FICTION

Roxy the Unisaurus Rex Presents: Oh No! The Talent Show

by Eva Chen (text) & illus. by Matthew Rivera
Feiwel & Friends. Oct. 2021. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250758460.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–Roxy the Unisaurus Rex is excited for a talent show. She has so many talents, she doesn’t know which on to pick. Most of her dinosaur friends also have a variety of talents, including hula hoop and ventriloquism. But best buddy Dexter doesn’t feel like he has anything to offer—until Roxy explains that being a friend is the best talent of all. The cheerfully exuberant art work shows the dinosaurs and dino-corns in bright sparkly colors that will be very inviting to younger readers. For anyone interested in dinosaur facts, those appear at the back. The strong message that it’s okay not to have a performable talent, and that being a friend is enough, gets lost; there are twice as many pages describing the talent show acts than those enphasizing friendship.
VERDICT Sparkly art work and positive social emotional message can’t save this book from heavyhanded theatrics.
Reviewed by Debbie Tanner, S. D. Spady Montessori Elem., FL , Nov 01, 2021

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Not If You Break Up with Me First
by Miller, G.F
BOOKS

Any Way You Look
by Siddiqui, Maleeha
BOOKS

Picture a Girl
by Manzer, Jenny
BOOKS

Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness
by McCullogh, Joy
BOOKS

Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
by Thomas, Sonja
BOOKS

Breaking into Sunlight
by Cochran, John
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?