by Howard Temperley

Illustrations by Michael Kline

received from NetGalley

reviewed by Mom

about the book:
The phenomenon of the dinosaur is one that continues to fascinate people of all ages. A fun-filled history of the many species of dinosaurs, their eras, and interesting facts about them, this book is not only informative, but funny and captivating as well. Featuring amusing and attractive illustrations, this unique edition discusses a variety of topics, from the Velociraptor and Pterodactylus to the Jurassic Era and dinosaur extinction.


My thoughts:
What a fabulous book!  If you have a child anything like mine, he or she will love this book.  Most kids have a fascination with dinosaurs at some point in their young lives.  This book perfectly helps with explaining just about everything about dinos.  It is all done in rhyme to make it easy for the kids.  Remember Schoolhouse Rock?  Well, this reminds me of it.  Rhyming songs about dinosaurs.  The illustrations are fantastic.  They are funny without being frightening. 
I loved this book and recommend it to others.  My only complaint, now I can't get some of the rhymes out of my head.

5 stars

Ever have a nightmare?  Of course you have, we all have.

Now you can find out who you should blame for your bad dreams, and who you can thank for your good dreams.

All you need to know about our little-understood world of dreams and nightmares is explained in this amusing fantasy tale, which revolves around the four human members of the Jackson family – together with their cat, Jackson – who all dwell in a house known as “Jacksonville”.

The story introduces you to the Dremlocks (dream releasers) and the Inkybyes (dream demons) and you will discover some astonishing facts about hamsters.

Following a visit to the International Pet Emporium, Pa Jackson and his son, Jacques, return home with a newly-acquired pet hamster of their very own. But there is more to the larger-than-life proprietor, Mister Laurie Van Rentaal, than meets the eye and this will turn out to be not their only meeting with the gigantic Dutchman.

As events unfold leading up to and beyond Fathers’ Day, find out what happens when Pa Jackson decides to celebrate his special day with The Great Jacksonville Cheesefest, whereupon his family’s ultimate dreams develop into their most horrendous nightmares ever…

We loved this book.  I especially love Sjaak the hamster.  He helps keep the Inkybyes away.  The Dutchman with his igvana (iguana) is also a fun character.   

The Jacksons are a great family.  They just need to learn to stay away from cheese.  The cheese celebration on Father's Day was a hoot.  Wait till you find out what happens when the neighbors come over...think a dog and a cat.

A great book, I think all kids will have a good time reading this story.  Not too scary.

we rate it 5 ice cream cones

received from NetGalley for review

about the book

The earth breeds giants and ogres of indescribable horror -- the heavens hold omnipotent gods and goddesses, abounding in courage, strength and wisdom.

Zeus, the almighty king of the gods, who cannot resist feminine beauty -- mortal or divine, and his jealous and vengeful wife, Hera.

Perseus, fearless mortal warrior, who takes on an impossible challenge: slaying the monstrous Medusa, whose glance turns men to stone.

The Minotaur, half-man and half-bull, the horrible fruit of a queen's unspeakable desire, who annually destroys the young victims sacrificed to his terrifying power.

A fantastic world of spells and curses, magic and mystery, forces that create and destroy at will

My Review (Mom)

Good reference for the younger audience.  A bit simplified, It would not be useful if looking for information about one of the lesser known myths.   

Easy and fun to read.  Kids who liked book similar to Percy Jackson will enjoy this book.  It is a quick, fun read.  I've always enjoyed Greek Mythology and enjoyed visiting these old friends.

My review (Lucas)

I LOVED this book.  I love reading about Zeus and the Minotaur.   Mom's right, if you like Percy Jackson (and I do!!) You'll love this book.  

Mom gives it 4 stars because she thinks it's too simple, but I'll give it 5 ice cream cones because I think it's great!