I have been very fortunate to have Julia Dweck as my featured author for the week. She is the rhythm and rhyming master behind many e-books including the ones we have in our personal library; Where Are The Dinos? Caarina The Cooking Fairy, and Brianna The Ballet Fairy, and she has authored many more books as well!
Julia lives in Pennsylvania and is a wife, mother to two college boys, and a grades 1 – 5 teacher as well as writing youth literature. She says, ” I love working with young students, because I find their humor, creativity, and honest enthusiasm for life inspiring. I work with illustrators to produce my stories. I write the story first and then select an appropriate illustrator that compliments the story’s mood and tone. I think I work with the most talented professionals in the children’s illustration industry. Many of my stories are designed to motivate individuals to accept and celebrate their unique differences, while others are just meant to spread a smile.”
Her latest e-book, “Where Are The Dinos?” indeed brings a smile to your face. It is the third of Julia Dweck’s e-books that we have had the pleasure of reading. Each morning my children and I read a book together before getting up and starting the day. Since we’ve had Where Are The Dinos, we’ve read it almost every morning.
This book lends itself to lots of funny voices and faces being made. Bob Ostrom has illustrated this book, and there’s something in every picture to bring some extra humour to the story.
Tristan says, “It’s quite good. I like it.” When I asked him what his favorite part of the story was he said he “the whole thing!” and couldn’t choose just one section.
The book begins, “At the zoo there’s lots to view. Zebras, tigers, pumas, too. But looking left and looking right. Not one dino is in sight.” The poor main character has so many questions for the tour guide, it’s completely reminiscent of a young child’s quest for knowledge and their never-ending strings of questions in day-to-day life!
Over the course of this past week I have caught Tristan (age 5) walking around the house quoting parts of the story to himself. We each have our own favorite sections of this story that brings a smile to our face.
It’s quite interesting to read a little insight into Julia and Bob’s background and interest in dinosaurs. There are also some extra activities included at the end of the book.
Stop by our Dinosaur page for more dinosaur activity ideas, or check out our book and book activities page to see some great books and the crafts, recipes and activities they’ve inspired.
