Tiara Saurus Rex

December 1, 2014
Who will be the next Miss Dinosaur? Patty Saurus in her “velvet gown and four inch heels”? Sarah Topps and her three-horn hoop-twirling talent? As if. The makeup artists and talent coaches backstage seem to know that the only real contender is an intimidatingly toothy T. rex named Tina: “Her brilliant smile seems to say,/ ‘Don’t bother to compete.’ ” Sayres (Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night?) establishes an enticing undercurrent of ominous tension—is Tina, the sole carnivore in the pageant, simply eating her way through the contestant field? Boldt’s (Colors versus Shapes) digital pictures, which have the look of lavish acrylic artwork, reveal that the other contestants have simply fled; a happy ending that turns on the one dino who stays behind (as well as Tina’s weakness for flattery) is rushed. These collaborators clearly have affection for the world of footlights and dressing rooms, and they find plenty of comedy in according these unlikely contestants all the respect they are due. Ages 3–6. Author’s agent: Teresa Kietlinski, Prospect Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

December 15, 2014
Gently rhyming text recounts one dinosaur's dream of sweeping away her beauty-pageant competition. It's dino pageant day, and a host of talented competitors have shown up to strut their stuff. But even as they apply their makeup and don their gowns with the help of ring-tailed lemurs, their assistants warn that, "Tina has to win." That would be Tina the T. Rex, whose very presence sets her fellow dinos trembling. Other dinosaurs might excel in the talent portion or display some pretty gowns, but as Tina grows ever more competitive, other dinos start leaving left and right. Soon there's no one left but kind Maya Saura, who compliments Tina's skills. This act of kindness convinces Tina to offer her the pageant crown. Unfortunately for the storyline, Tina's change of heart at the end isn't accompanied by any particular chagrin at the departure of her rivals. The book seems to suggest that friendship trumps victory, but the lesson here feels hurried and tacked-on. The tale's saving grace is Boldt's bold digital art, which is unafraid to give life and verve to a plodding plot. Though well-intentioned, ultimately this book has about as much depth as your average beauty pageant. (Picture book. 3-6)

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December 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-Tina Saurus Rex is competing in the Miss Dinosaur pageant with a handful of other dinosaur ladies. Unfortunately, Tina seems to have a bit of a temper problem as the participants are reminded again and again to "Beware... Tina has to win." While she does in fact get the crown in the end, she also seems to have learned a lesson in friendship... sort of. The rhyming phrases become slightly clunky as the story progresses, and kids might be confused about what is actually happening to all of the disappearing dinosaurs. "It's talent time. They must prepare./But where are Patty and Stef, oh where?" The digital illustrations have a soft dreamlike feel and are large enough for group sharing. Since dinosaurs are always in demand and the approach here is unique, this book could be considered as a supplemental purchase for libraries.-Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2015
It's time for the dino pageant, but who stands a chance against regular crown-winner Tina Saurus Rex? However, this year she's up against heart-tuggingly sincere dino Maya Saura. Several rhymes trip up, but this droll look at altruism triumphs. Top-scoring visual touches include Stef O'Saurus, who has emeralds on her plates, and Sarah Topps, who spins Hula-Hoops on her horns.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)