Regina Is Not a Little Dinosaur

Fun for dinosaur mavens and brave young explorers who want to test their mettle. (Picture book. 3-6)

Copyright 2021 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with Permission

Peeved when her T. rex mother won't let her go on a hunt ("Stay in the nest and be Mama's good little carnivore"), strong-willed Regina heads out on her own. The results are as predictable as they are funny, but plot is really secondary here--this latest by Zuill (Sweety) is about a singular personality asserting herself in the big, primeval world. Indelible Regina roars, slinks, sniffs, and pounces (a triceratops and ankylosaurus shrug her off); is haunted by the prospect of failure ("What if she has to live the rest of her life as... an HERBIVORE?!"); and turns on the charm when her mom catches her nearly becoming prey herself ("HI MOM!" Regina says, the dialogue balloon studded with treacly red hearts). Ink drawings sport elegant lines, delicate hatching, and washes of warm digital color reminiscent of vintage scientific illustration, and each vignette is a gem of comic timing and expression: readers will want to incorporate the conciliatory nose bump that mother and daughter dino share ("Boop!") into their own repertoire of affectionate moves. Ages 3-7. Agent: Erzsi Deak, Hen & Ink. (Apr.)

"Regina's expressions are priceless... her emotive eyes flashing with glee, rage, or panic in turn. Young readers (and their adults) will laugh out loud at the relatable protagonist and her adorable antics." —Booklist

"Indelible Regina roars, slinks, sniffs, and pounces.... A gem of comic timing and expression: readers will want to incorporate the conciliatory nose bump that mother and daughter dino share ("Boop!") into their own repertoire of affectionate moves." —Publishers Weekly

Praise for Sweety
With hilarious pictures and tender, observant writing, Andrea Zuill gets to the heart of what it is to be an oddball in 'Sweety, ' an endearing picture book for children... —The Wall Street Journal

Zuill takes a common theme—finding the courage to be yourself—and makes it funny, heartwarming, and inspiring. —Booklist, starred review

Praise for Wolf Camp:
This debut picture book will delight more than dog lovers. —Kirkus Reviews, Starred