Dinotrux

Gall, Chris. 2009. DINOTRUX. New York: Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316027779 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK- 2]

REVIEW

Gall’s picture book DINOTRUX combines two things that children love--dinosaurs and big trucks. Readers enter a time when the DINOTRUX ruled the earth. They were noisy, hungry, and huge. These uniquely named creations will thrill readers of all ages. There will be uncontrollable laughter when you introduce children to the stinky Dumploducus, Garbageadon, and Cementosaurus. A terrible storm caused the demise of the “not so smart” DINOTRUX and they slowly rusted away. Some, “the smart ones,” survived and evolved into the trucks of today.

Endpapers show the evolution of the DINOTRUX into the trucks of today. Children will look at trucks a different way after reading this book.

The larger than life illustrations are packed with action and movement. Earth tones and the heavy black outlining of the illustrations help take the reader outdoors and let them experience how frightening the time period of the DINOTRUX was. Comic book style lettering like the RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE! of a Seimisaur, which is reminiscent of old Batman shows, will appeal to fans of comic books and graphic novels.

CONNECTIONS

Expand on the story and create storylines for the characters.

Compare the DINOTRUX characters to real dinosaurs.

RELATED BOOKS

Additional picture books for children with vehicles displaying human characteristics:

Scieszka, Jon. SMASH! CRASH! ISBN 9781416941330

McMullan, Kate. I STINK! ISBN 9780064438360

By Jane Jergensen