Crunch, The Shy Dinosaur

PreS-K—Crunch is a hot-pink, nonthreatening dinosaur. An unseen narrator gives readers a series of directions on how to interact with him, setting up an entertaining, interactive story experience. Larger lessons about how to relate to others lurk beneath the surface of this lighthearted tale. Since Crunch is shy, the narrator suggests that readers "be the first to say hello," but not too loudly. When Crunch is scared off, luring him back involves singing the "Happy Birthday" song. Young children get practice in using quiet, loud, and medium voices, introducing themselves, and employing good manners. In the end, readers are prompted to bid Crunch good night and demonstrate how to lie down and get ready to sleep. Crunch's antics may not make this book the best for bedtime reading, but it is successful in exploring varying methods of communication. Humorous illustrations by Geisel-winner Pizzoli are rendered in an appealing childlike cartoon style, with the look of bright pastels.