Dinosaurs for Dylan

Tracy Gulovsen (1970) resides in St. Louis, Missouri (US) with her husband, children and 70 lb lap dog.  She’s an avid reader, beginning knitter and a mediocre gardener. As a special education teacher she worked with children of all ages who had language and social/emotional delays. She continues to educate new parents and not-so-new adults about hearing loss and the impacts it can have on many aspects of our daily lives. As a children’s book author, Tracy strives to relate her characters to the similarities and differences in each of us. Her debut picture book will be published by Clavis Publishing in 2024. Renate Vermeulen-Potter is a self-taught illustrator and aspiring author from the Netherlands. A former primary and secondary school teacher, she has always been inspired by her students. In addition to teaching, her interests in history, art, and nature have made her the person she is today: full of dreams and energy to create a brighter future by adding more love and confidence to the world.

"This heartwarming picture book beautifully explores the complexities of friendship, especially when neurodiversity is involved. Ellie wants to befriend her classmate Dylan, so she draws pictures of dinosaurs which are his favorite animals. However, Dylan, who is mostly nonverbal, doesn’t seem to notice or appreciate her efforts, leaving Ellie feeling confused and sad. As she learns more about Dylan’s love for dinosaurs and his unique way of interacting with the world, she begins to understand the challenges of building connections with someone who experiences things differently. The illustrations are vibrant and dynamic, beautifully capturing the emotions of the characters’ experiences. They thoughtfully capture the emotional journey of both Ellie and Dylan, reflecting their growing understanding of each other. The colorful and expressive drawings create a warm atmosphere, drawing young readers into the characters’ experiences. The book is especially valuable for encouraging empathy and fostering understanding of neurodiversity, providing a gentle introduction for children to the concept of being on the autism spectrum. VERDICT This book is highly recommended for libraries, as it offers an important message of inclusion, empathy, and the different ways friendship can flourish." - School Library Journal