Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug
By Regan McMahon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sweet tale of small-armed dino striving to cheer up friend.
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What's the Story?
In TINY T. REX AND THE IMPOSSIBLE HUG, Tiny wants to give his sad stegosaurus friend Pointy a hug, but his arms are too little. His dad tells him to work it out as a math problem. His aunt, who does yoga, says it's a question of balance. His mom says, "It's okay if you can't hug, Tiny. You are good at many things. You are kind and creative and braver than most. You are tiny, but your heart is big!" His sister and brother say he just needs practice. So he tries hugging a cactus, but that doesn't work out so well. He finally drops in on Pointy and fits his little arms around Pointy's head. "Thank you, Tiny," says Pointy. "That was the biggest hug ever."
Is It Any Good?
This sweet friendship story shows a little dinosaur going to great lengths to hug his best friend even though his tiny arms make it almost impossible. Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug shows a kid motivated by empathy to make every effort to cheer up his sad pal. It also shows someone determined to not let his physical limitations hold him back, which is a great model for kids.
Author Jonathan Stutzman's text is simple and engaging, and Jay Fleck's super cute, cartoon-like illustrations help kids grasp every emotional moment and plot turn in the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about giving comfort in Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug. Why does getting a hug from a friend or family member make someone feel better? Do you like getting hugs?
If your friend was sad, what would you do to cheer that person up?
What would you like to do that's difficult because of your size? What steps can you take to do it even though you're small?
Book Details
- Author: Jonathan Stutzman
- Illustrator: Jay Fleck
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Dinosaurs , Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Chronicle Books
- Publication date: March 5, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 5
- Number of pages: 48
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: April 8, 2019
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