Happy Holidaysaurus!

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In his sixth dinosaur book, Most clothes everyday saurian facts in the fun and excitement of holidays--both common and obscure. The mascot of Valentine's Day sweets, for example, is Deinodon, also called ``terror tooth.'' Antarctosaurus is the children's saint of ``Snow Day,'' when a severe storm shuts down schools. The lollipop palette of Most's cartoony oil-marker illustrations matches his chatty text. Although their purpose is to entertain, the connections between these jovial beasts and holidays may serve as a mnemonic device to help readers remember dinosaur traits and names. These 27 observations are a bit exhausting, but youngsters with an insatiable appetite for Mesozoic reptiles will eagerly plow through them. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-- Most adds another title to his list of fanciful picture book speculations about dinosaurs. This time he pairs a dinosaur with a holiday that might relate to its name, physical characteristics, or habitat. Not only does he include familiar red-letter days such as Halloween and Christmas, but he also notes lesser-known celebrations such as St. Swithin's Day and Good Neighbor's Day. Each holiday is explained in two or three sentences. The colorful illustrations of dinosaurs and modern children carrying out appropriate holiday activities dominate the pages. The book provides minimal information about dinosaurs. However, some sections might capture the attention of children as part of an exploration of holidays, and the unusual juxtaposition of prehistoric beast and human beings might encourage students to speculate about other events dinosaurs could help celebrate. --Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN