A Dinosaur Called Tiny (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Jo Simpson (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—Constantly teased for being "teeny tiny" and "teensy-weensy," Tiny is excluded from all of the other dinosaurs' games. He feels sorry for himself, until he is befriended by a small bird named Archie. When the two discover Tyro the Tyrannosaurus rex trapped on shaky ground, it is Tiny who is able to rescue him. All of the dinosaurs now want to be his friend, the teasing ceases, and his Mom declares: "You may be small…but you've got a big heart." Playful pastel illustrations depict expressive, fun-loving dinosaurs in a fanciful prehistoric setting, but there is nothing unusual or original in this predictable plot. It's a shame that Tiny has to prove his courage and usefulness before the other dinosaurs will accept him. And, it isn't until they want to become friends with him that Tiny comes to accept himself. Nonetheless, children will relate to the familiar message, especially if they have ever felt left out.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, IL
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Review

Praise for Alan Durant's picture books: Dear Tooth Fairy: "This book is fabulous. Children will be fascinated." BBC Parenting Big Bad Bunny: "Had all my testers whooping with laughter! Big Bad Bunny is the best bad guy ever." The Guardian. Angus Rides the Goods Train: "Moving and resonant." The Mail on Sunday Mouse Party: "Readers will want to rave on with this one until they drop." The Observer Always and Forever: "A wonderful and moving story! The illustrations are fantastic." BBC Parenting --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (June 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061366331
• ISBN-13: 978-0061366338
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #157,422 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars teaches a great lesson, September 9, 2008

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Alan Durant
HarperCollins (2008)
ISBN 9780061366338
Reviewed by Cayden (age 4), Max (age 2) Aures and Mom for Reader Views (8/08)

"A Dinosaur Called Tiny" begins with the hatching of a small baby dinosaur. He was so little that his parents named him Tiny. Tiny was a lot smaller than the other dinosaurs and didn't really fit in. They teased him and called him names. Tiny met a little bird named Archie and they became friends. In the end, after a rescue that only a tiny dinosaur could make, Tiny became accepted by the other dinosaurs.

Max: "Dino!"
Cayden: "We love dinosaurs!"

Cayden: "That dinosaur is really little! Look he fits in his mom's hand."

Cayden: "What if someone steps on him?"

Cayden: "Those dinosaurs are mean to him."
Max: "Rrrraarrrrr!"
Cayden: "They are calling him names and sticking out their tongues at him."

Max: "Dino cry"
Cayden: "He is sad because no one will let him play."

Cayden: "That bird can be his friend!"
Max: "Play!"

Cayden: "That big dinosaur is in trouble! He needs to be rescued! Is Tiny going to help him?"

Cayden: "I liked the pictures in that book. There were a lot of dinosaurs and some of them had big teeth!"

Parent's comments:

I had a feeling my children would enjoy "A Dinosaur Called Tiny" because they love anything related to dinosaurs and half of the time run around the house pretending to be them! My assumption was correct. They enjoyed the story of how Tiny, even though he was little, saved the big dinosaur. They learned that it doesn't matter how little you are, you are still important. Both children loved the illustrations, especially the ones of the bigger dinosaurs. "A Dinosaur Called Tiny" by Alan Durant is the perfect book for any little dinosaur lover!