I Am a Dinosaur (Super Magic Boy #1)

In this rollicking chapter book series opener, Roselló (the Red Panda & Moon Bear series) eschews heavy-handed messages about lessons learned and evokes the high energy of Maurice Sendak’s Max via Hugo, a rambunctious boy. After Hugo, portrayed with tan skin, somehow animates Dino, his stuffed blue dinosaur, he himself transforms into a red reptile with yellow spikes. Together, Hugo and Dino merrily rampage through the house until every room is in shambles. When Dino karate chops through a wall and into the backyard with a rousing shout of “Freedom!” the duo turn their attention to digging holes. They unearth a crown-wearing, sword-wielding skeleton called the Cursed Skeleton King, whose hidden treasure turns out to be a disappointing bounty of toys and candy rather than precious jewels. Once Hugo realizes the extent of the damage that his antics have caused, the trio work together to repair his home. Simple, limited dialogue paired with Roselló’s round and bouncy illustrations, depicted in an animated style reminiscent of The Amazing World of Gumball, will surely win over young readers and sow excited anticipation for the next installment. Ages 4–8. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Eric Murphy Literary. (Oct.)