Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming, fresh take on the father-son bond.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Little dino Rory wants to go on an adventure "all by myself," so when he sees his dad quietly reading in a hammock, he takes off. But all along the way, his dad lends an unseen helping hand as Rory crosses a river, scares off a wild pig, discovers a coconut ("I found something to drink all by myself!"), and finds a dry place in a rainstorm. Dad paves the way when Rory returns home, too, never letting on he's been with him all along.
Is It Any Good?
This is a warm, fresh take on the father-son relationship. It shows the eagerness of a kid to be independent and the loving nature of a dad who wants to help his kid have a successful adventure -- and not miss out on any of the fun. Author-illustrator Liz Climo uses spare lines and matte color illustrations on stark white pages to capture the emotions of this loving pair and sets Rory's thoughts off in childlike hand-written lettering.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about doing things on your own. What can you do without a parent's help? What's your favorite thing to do with your dad, mom, or caregiver?
What do you think of how the dinosaurs are drawn? Are they realistic? Can you imagine a T. rex being as nice and cute as Rory?
Draw a picture of an adventure you'd like to have with or without your dad.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Liz Climo
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : May 5, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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