Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet dog takes kids on imaginative adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Max Spaniel isn’t a dog -- he’s an intrepid dinosaur hunter! Never mind that there’s not a fossil in sight. Max happily turns everyday items in his back yard into an impressive replica.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful picture book is perfect for kids just beginning to read. The simple, minimal text sets up the punch line in the full-page illustrations of Max on his quest. Goofy Max is laugh-out-loud funny as he tries to lug a bag of supplies -- including bologna and a bowling ball -- outside, scours the yard for dinosaur parts, and beams with shiny-eyed happiness at his finished creation. His enthusiasm is infectious, and may very well encourage readers to head outside in search of adventure.
This is the first book illustrator David Catrow has also written, and it promises to be the start of a new series featuring Max Spaniel.
This endearing dog comes alive in the energetic, affectionate artwork.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about using your imagination. Look
for shapes in the world around you. Just as Max sees a rake as dinosaur teeth
and a fire truck as a knee, what does your imagination see? Go on a dinosaur
hunt of your own and see what you can create.Max’s dinosaur is essential a sculpture. Look for artwork and sculptures made out of unconventional materials and talk about what you see.
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : For Beginning Readers
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Orchard Books
- Publication date : August 1, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate