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Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur

(2004, Fiction - Humor, Written by Mordecai Richler, Illustrated by Norman Eyolfson)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Dino-mite satire is a quick, funny tween read.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Bad guy Professor Kilowatt makes a racist comment in regards to country club applicants. Over-the-top evil deeds and bad attitudes abound, but good wins out in the end.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Jacob's dinosaur is threatened with bombs.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur

Parents need to know that the villains in this book are ridiculously bad authority figures. Over-the-top evil deeds and bad attitudes abound, but good wins out in the end. The broad satire is funny, but the cynicism is what skews the age recommendation to 9. Younger kids will probably enjoy the lighter tone of the animated TV show based on the book series.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the bad guys' motivations. Jacob's enemies aren't always honest about why they want to do things, but it's easy to see their true intentions. Parents can look up the legend of Saint George and the dragon and then discuss why the prime minister wanted to emulate it. They can also ask why the Yes Men and Yes Women always say yes.
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