How do dinosaurs say happy Chanukah?

I know Yolen and Teague's Dinosaur series is super popular, but this is the first title from the series that I've read, and I wasn't really blown away. The illustrations are awesome, actually, and I can tell the illustrator is concerned with accuracy of presentation, even if the dinosaurs are in

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unlikely situations. But the form, markings, and so on of the dinosaurs are apparently as proper as they can be. All dinosaurs are named, too.

The story thread linking the loosely connected scenes is what's less than impressive; it mentions several Chanukah events - prayers, lighting the Menorah, playing with the Dreidel, etc. and contrasts bad dinosaurs (stealing the gelt, fidgeting during prayers) with good dinosaurs (sharing, taking turns, helping clear the table, etc.). So it's sort of a manners lesson? But kind of a boring one. However, given the large format illustrations and the high interest subject matter (dinosaurs, Chanukah), it would probably make a good storytime title.

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I liked this book for two reasons. First, the author’s writing is engaging. I enjoyed the clever rhymes in the form of both questions and statements about what dinosaurs do during Chanukah. In the beginning of the book, the author asks the reader various questions about if dinosaurs misbehave

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during Chanukah. One example I liked is, “Does a dinosaur act up on Chanukah nights when Mama comes in with the holiday lights?” The dinosaur is pictured stomping across the room with his tongue out as Mama carries the menorah in. Later in the story, the author answers the question, “Does he do this for each of the eight festive days?” by stating, “No… a dinosaur doesn’t. He sings every prayer, takes turns with the dreidel, remembers to share.” Along with other statements about how dinosaurs behave well during Chanukah. I loved how the author turned the story around by teaching valuable lessons to young readers, like the importance of sharing and being considerate of others. The second reason I liked this book is because the illustrations greatly enhance the story. Each page features a different, unique and colorful dinosaur partaking in what the written text declares the dinosaur is doing. The dinosaurs are huge in comparison to the humans, and they take up most of each page. On the first and last page of the book, all of the dinosaurs are seen together with their specific names labeled underneath. The big idea of this book is to teach children how Chanukah is celebrated, and to teach children the importance of using manners.

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This is a series that has been around for a while. Why, because it has staying power. Each book takes a topic, and uses asked questions to illustrate what not to do, and then follows up with modeled good behavior. And all done around dinosaurs as children.