Friends Do Not Eat Friends

April 15, 2021
Prehistoric prey and predator reach an accord in this graphic kickoff for fledgling readers. Opening with a primer on graphic visual conventions and how to read panels in order, the tale introduces Thunder, a humongous theropod, and tiny, birdlike Cluck. From their first encounter, the latter, refusing to flee and seemingly undisturbed by all the roaring and tooth gnashing, launches a persistent campaign to winkle an admission of friendship from the former. In cartoon scenes of one to three big panels per page, Thunder's indignant "That is not how this goes!" evolves in stages into a grumpy admission of defeat: "Something tells me hanging out with you will be...interesting." If the vocabulary at times seems a bit advanced for the elemental art and plotline, it's mostly spread out into easily digestible bits punctuated by wordless panels and more roaring. Many of Thompson's panels are vertical, emphasizing the difference between burly, toothy orange-and-purple Thunder and scrawny Cluck, whom Thunder could easily swallow whole without noticing--but doesn't. As unlikely friends go, this isn't the weirdest pairing--trailing, for instance, William Steig's Amos & Boris (1971) or Salina Yoon's Penguin and Pinecone (2012)--but it's extreme enough for even very young children to see the contrast as comical. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-12-inch double-page spreads viewed at 80% of actual size.) Droll dino fare for the lower reaches of the format's audience. (Graphic early reader. 6-8)

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July 1, 2021

PreS-Gr 2-The beginning of a beautiful, albeit initially reluctant, friendship between two very different dinosaurs. After letting out an earth-shattering roar, Thunder, a T. rex-like creature, expects Cluck, a twiggy blue flying dinosaur reclining at their feet, to flee in terror, after which Thunder will chase and eat Cluck. After all, that's always how it goes. Thunder is flabbergasted to discover that Cluck not only has no interest in running away but even wants to be...friends!?! The graphic format adroitly conveys the outlandish action and over-the-top comedy. Both dinosaurs will be immediate hits with readers, especially Thunder, whose remarkably malleable face can transform from befuddled to enraged in just a few panels. The art is exaggerated and cartoonish, and the comedic style is reminiscent of Mo Willems's "Elephant and Piggie" series and What About Worms? Readers will crow with jubilation as Cluck patiently wears down his toothy new acquaintance. Simple, repetitive language, along with a "How to Read This Book" section at the beginning, results in an accessible and engaging first reader for young children. VERDICT Make room for this delightful dino tale.-Laken Hottle, Providence Community Lib.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 19, 2021
Predator and prey form an unconventional friendship in this early graphic novel series starter. Thunder, a towering orange and purple theropod with craggy teeth, spines, and a big tail, expects a different reaction when roaring at snoozing Cluck, a diminutive, whip-thin dinosaur in shades of blue and yellow. Instead of running away, however, Cluck maintains a blasé demeanor, replying, “Oh. Hello,” while kicking back against a rock. As Thunder attempts to explain why Cluck should become afraid (“I roar. You run. I chase... and CHOMP you!”), relayed in Esbaum’s simple, snappy prose, Cluck doubles down on a breezy attitude, asserting, much to Thunder’s chagrin, that Thunder is “secretly nice” and in need of a friend—“and friends do not eat friends.” Vivid digital art by Thompson highlights movements both sinuous and stompy as well as over-the-top expressions. A familiar dynamic doesn’t detract from this cheery, comedic romp, ideal for the youngest dinosaur lovers. Front matter features a guide for reading comics. Ages 4–6.