The Wondrous Dinosaurium

The Wondrous Dinosaurium by John Condon, illustrated by Steve Brown
 
Danny is allowed to choose a new pet, but an ordinary cat, dog or parrot will never do. He wants a dinosaur. Luckily, the extraordinary Wondrous Dinosaurium has just opened in town, and its enthusiastic proprietor, Mr Ree, has every kind imaginable.
 
Danny tries one dinosaur after another, only to discover that prehistoric pets bring prehistoric-sized problems. Some are too large, some are far too hungry and some create spectacular chaos, but Danny is determined to find the companion that fits.
 
John Condon's repeated pattern, playful dinosaur descriptions and page-turn surprises make this especially enjoyable to read aloud. Steve Brown's bright, expressive illustrations expand the comedy, filling each attempt with movement, mess and visual jokes.
 
Funny, energetic and warmly reassuring, The Wondrous Dinosaurium combines dinosaur excitement with a gentle story about choices, expectations and what makes a pet right for its owner. A satisfying final surprise rewards children who have been guessing along the way.