Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
When faced with going to kindergarten, Arnold, a brontosaurus with a blue Mohawk, transforms into the cape-wearing Super Saurus. While en route to school in the family car, Arnold imagines that he is a prisoner in a submarine, heading to the underwater lair of the villainous Zorgo (aka teacher Mr. Zachary). His escape in a Super Saurus Scuba Suit is thwarted, but after Arnold's father delivers him to Mr. Z's classroom, he takes off again in his Rescue Rocket. Young (Big Rig) matches Arnold's kinetic energy as he switches between fantasy and reality, painting aquatic and intergalactic scenes in a bright, superheroic palette. As Arnold eventually settles into the school day on his own terms, Underwood (Good Night, Baddies) suggests that, when channeled in the right way, active imaginations need not be checked at the classroom door. Ages 3-5. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Arnold, a young dinosaur, is preparing himself for his first day of kindergarten by transforming into Super Saurus, a masked hero. He is prepared just in case his teacher is Zorgo the Evil Genius, intent on feeding the class to his pet T. rex, Krok. Through the course of music, art class, and snack time, Arnold learns that Zorgo, or Mr. Z, is not the evil nemesis he has imagined and that he can be himself in kindergarten. The story will certainly appeal to young children, with the common theme of first-day jitters. The illustrations are dynamic and energetic, using different media and font styles to depict Arnold's imagined world. The bright and saturated colors create distinctive characters and detailed settings that fill the page. There is some sequential art and, in the style of a comic book, the arrangement of text across the page varies while the use of space fosters the parallels between Arnold's imagination and his kindergarten classroom. VERDICT This animated story will provide an engaging read-aloud for preschoolers and young children, while early elementary students could enjoy exploring the detailed illustrations independently.-Kelly Topita, Anne Arundel County Public Library, MD © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Superheroes, dinosaurs, and comic-book action combine in this first-day-of-school book. Dino-kid Arnold, a.k.a. Super Saurus, has a plan to avoid the evil clutches of kindergarten. Every time Arnold tries to avoid school, the art and lettering take on an energetic comic-book feel. Eventually, Arnold is able to apply his superhero skills to adapt to the new situation. A fresh take on a well-worn topic. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Though his practical sister, Emily, is ready for kindergarten, Arnold, aka Super Saurus, isn't too sure, so he's making plans now to escape, superhero-fashion, from all the imagined perils he will face. These include Zorgo the Evil Genius as his teacher and Zorgo's pet T. rex, Krok, who eats kids. But with the young, green dinosaur's planning and packing, which includes his superhero cape and mask, he is sure to succeed in evading them both. Young's acrylic-and-colored-pencil illustrations marvelously cut between real and imagined scenes as Super Saurus enacts his plans: using his Scuba Suit to escape the sub (car) that holds him prisoner and, when that fails, donning Sticky Shoes to climb a skyscraper (the play structure). But his dad is too quick for him, and before he knows it, he is face to face with Zorgo (Mr. Z., his new teacher, depicted as a bipedal, crested sauropod with a comically long neck). The tongue-in-cheek adventures continue throughout the day as Super Saurus, with Emily's help, uses his skills to save the class from Krok (a tiny lizard). Since it's obvious that kindergarten needs him, Super Saurus says he'll be back the next dayand Mr. Z. can call him Arnold. Young cleverly makes Arnold's imaginative adventures kid-doable: the Sticky Shoes are smeared with peanut butter, and the Rescue Rocket is a decorated box. Imagination as a coping mechanism equals lots of superpowered fun. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
