Dinomighty! (Dinomighty! #1)

Sixteen vignette-style chapters outline the adventures of the Dinomighties in this energetic graphic novel. Lavender-hued, ambitious pterodactyl Teri-Dactyl; orange, pizza-loving Triceratops Dave; seafoam, inept selfie-taker T. rex, T-Lex; and orange, misunderstood genius chicken, Bach, are "on their own... four mildmannered dinos." Assembled in the face of evil, however, they are Dinomighty! When the Dinomighties receive an anonymous "dmail" suggesting that trouble is afoot, little do they know that the message was sent by "Diplodocus and Diplodoofus... Bad Guys Extraordinaire," who are determined to edge Bully Mammoth out of the top spot on the Dinomighties' archnemeses list. To reclaim first billing, the duo decides to steal valuable jewels the Golden Egglettes. Paleo packs the narrative with easily discernible jokes, and Blecha's brightly colored art is appropriately lighthearted (ideas, visualized as light bulbs, can be seen by other characters). While this super-dino series opener hits well-worn narrative beats, it's a solid, fast-paced match for reluctant readers and pun enthusiasts. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)

Gr 3-6—The Dinomighties are here to save the day. They're a crime-fighting group made up of three dinosaurs and a super-smart chicken. Levelheaded Teri-Dactyl, who loves working out and can fly, is the de facto leader. T-Lex is upbeat and sweet, even if her short arms make her bad at taking selfies. Dave is the tough triceratops who's always in search of his next slice of pizza...and then there's Bach, who serves as the team's problem-solver, even if he can only say "Bok!" When Teri gets a dmail (short for dino-mail) letting them know that trouble is afoot, the Dinomighties figure out that the precious golden egglettes are at risk. Diplodocus and Diplodoofus, dinos who are more foolish than evil, want to climb the ranks of dino-villainy and gain untold riches by swiping the egglettes from Cosmos Castle. What follows is a madcap race to the treasure, and even if it doesn't always make sense, the situations are wacky enough to engage readers and keep them laughing. The Dinomighties encounter cave monsters, an erupting volcano, and Cosmos, the ancient velociraptor owner of the castle. A funny running gag is that Cosmos Castle is easily accessible due to National Security Guard Week, so the guards are all enjoying some time off. Blecha's boisterous artwork adds to the humor. VERDICT This absurd team-up tale is chaotic in the best way. Recommended for kids looking to branch out from Dav Pilkey's "Dog Man" series.—Gretchen Hardin, Bee Cave P.L., TX