Two books that can be given to the child this Valentine’s Day: because we love books, teeth, vampires, and dinosaurs. Or, these are good if you are looking for something fun and few to read.
I Love My Fangs! Well, actually, if I did have fangs, I would. You see, I am one of those odd people who never had “canine” teeth. I had teeth in that area but never those fangs I so admire in our hero young Dracula. And he really loves them, too. So, when one of them actually falls out, he is beside himself! He cannot be a vampire with only one fang! And then when the Tooth Fairy gets into the act? After all, who does she think she is taking his fang? Kelly Leigh Miller creates some adorable illustrations that show a vampire mommy, daddy and young Dracula going through a right of passage most of us have gone through. These illustrations are not as simple as the cover would suggest, but they are not overly detailed or too busy. The younger child will laugh and cheer and worry right along with our delightful friend.
After reading about fangs, I thought I would pick up a book about dinosaurs. The problem is it does not have a real plot. Therefore, older children (as the adult me was) might be disappointed in this picture book. Tim McCanna created Dinosong. There is little to the text (as mentioned), so it was the Illustrations that got me. Richard Smythe adds to the easy-to-read, rhyming text as we follow three dinosaurs–a triceratops, sauropod, and ankylosaur–as they make their way through a dangerous, rock-strewn environment. There are some facts about rocks and minerals included, but overall, not for the experienced dinosaur lover.
And while these books will not be on my Top Ten favorite lists, I do know a few people they would be perfect for. Therefore, Threes all around!