Dinosong

Tim McCanna is the author of Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway, an ALA Golden Duck Notable Picture Book; Watersong, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids; and In a Garden, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year. Peach and Plum: Here We Come!, the first book in the early graphic novel series, was his author-illustrator debut. When Tim isn’t creating books for kids, he enjoys visiting schools, speaking at writing conferences, and mentoring upcoming authors for Storyteller Academy. Tim lives with his family in San Jose, California. Visit him at TimMcCanna.com.Richard Smythe is making a splash in the book world with Beep Beep Beep Time for Sleep, Watersong, Dozy Bear and the Secret of Sleep, and Dinosong. He’s been drawing since he was little, when he would deface his sister’s homework. Since then he has received an MFA in illustration from the University of Hertfordshire. Richard lives in the United Kingdom. Visit him online at Richard-Smythe.co.uk.

Sparse, rhythmic, and rhyming narration ("Rumble shiver/ grumble quiver/ SMASH!/ FLASH! JUMP!") follows an ankylosaur, a triceratops, and a sauropod, among other dinosaurs, as they seek shelter before an impending volcanic eruption. The movements of each being are transcribed in gently calligraphic typography, which often evokes characteristics of the onomatopoeic prose ("whack" and "smack," for example, enact the actions upon one another). Rendered in vibrant watercolors and finished digitally, the illustrations recall classic picture books with layered watercolors and stylized landscapes. The art portrays the dinos from a variety of angles, bestowing emotion through creative framing and simple facial features. A simple readaloud ideal for those who favor sound effect-based narratives. Back matter includes a glossary of relevant paleontology and geology vocabulary. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)