I don’t have kids so usually steer clear of reviewing children’s books. However… when I was offered the opportunity review Dinosaur Dump I couldn’t say no as I immediately thought of my favourite (just turned) 4yr old, Pickle, as it features two of his favourite things: dinosaurs and poo.

It’s billed as…

An ex-STINK-tion story that will bowel you over!

Regular readers may recall Pickle is the son of my closest friend here on the Fraser Coast. He’s a delight and the cutest thing EVER.

I had this great plan to hand Dinosaur Dump over to Pickle and his mother to read and then later interview Pickle. I envisaged our discussion would involve some in-depth analysis about man’s inhumanity to man and the existential crisis which confronts us as we consider our own mortality. Typical 4yr old stuff.

However… when I took the book to a recent lunch he wanted me to read it again and again. So his mum captured the second and third readings for your viewing pleasure. I’ve obviously edited a bit out as I didn’t think the authors would want me sharing the entire book with my readers, but you get the idea!

It’s very short – just 2mins 30 seconds and I should also mention this is my first attempt at editing a video so I want to apologise in advance! 😉

I suspect you thought I was joking when I said this book was about poo. It really really is. And it’s kinda gross. But kids—especially boys who seem obsessed by that stuff—will love it.

I’ve never reviewed a kid’s book before and assume it’s pointless to talk about plot and pacing. The language is pretty simple though includes some Aussie colloquialisms, like “let it rip”. And I had to explain a few phrases to Pickle….which is probably a good thing – like queue, riot and grossness. His just-turned-4yr old little mind ‘got’ it though and completely understood when I explained dinosaurs weren’t really extinct because they drowned in their own poo. Although….

Pickle and his mother also took this book to his daycare where a teacher read it to the kids. She posted a pic later saying,

Thank you to Pickle and his mum for bringing this very funny story in for us to enjoy. It was a great start to our day with fits of laughter setting the mood for the rest of the day. I explained to them that when they laugh, that feeling they get is happiness.

Awwww…

Dinosaur Dump by Tim Miller and Matt Stanton is published in Australia by Harper Collins and ABC Books and now available.

I (Pickle) received a copy of this book from the publishers for review purposes. (Ages 3+)

Does this sort of book appeal to the kids or grandkids in your life?
Is the fascination re bodily functions more of a boy thing?