The Brave Friend Leads the Way!

PreS-Gr 1–A contest of bravery between two dinosaur friends becomes a bonding experience. Taking on hungry fish, ants, and public singing has each protagonist showing off and daring the other to outdo them without getting seriously hurt. Thunder, a T. Rex, towers over the comparatively puny and winged Cluck, but Thompson’s use of perspective ensures that either one can fill a panel. They can mug extra large for readers, but in front of a dark, foreboding cave entrance, they both appear fairly small. “Two friends, together, are braver than brave,” they learn. Vibrant colors, detailed textures, and elastic facial expressions bring this world to life, with something new to appreciate on each page and spread. The beginning includes a two-page lesson in how to read comics, including speech and thought bubbles, sound effects, and reading order.