I Used to Be a Dinosaur

Little ones will love this cute story told by a chicken — a chicken fascinated with its ancient ancestors. It begins with the chicken showing a chart showing the progression through millions of years from a Tyrannosaurus Rex to a common, modern-day chicken. Chicken talks about how it used to be a dinosaur, and as a dinosaur, it had a monstrous roar; giant, pointy teeth; and powerful jaws. Although scientists all agree chickens are descended from dinosaurs, they are still chickens.

Author Casey Lyall has written a charming text in perfect rhyme that is bouncy and fun. It will have young listeners trying to guess what will be coming, but there are a few surprises and clever page turns. Illustrator Laurie Keller is clearly in touch with her inner child, and the illustrations are filled with fun details and artwork that entertains while perfectly supporting the text. She never misses a chance to fill the illustrations with humorous elements. Children will be glued to the pages looking for all the fun. One page of back matter gives a good deal of information about the evolution of chickens. This will become a fast favorite with little listeners.