“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

Perfect Picture Book Friday: The Dinosaur Tamer

This is the last Perfect Picture Book Friday before it takes a break for the summer (though I may still share wonderful finds I come across this summer). They are also celebrating their 100th PPBF (on the 101st post). So how could I NOT share one?

Title: The Dinosaur Tamer
Author: Carol Greathouse
Illustrator: John Shroades
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile, 2009, Fiction
Age Range: 3-5 years
Theme/Topics: dinosaurs, cowboys, tall tales, geography

First Page: Back when the old, old West was still as green as a bristlecone pine and cowboys were as common as warts on a Stegasaurus, one cowboy stood out among all cowboys. He was as strong as an Iguanadon and as fast as a Utah Raptor, and his name was Rocky.
Now, Rocky weren't a big feller, but his size didn't matter.

Synopsis (from Amazon): With the strength of an Iguanodon and the speed of a Utah Raptor, lasso-tossing, Pleiosaurus-riding Rocky is legendary. There isn't a dinosaur in the land that would think of giving Rocky a lick of trouble. That is, until he meets T. Rex, the rip-roarin'est, snip-snortin'est, flame-breathin'est reptilian ever to stomp the earth. But Rocky is up to the challenge, and his efforts to tame T. Rex take the disagreeing duo on a Western adventure of epic proportion.

Resources: Here's some kid activities on cowboys and some on dinosaurs. I know there are TONS more out there. You could also read other tall tales to the kids (there are some VERY fun ones out there - and here is a link to some animated ones)

Why I Love This Book: What more perfect combination (especially for boys) is there than dinosaurs and cowboys? And the tall tale aspect of this (with great word pictures and exaggeration - and the cowboy dialect) make it a VERY fun read. Plus the kids will learn about dinosaurs, a bit about the Old West, AND tall tales. And add in a bit of U.S. geography for good measure, and you've got a winner in my book! The illustrations were great too. Just a fun book all around.

Susanna Leonard Hill is celebrating the 100th Perfect Picture Book Friday at her blog with a giveaway - so be sure to stop by there and enter - and check out the other perfect picture books in her HUGE collection.
 
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

14 comments:

  1. This is a different twist on a dinosaur book. Sounds like a fun but educational book! Really like the cover!

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    1. Loved the cover too - and the illustrations inside are similar. Fun and educational is right. Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. AnonymousJune 13, 2014

    And you can still find plenty of dino-bones out West!

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    1. Absolutely true, Julie - and I didn't even think of that until you mentioned it!

      Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. This is clever and adorable. I'll put it on my list. Thanks!

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    1. My pleasure - love finding a gem like this!

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  4. AnonymousJune 13, 2014

    I live in the Land of the Dinosaurs! Lots of dino bones around here. And cowboys! You've found the perfect book! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It DOES sound like the perfect book for you! Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. This cover totally pulls me in! The appeal of cowboys and dinosaurs is undeniable.

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    1. Absolutely - and it's SUCH a fun read. Thanks for stopping by, Wendy!

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  6. Unusual combination and a winner for kids. Love the voice. Impressive writing style. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You're very welcome - was my pleasure. Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. sounds perfect - given that some of the first dino bones were discovered by cowboys (or at least ranchers). Wonder what a dino-rodeo would look like?

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    1. A dino rodeo sounds FABULOUS - don't you think? Thanks for stopping by, Sue!

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Thanks for stopping by. I would love to hear your thoughts - please share them!

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