Tyrannosaurus in the Vege Patch!
What would you do if you found a dinosaur in your back yard? Not just any dinosaur, but the sharp-toothed, meat-loving tyrannosaurus rex?
When Jack looks for his dog, Charlie, early one morning, that’s exactly what he finds squashing the cauliflowers, beans, tomatoes and cabbages. He’d seen a shooting star the night before and wished for a real live tyrannosaurus, and he was stuck with it. Fortunately, the tyrannosaurus is friendlier than Jack would expect from its reputation, but he needs help to stop it destroying everything on his street and maybe eating everyone as it gets hungry, including Charlie. So, he enlists his best friend and neighbour, Toby, to help. Toby is a genius, and they set out to send the tyrannosaurus back to its own time before Jack’s family discover the results of his wish. The trouble is, it doesn’t go exactly according to plan.
This is a fun, silly adventure, where logic goes out the window and you’re happy to wave it goodbye. Don’t expect educational content on dinosaurs, but an engaging story about a boy who made an impulsive wish then got what he wished for. The tyrannosaurus appears on page three and the pace stays fast.
The black and white pictures by Tony Flowers enhance the story and are funny in themselves. Details add so much to the feel of the book; I love the illustrated words throughout the text, giving it extra oomph (see below), and small tyrannosaurs surround the page numbers.
As a chapter book it’s suitable for intermediate readers, though some might need help with occasional words. Some kids would probably re-read it many times. I read it to my four year old great-niece, who loved every bit. So if you’re looking for something for kids, this is a lot of fun.
Nick Falk now has
six Saurus Street books as well as the Billy is a Dragon and Samurai vs Ninja series.
Links: Nick Falk’s Website
I haven’t counted this as parted of my Aussie Author challenge, but Nick Falk is an Aussie Author doing great work 