Old T-Rex

This is sure to delight dinosaur loving children with its bright, bold illustrations leaping off the pages. The details in the pictures are absolutely inspiring however the slightly graphic images of blood pouring from T-Rex’s mouth might upset sensitive readers.

This book is less storybook and more a rhyming stanza about dinosaur attributes and habits. The rhyme at times feels a little contrived but the vocabulary is rich and inclusive with some questions to ponder upon.

There are a generous number of pages at the back of the book with facts supporting the topic. Facts about T-Rex, the Cretaceous Period and facts on other dinosaurs found in the illustrations throughout the book.

I’m not sure if this would appeal as a general class read aloud, as it presents as a cross between fiction and non-fiction but it is sure to be popular with the many dinosaur loving children.

Title: Old T-Rex

Author: Geoff Gudsell

Illustrator: Ned Barraud

Publisher: Copy Press Books

ISBN: 978 0 995 143357

RRP: $22

Format: Paperback

Publication: December 2020

Ages: 5 to 9

Any advisory warnings? Graphic illustrations for young children

Would this book work as a read aloud? no

Reviewer: Elaine Wills, Library Manager, Enner Glynn School, Nelson

Opening sentence? Old T-Rex was a fearsome thing, with his size and height and everything.

You can buy this book, and its companion Big Woolly Mammoth here