Lulu and the Brontosaurus

Viorst, J. and Smith, L. (2010). Lulu and the Brontosaurus. Illustrated by Lane Smith. Athenaeum Books for Young Readers. 112 pages. $15.99. ISBN 9781416999614.

Summary:

Lulu is used to getting exactly what she wants. And if she doesn’t get her way, she throws whopper-sized tantrums, shrieking loud enough to shatter the lightbulbs. When Lulu demands a brontosaurus for her birthday, her parents give her the unhappy news that this is not possible and a thirteen-day tantrum ensues! When Lulu decides to take matters in her own hands and set off to find her own brontosaurus, a hilarious adventure is the result. When she finally finds a brontosaurus, Lulu is in for a major surprise.

Curriculum Connections:

This would be a terrific example text, or read-aloud, for teaching the concept of voice in writing. In a style typical of Viorst, the reader is addressed directly throughout the text in a humorous, no nonsense way. There are lots of feelings throughout this text, from the exaggerated tantrums to Lulu’s sadness and eventual fondness for the brontosaurus. Readers will enjoy the option of selecting their favorite of three potential endings---which could be another way to connect this text to writing instruction.

Personal Reflections:

I enjoyed the illustrations and mood of this book. It is a nice length for a primary grade read-aloud or could be a good reading group selection. I have been waiting a long time for a read-alike to My Father’s Dragon (Gannett).

Awards:

Age/Interest Range:

6-9

Genre/Themes:

Humor, 2010, Fantasy, Social Skills, Adventure

Read-Alikes:

Lulu and the Brontosaurus is similar to the classic beginning adventure story by Ruth Gannett, the My Father’s Dragon trilogy.