Welcome to my latest blog post which is part of the book blog tour for this colourful, roar some picture book, The Dinosaur Department Store
Buster books have published this entertaining read written by Lily Murray (The People Awards, Dinosaurium (Junior Edition) (Welcome to the Museum)
) and illustrated by Richard Merritt ( Art Therapy: An Anti-Stress Colouring Book
).
We couldn’t have received the book at a better time as my eldest daughter has been completing a topic all about dinosaurs at school. She was super excited to read this book and it has not disappointed. The fun filled storyline complete with rhythmic text has proved very popular and we all think the main character, Eliza Jane is rather brilliant.
Eliza Jane’s 4th birthday is approaching and for her gift she would like a dinosaur, much to her parents dismay. However, they are supportive of her decision and take Eliza Jane to a Dinosaur Department Store when her birthday arrives. Once at the department store the family are entertained by a rather flamboyant soul, Mr Magisarus who shows them all the different dinosaurs on offer.
The bright, engaging illustrations share the range of dinosaurs available at the department store. It also introduces young readers to our prehistoric friends stating their names and sharing facts about each one which are cleverly woven into the text. This book could definitely be the start of children wanting to further their understanding of dinosaurs as well as sparking an interest in conservation as Eliza Jane shows.
You see if you look very carefully at the illustration through out the department store tour, Eliza Jane is up to something which results in all the dinosaurs being freed. It is such a great twist to the story and may well encourage lots of questions just as it did when I first read the story to my girls.
I love how this book is a fun and informative fiction book. Lily Murray and Richard Merritt have created a fantastic book which would be a great addition to many a bookshelf including a great text to share in a learning setting. The book is also representative of a diverse family which is also wonderful to see as every child should be able to see themselves in literature.
We further explored dinosaurs with a super book Dino Pops. This wonderful book includes models of dinosaurs which you can colour in and turn into a 3D pop out model.
My girls loved this activity but as much as they enjoyed colouring their dinosaurs in, they also loved the original dinosaur designs. The book has helped my eldest in particular learn names of different dinosaurs and she’s been comparing them with dinosaurs found in The Dinosaur Department Store. Such a great book and what a wonderful pairing these two books make together. A gift idea perhaps?
Do follow the blog tour, more details can be found below.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Buster Books for gifting a copy of each book for the purpose of the blog tour. All words and opinions shared are entirely my own. This post contains affiliate links.