"Dinotrux" by Chris Gall

Little Brown & Co., 2009

Approx ages: 3 to 6

Before the written word, before fire, and even before the stick-shift, there were...

DINOTRUX!

Fearsome, clawed and honking, Chris Gall's fourth picture book is a unique mash-up of the classic childhood obsessions; Terrible dinosaurs and giant vehicles. Presented as a junior bestiary, Dinotrux introduces us to long extinct species like the head-strong Dozeratops, and the tar-defecating Blacktopadon. Evolution redeems them, however, as their ancestors have become the diligent road envoys we know today.

Dinotrux is a bit of a departure in style for Gall. His previous kid's books, like Dear Fish, were characterized by their very polished scratchboard style, while Dinotrux's illustrations are very frenetic in comparison, his line work looser. Indeed, they look scratchy-er than his scratchboards. But the style works for the story, emphasizing the humour and cartoon nature of these Jurassic road hogs.

This book is guaranteed to appeal to fans of McMullan's I Stink, and her dinosaur follow up, I'm Bad. Expect dump trucks and diplod0cus' to be given equal time in the sand box after this one.