Sandra Boynton - The Irresponsible Reader

Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not?
by Sandra Boynton
DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Format: Board Book
Length: 16 pages.
Read Date: June 11, 2024

What’s Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not? About?
As far as we know (the book tells us), dinosaurs never had trucks. But that hardly seems fair–Boynton’s readers love dinosaurs, and they love trucks. It’s unthinkable that they never coexisted.
So, what would it be like if they did? That’s the mental exercise Boynton indulges in for 16 pages.
Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute
It’s classic Boynton–she’s as in fine form as ever. The dinosaurs are just as cute as you’d want.
How is it to Read Aloud?
It’s really not that interesting–the rhymes are simple. There’s nothing too goofy, or playful about it. Pretty simple text.
What did the Little Critter think of It?
He really enjoys the pictures of the trucks. The pictures of dinosaurs seem to work, too. The words don’t seem to have any impact one way or the other. Which is a pretty mixed review for a guy a little over a year old, but it’s honest.
So, what did I think about Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not??
It’s a fun idea.
And that’s about it. It really didn’t do much for me. Everyone has an off day–Mariano Rivera gave up game-losing runs, Metallica released St.
Anger, Spider-Man runs out of webfluid before he takes on Electro. It’s not suprising that Boynton whiffs one, too. Disappointing? Sure. But she’s due one.
The book works for those younger who like the idea and the art–but not those who want Boynton’s characterisitc fun rhymes.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

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How Big Is Zagnodd?

by Sandra Boynton

DETAILS:
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Format: Board Book
Length: 14 pg.
Read Date: June 24, 2023

What’s How Big Is Zagnodd? About?

Boynton introduces us to a few alien friends—Zagnogg, Igwak, Fleeb, and so on and invites us to notice how Big, Long, Fuzzy, and so on they are.

That’s a pretty brief description, but it’s hard to say more about a 14-page book.

Still, it feels like I’m not saying enough, so let me quote the back of the book just to add some words (suddenly, I feel like I’m back in college trying to up the word count on a paper):

HOW BIG IS ZAGNODD?

[Spoiler: SO big.]

Inside this book, you will find beings from outer space who are
BIG or LONG or FUZZY or BRIGHT or DANCEY or SLEEPY.

Plus Steve.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

If you’ve read a Sandra Boynton book before, you have a pretty good idea of what the art is like. If you haven’t? It’s just about the cutest thing you’ve seen. In this case, it’s super-cute aliens instead of the typical super-cute animals.

Oh, and Steve.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I did read this out loud—not to the grandcritter, because he’s not quite there yet. But soon.

Will it be more fun when he can read it with me? Sure, but I had a good time anyway. The alien names are goofy and enjoyable to say. With each alien, the text asks something like, “How Big is Zagnodd?” and the answer is, “SO big.” All the “SO ___”s are going to be great audience-participation fun.

So, what did I think about How Big Is Zagnodd??

I’m a sucker for a Boynton book—and this is the first new one I’ve read in about two decades, and this is just as fun as the ones I read to the grandcritter’s dad, uncles, and aunt.

I don’t know that it’s the best Boynton book I’ve read—but a mediocre Boynton (and this is not mediocre) is like mediocre pizza, it’s still pizza. You open this and you’re going to have a good—and goofy—time. How Big Is Zagnodd? is silly fun for young and young-at-heart.

4 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Tag: Sandra Boynton

Grandpappy’s Corner: Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not? by Sandra Boynton: Boynton Whiffs One

Grandpappy’s Corner: How Big Is Zagnodd? by Sandra Boynton: A Quick Dose of Goofiness

How Big Is Zagnodd?

What’s How Big Is Zagnodd? About?

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

How is it to Read Aloud?

So, what did I think about How Big Is Zagnodd??