Pat Brigandi

The Dinosaur Pals are back and ready to help clean up the neighbourhood. When their teacher tells them they are going to clean up a messy lot and turn it into a garden, Max is worried. He does not like bugs. Some of the other dino pals are skeptical, but they set out to complete the challenge. Max shows up all covered up and still hesitant about participating. I liked that no body made fun of him because of his fears. They just encouraged him to find his comfort level. Once again, the illustrations are extremely colourful, vivid and show lots of emotion. A great read aloud for a kindergarten or primary class to discuss fears as well as before going out to do a neighbourhood clean up. If you have a child who loves dinosaurs, they will enjoy this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (mere)

A cute story of a young dinosaur who is very worried about his first day at a new schoo. He does not want to talk or do anything until he is asked. He is not sure if he will fit in or make friends. This is a great book to talk about starting school with your child. The dinosaur children worked together with the guidance of their teacher to make the new student feel welcome. They were all kind and went out of their way to include him in their activities. My grandson loves dinosaurs but as I read him this book, he started talking about how he would be going to kindergarten soon and would share and make new friends. This would be a great story to read with little ones starting school for the first time or moving to a new school to help alleviate anxiety. The illustrations were great, they were bright, colourful and filled with fun cartoon-like dinosaurs. This book would be a great addition to a family, school, primary/kindergarten classrooom or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via netgalley.… (mere)

Brigandi’s Spring into Action is all about working together and taking care of the environment. Mrs Brink’s class us going to be cleaning a yard on Baker St for Clean Up Day, turning it into a garden for others to enjoy. Everyone seems excited. Everyone but Max. The little blue triceratops has a fear of bugs. The next day, he shows up wearing his 'bug suit’. (It looks like a beekeeper's outfit) Each of his friends tried to get him to come help, but there were always bugs. Finally, Max sees a bunny who looks scared if all the people in the lot. He decides to make sure the bunny has a safe place to hide when visitors come.

This is a cute story about accepting the limitations of others and not ridiculing them for it. Max’s friends never bully him because he is terrified of bugs. They are protective of him, and in the end he gets to help his own way. These are lessons children need to be getting because let's face it… more often than not kids are right assholes to one another. My cubs and I loved the artwork too. And, bonus Dinosaurs!!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (mere)