Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tiny stands by his pal Pointy in magical friendship story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Our favorite dino duo decide to work up a magic trick for the school talent show in TINY T. REX AND THE GRAND TA-DA! They work hard perfecting their act, but when it's time to go on, Tiny's pal Pointy is too scared. Tiny is kind and patient with Pointy and says he understands, and he'll "try to win this for us both." But when the smoke clears, he sees that Pointy has joined him on stage after all. "Sometimes the greatest ta-da is not making something disappear. It is when someone who disappeared bravely comes back."
Is It Any Good?
This sweet story is more about being a good, supportive, nonjudgmental friend than becoming a great magician. When Pointy gets nervous about going on stage to perform the magic act they worked on, Tiny tells him, "You are the best magician I know! But I understand."
Everything leading to the stage-fright moment in Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da! really sounds like the way kids play: getting a big idea and working hard on it in hopes of pulling it off. "Because magic is best when it is shared," as Tiny says.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Pointy's stage fright in Tiny T. Rex and the Grand Ta-Da! Have you ever gotten shy or scared right before having to do something in front of others? What happened?
How does Pointy show courage? How does Tiny show he's a good friend?
Have you ever seen a magician in person or on television? Do you think you could figure out their tricks? Why do people enjoy magic acts so much?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jay Fleck
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- Publication date : April 11, 2023
- Number of pages : 52
- Available on : Hardback
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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