The Littlest Dinosaur's Big Adventure by Michael Foreman

In his previous adventure, the Littlest Dinosaur discovers that despite his size, he can make a big difference. Here he discovers that he has to be brave, because he has the heart of a dinosaur, but sometimes even dinosaurs need help when they get lost.

The Littlest Dinosaur's Big Adventure is a sweet story, well told and beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman. The frolicking parts are cheery and spring-like; the spooky woods are dark and foreboding. There's a slightly longer story than most similar picture books, making it ideal for reading with children on the cusp of being able to read themselves, or for a slightly longer bedtime story with the little ones.

Whilst there's nothing specific to fault with Big Adventure, it lacks a spark to separate it from the many other lost and found books that are available. If dinosaurs are your child's big thing, they'll absolutely love it. If it's the first lost and found book you come across, it'll be a fine addition to your bookshelf.

It would be grossly unfair to call it unoriginal - there are many specific differences with everything that's out there - but the core story is such a classic of picture books that it really does need something extra to separate it from the crowd. Even if children may not be as world-weary and cynical to mind about that sort of thing, the parents reading the books could and should have something new.

Here at Bookbag, we love everything that Michael Foreman has done. Maybe his usual superb standard means he's being judged more harshly than is fair. I'm fully expecting a young child to grab Big Adventure from my bookshelf and declare it their most favouritest book ever. Borrow it from the library and tell me how wrong I am! Please!

My thanks to the publisher for sending it to Bookbag.

Of the lost and found books, Where Is Home, Little Pip? by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman is a particular favourite. For an unrelated book that has a real spark to separate it from the crowd, check out the superb I Really Want To Eat A Child by Sylviane Donnio and Dorothee de Monfreid. If you like your dinosaurs a little bit more scary, then take a look at The Dirty Great Dinosaur by Martin Waddell and Leonie Lord.

Please share on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

You can read more book reviews or buy The Littlest Dinosaur's Big Adventure by Michael Foreman at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
Template:Waterstonestext

Comments

Like to comment on this review?

Just send us an email and we'll put the best up on the site.