Benedict Blathwayt

We came upon this book at Border's shortly before they went out of business. It was a great deal, and who doesn't like trains, so we grabbed it without even leafing through it. Now that we've started reading it, I'm so glad we got it. The stories are simple enough for 2-3 year olds, but long enough for a bedtime story. The illustrations are the big selling point however, they are simply amazing, so full of details. I'm sure my son will be going back to the book by himself to contemplate and admire the pictures, even after it disappears from our reading list.
Actually, they're probably great early reader books as well.… (mer)

A dinosaur, is playing with his friends, with each one trying to top the others in tests of agility, daring, or strength. Then, a gang of bullies turns up and spoils the game. When Fin challenges the intruders, a chase begins. Slowly, they drop off as one cant leap, one cant swim, one cant climb, etc. Finally, the only remaining pursuer is T. rex, at which point Fin spreads his feeble fluffy arms and flies away. The story line is slight and forgettable, but young dinosaur lovers will be drawn in by Blathwayts highly detailed illustrations. Each reptile, as well as the landscape that Fin and his pursuers traverse, is carefully drawn with clean lines and in a crisp palette that invites children to pore over the pictures.… (mer)