Told in delightful, jaunty rhyme, the story introduces us to Marianne, who's digging for a dinosaur on the beach. The fisherfolk of the town worry about Marianne and want to see her find some friends, but Marianne (not unlike 19th century paleontologist Mary Anning) slowly pieces together a dinosaur, which she names Bony.
When Marianne goes to bed that night, she sends out a wish that Bony will come to life. And, sure enough, 'the wishing stars burn bright that night, the air is thick with dreams, and a deeply sleeping dinosaur is waking up, it seems'.
What follows, is a truly magical adventure as Marianne and Bony travel through the dream world, across the sea, through a forest with fairies, unicorns and giants, and up into the clouds to a moonlit island. Here, the pair encounter a lively party where children and the creatures from their dreams enjoy a wild time together, making secret memories just for them.
This picture book is pure delight, with imagery and phrases that drip from the tongue, and evocative illustrations that take us by the hand into Marianne's imagination. From the touches of silver foil on the cover to the captivating dreamscape, this is sure to become a bedtime favourite and much-loved keepsake.
Title: The Girl and the Dinosaur
Author: Hollie Hughes
Illustrator: Sarah Massini
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $22.99
Publication Date: September 2019
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781408880524
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
