Book Description
for Eggasaurus by Jennifer Wagh and Hallie Bateman
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
“Dear Customer, Thank you for your Eggasaurus purchase. Your eggs may contain herbivore, omnivore or carnivore … They enjoy listening to music. NO REFUNDS.” Brown-skinned Maximus is thrilled with the arrival of the eggs he ordered. His dad—not so much. In a series of letters between Maximus and Eggasuarus, Inc., Maximus explains his dad’s lack of enthusiasm, but not only does the company underscore its “NO REFUNDS” policy, it also sends more eggs—repeatedly. “My dad was floored after the last delivery,” writes Maximus. “We are delighted your father was overwhelmed with joy ...” The humor in this over-the-top story that unfolds in the ongoing exchange of letters between Maximus and Eggasaurus, Inc., isn’t just in the company’s persistently optimistic interpretation of events; it’s also in the visual storytelling and a story arc sure to charm. Colorful, naïve illustrations full of child appeal and whimsy reveal Maximus’s ever-increasing glee as the number of eggs grows, and his dad’s ever-increasing dismay. Once the eggs hatch, an adorable array of baby dinosaurs takes over Maximus’s house. They’re creating havoc, but they’re also delightful; soon even Maximus’s dad is all-in on the venture in a picture book sure to please. (Ages 4-8)
CCBC Choices 2023. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2023. Used with permission.