The Mine-O-Saur

by: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen; illustrated by David Clark

Published by: Putnam

Reviewed by Leslie Granier

The Mine-O-Saur is a selfish dinosaur who is constantly taking everything away from the other dinosaurs at school. As this behavior continues, the Mine-O-Saur realizes that having everything for himself is not fun if the result is that the other dinosaurs don’t want to play with him.

This book is aimed at children between the ages 4 to 8. It provides a great opportunity for parents to teach them the importance of sharing. The use of rhymes throughout the book will keep kids interested, and the addition of colorful illustrations, will be especially appealing to kids. My only complaint is the names of the dinosaurs may be a bit cumbersome for young kids who are learning to read.

The outcome of this story was achieved in a positive way. Instead of being angered at the Mine-O-Saur’s behavior, the other dinosaurs simply chose to ignore him. I also thought it was great that the “kids” worked things out themselves without requiring adult intervention. When kids learn to solve simple disputes, they are acquiring experience they will need to later solve more complex problems. Learning to forgive others and give them another chance is another lesson that is presented in this book.

Perhaps the perfect ending would have been an apology from the Mine-O-Saur, but the message was clearly presented.

Armchair Interviews says: Another important message taught.

Author’s Web site: http://www.Sudipta.com