Apex Predator In Training: Regina Is NOT a Little Dinosaur by Andrea Zuill

Mama Raptor is off on her daily prowl to bring home the groceries for her little Regina, and with a kiss and nose bump, she tells her youngster to stay in the nest.

"BE MAMA'S GOOD LITTLE CARNIVORE," SHE SAYS.

But Regina has faith in her predator powers. She's good at camouflage and has an uproarious ROAR! As soon as Mama is out of sight, she sets out to prove her hunting skills. Soon she spots something long and pointy and not too big in the undergrowth. She goes for it with her biggest CHOMP!

OUCH! ROARS A FULL-GROWN TRICEROTOPS ON THE OTHER END OF THAT TAIL. OOPS!

"SORRY ABOUT THAT!" SAYS REGINA.

After taking a short nap, she waits for more promising prey, until she spots the tail of a big ankylosaur as he grazes happily. Her first great predatory leap doesn't get her very far up the tail, so she chooses stealth. Sneaking up onto its back, she takes a fierce bite of one of its armor plates, but it proves too tough for her little fangs!

"SORRY KID," HE LAUGHS. "THAT'S NOT GOING TO WORK!"

Whoa. Has our mighty predator bitten off more than she can chew???

WHAT IF SHE HAS TO SPEND HER LIFE AS (gasp!) ... A HERBIVORE?

But, LOOK! There something with silky hair on his back and tail. He looks tender! But he seems to think SHE is HIS dinner. It's the latest clash of the titans--dino vs. toothed mammal! YIKES!

Being an apex predator in training is no walk in the park for little Regina, in Andrea Zuill's latest humorous picture book, Regina Is NOT a Little Dinosaur (Schwartz and Wade, 2021). There a sweetness in the little predator's cheerful tries to live up to the expectation of her species, which, along with the loving relationship with Mama Dino, makes this funny story of a baby dinosaur whose toothy mama arrives just in time. This one aptly shows off this author-illustrator's skill in creating books for young readers. Little Regina's relieved and hearty "HI, MOM!" speaks volumes about mothers and daughters.

Writes Booklist, “Regina’s expressions are priceless… her emotive eyes flashing with glee, rage, or panic in turn. Young readers (and their adults) will laugh out loud at the relatable protagonist and her adorable antics.”

Other insightful and funny stories by Andrea Zuill include her first book, Wolf Camp (see my review here) and her latest hit, Sweety.