The Itchy Book! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! #5)

Behind the giggles offered by this easy reader in the Elephant and Piggie Like Reading line, a provocative question lurks: do those with authority really know what's going on? Words carved into a stone catch the attention of a bespectacled dinosaur, who reads them aloud: "Dinosaurs do not scratch." A bright green triceratops reaches down to itch its knee. The first dinosaur points to the stone: "Dinosaurs are tough! We do not scratch!" More itchy dinosaurs appear--friendly, childlike reptiles in t-shirts and shorts--and the dinosaur with glasses cites the rule again. "Tough dinosaurs do not scratch!" he exhorts. The action doubles down as the urge to itch deepens, and the first dinosaur works hard to keep his friends on the straight and narrow. Suddenly, a turtle sleeping in front of the rock moves, revealing another word. Surprise! The stone actually says, "Dinosaurs do not scratch alone." It's okay to itch after all! Writing exclusively in dialogue, Pham (the Vampirina Ballerina series) imbues her spreads with fizzy energy. Ages 6-8. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (May)

PreS-Gr 2--This book combines two of children's favorite fixations--"Elephant & Piggie" and dinosaurs--into a funny story that plays around with a relatable problem. Similar to other books in the series, the beloved duo introduce the story. They begin with their usual humor by describing this book as one that will "make you feel things all over." Pham begins the main story with Dino Mo reading a sign stating, "Dinosaurs do not scratch." The other dinosaurs, Triceratops, Pterodactyl, Brontosaurus, and T-Rex have an itch, but no matter how they try to convince Dino Mo that it is okay to scratch he is not budging from his stance that "Dinosaurs do not scratch." He is absolutely resolute. Not even an itchy wool sweater can persuade Mo it is okay to scratch. Children will enjoy the brightly colored dinosaurs and appreciate the word-bubble writing style. VERDICT Fans of "Elephant & Piggie" will love the humor and satire in this engaging easy reader. Those itching for winning selections for newly independent readers will be especially grateful.--Jewelee Painter, Springfield Elementary School, Rilleyville, VA