Book Review of The Girl and the Dinosaur
The Children’s Book Review
The Girl and the Dinosaur
Written by Hollie Hughes
Illustrated by Sarah Massini
Ages 3-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury | ISBN: 9781547603220
What to expect: Dinosaurs, fantasy, dreams
Children and parents will delight in this beautifully illustrated story that is most definitely not your average book about dinosaurs.
Marianne is a little girl who lives in a town by the shore. Each day she digs in the sand, to the consternation of the locals, instead of playing with other children. Marianne carries on until one day, she discovers a magical dinosaur skeleton, right under the sand!
After making a bedtime wish that the dinosaur skeleton comes to life and be her friend, lucky Marianne finds a smiling green dinosaur at her bedroom window. Her skeleton has come to life to be the most marvelous, magical friend of all. Together they float through the ocean, watching boats go by. Then they travel to a land of magic, where unicorns and fairies dance in the moonlight.
Finally, her new dinosaur friend climbs up a mountain until they reach the sky and a fantastical land in the clouds. It is “A party place for children and the creatures from their dreams, where anything is possible and nothing’s as it seems.” And by the book’s end, Marianne is back digging at the beach but now surrounded by other curious and happy children, each searching for something magical to fill their nights and dreams.
With floaty, ethereal rhymes and dream-like illustrations, THE GIRL AND THE DINOSAUR is a spectacular book for the wildest dreamers. The story is sweet and carries a hopeful message of following your heart and your dreams. The illustrations are whimsical and engaging for children and parents, with tiny details to explore with each subsequent reading. Together, author Hollie Hughes and illustrator Sarah Massini have created an immensely enjoyable book that is sure to be a childhood favorite.
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About the Author
Hollie Hughes was previously a youth worker and higher education lecturer, much of her work now takes place in schools – both as a visiting author and as a literacy consultant. She also runs writing workshops for children and adults and regularly takes part in literary festivals and events.
About the Illustrator
Sarah Massini is the well-loved illustrator of many children’s books, including The Velveteen Rabbit. Her books have been translated into more than 25 languages. After award-winning careers in corporate and publishing design, she finally followed her dream… to elaborately and elegantly illustrate stories for children. She lives in East Sussex with her ecologist husband, and her Scottie-dog Coco who snores loudly whilst she draws.
The Girl and The Dinosaur, written by Hollie Hughes, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like The Girl and The Dinosaur by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Dinosaurs and Picture Books.
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