Dinosaur vs. Bedtime

My son (just turned 6) got this for a bithday present and loved it - perfect for his age and reading ability

This book was showcased on Noggin (with a reading at bedtime) long before it was published. So we already knew the story by heart, but my 3-year-old daughter was still very excited to get the actual book. It's one of our new "standards" and some nights, she even sleeps with it.

I actually saw this book being read on TV and I thought it was cute so I decided to purchase it for my daughter. It tells the story of a dinosaur who can defeat everything--leaves, slides, spaghetti, grown-ups, toothbrushing--but cannot defeat bedtime. It's written in short, cute language and has simple, clever illustrations. It's easily digestible reading for a small child and is exciting to boot. I enjoy reading it but, more importantly, my daughter loves it. In short order, this has become her favorite book and she asks for it every day--"dinosaur, dinosaur, please." This is certainly the best reaction I've gotten out of the many books I've bought for her. Is there a higher recommendation?

The last reviewer, K. Cutler, describes Mr. Shea's illustrations as "monotone" and "unlike the vivid clever artwork by Lane Smith." Thanks for the compliment K but I must respectfully disagree. Not about my artwork. You nailed it buddy. No, I'm talking about Bob's art. Bob, a highly regarded and sought after art director and illustrator knows that these two totally different books require two totally different approaches. "Big Plans," an epic story, needs illustrations with epic scope (football stadiums! Mountain ranges! Outer space!) while "Dinosaur vs. Bedtime" requires precise, minimal art to support its delightfully simple recurring gag... without killing it. Like a lot of my peers, I am green with envy for this book. I love the subtle textures, drybrush line, shapes, patterns and color. If UPA were still making cartoon shorts, they would no doubt recruit Dinosaur as their next big star.

This book is so much fun to read! It's funny, great to look at, and a real help in getting kids off to bed. Thank you Bob Shea!