Hot dog, and Jiminy Christmas, the text is perfect for reading aloud. Handsome desert-hued paintings with the feel of multilayered block prints complement this retro tale. Gwango's red body with squiggly blue stripes and his toothy grin add a further sense of playfulness. Kids will immediately relate to his attempts to befriend inanimate objects and laugh at his guacamole breath. A great choice for science teachers supplementing North American archaeology lessons, parents seeking snazzy works for parent read-aloud day, and most picture-book collections.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI
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Review

Author Justin Parpan takes readers on a wonderful journey as Gwango, a dinosaur, seeks a friend. This story is told by Slim, the guitar-playing storyteller who appears on many of the pages. Gwango does not succeed until he wanders into a deserted drive-in-movie theater and meets Sam. They instantly become friends, which causes Gwango to light up and become a bright light in the desert. The full-page illustrations complement the text. The character drawings are enchanting and the earth-tone colors enhance the story. The colors, use of Spanish words, and objects portrayed create a Southwestern feel and tone. This is a delightful book for children to enjoy and would make a wonderful read-aloud. Recommended. --Library Media Connection, August/September 2007

Wandering through the desolate stretches of desert, Gwango, the lonesome dinosaur, is hoping to find an amigo. He spies a little lizard lounging in the sun and his hopes soar. Here is the perfect amigo for me! But little lizard scuttles away. Next he encounters Tartak, a big, smelly bear. Could this be his amigo? Alas, the bear waddles off and leaves him all alone. A giant Tiki statue looms in the distance. Perhaps he will be my friend, hopes Gwango. But Tiki doesn t seem interested in the least bit. Poor Gwango. Hanging his head in despair, he wanders into a nearby drive-in theater. Sam, the kind projectionist, is thrilled for some company, and soon Gwango and Sam are fast friends. Gwango s lonely search is over at last. Children love dinosaurs, and lovable Gwango will surely tug at their heartstrings. The illustrations, done in bright earth tones, complement this reptilian tale nicely. A great read aloud book that also works well for generating discussions about friendship or loneliness. --Children's Literature

In this tall tale, Gwango is a dinosaur that roams the Southwest looking for a friend like himself. The twist is that it takes place in the present time, and Gwango searches in the land of empty motels and sad cafes. He meets a lizard, but that doesn t work out because the lizard is offended by Gwango s breath, which reeks of guacamole. Next he meets a bear, but that friendship is curtailed by a sandstorm caused by Gwango wagging his tail. He thinks he finds a friend when he sees a train, but it goes rushing by him. After a few more futile attempts, Gwango goes to a drive-in movie where he meets Sam, a lonely projectionist. Sam is happy to have someone watch his movies, and Gwango is so thrilled about Sam s kindness that Gwango begins to glow. Gwango is such a brilliant spectacle that a grand fiesta is held in his honor. The vivid and fun illustrations capture the scenery and colors of the Southwest. Children will be amused by the quirky surprises throughout the story. --Children's Literature

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Red Cygnet Press, Inc.; 1st edition (September 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601080042
• ISBN-13: 978-1601080042
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,876,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Funny Story about Dinosaurs, September 13, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Gwango's Lonesome Trail (Hardcover)

I just read Gwango's Lonesome Trail and I have to say it's a really werid and funny story. The pictures are really neat to look at, especially the pink Brontosaurus and the cool looking lizard in the book. The author Justin Parpan is a really funny person, and I can't wait to read the next book he makes. I hope his next book is Gwango part 2. That would be neat!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Holy Guacamole!, September 13, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Gwango's Lonesome Trail (Hardcover)

Gwango's Lonesome Trail by Justin Parpan was the coolest book I've read in a long time. The main character is a gigantic dinosaur named Gwango, and that's why I like this book a whole bunch. I've loved dinosaurs ever since I was three years old, and I would recommend it to any other kid who likes dinosaurs and corny old monster movies!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible illustrations (and a pink dinosaur, too), September 12, 2006

By 

Bruce Glassman "red cygnet press" (san diego, ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gwango's Lonesome Trail (Hardcover)

Here's a fun kid's story with a real sense of American style. Justin Parpan, who grew up in a rural California desert town, sets his story among the unique artifacts of American culture from this area--everything from Winnebagos, to fake Tiki huts, to the huge cement dinosaurs of Cabazon. This is a young illustrator whose work already exhibits great depth of personality, humor, and--above all--talent. And, as if that wasn't enough, at the center of his story is huge, pink, guacamole-eating dinosaur!