How do dinosaurs say trick or treat?

PreS-Gr 2--Yolen and Teague build upon the success of their long-standing "How Do Dinosaurs" series with a title just in time for Halloween. Readers of previous entries will be familiar with the standard format: Yolen questions the dinosaurs about their hypothetical missteps and finishes with a reassurance of correct behavior expectations and a message of love. In the case of Halloween, the creatures' errant ways are slightly more murky, as this is one occasion where children are generally allowed to run wild. Because of this, the "appropriate" behaviors seem slightly out of place and reflect what an adult might do on Halloween: carve pumpkins, hand out awards, and open the door (with an illustration of a dinosaur holding the bowl of candy out to a trick-or-treater). This, however, will not prevent children and families from delighting in this latest title. Teague clearly takes great joy in his illustrations, introducing new and unusual scaled and feathered species to a diverse group of children who express shock and surprise at their presence. VERDICT This title will receive a double-dose of popularity in its combination of two favorite subjects: dinosaurs and Halloween.--Clara Hendricks

A new dino-centered collaboration from Yolen and Teague is definitely a sweet treat. In rhyming text, Yolen amuses by wondering how these trick-or-treating reptiles would carry their candy and speculating on some unwelcome behaviors ("Does he stomp on the pumpkins and throw around bits?" "Does she grab for more treats and then make a big mess?") before asserting that dinosaurs would never! Encountering the dinos on a suburban street, diverse costumed kids initially look startled, then pleased when the creatures show they know the ropes. Cadence and clear language carry readers smoothly along to a message of loving reassurance. Teague depicts lesser-known genera, includingMassospondylus,Jainosaurus, andLabocania. As in the other titles in this extensive and popular series, he combines accuracy with rampant imagination and artistic flair; the dinosaurs have authentic body shapes, but since we know little about what their skin or feathers looked like, he freely plays with pattern and color. Teague's precise, hyperrealistic reptiles walk--or strut--upright. They sport swaths of lime green or electric blue and purple, their scales embellished with flamelike streaks, bands, stripes, dots, and studs. The gentle words, absurd humor, and elegant artwork remind readers about social norms. Children can see themselves in these books and will enjoy the unthreatening proximity to some scaly but fascinating prehistoric predators. Another resounding success for this series.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.