I got this book to try and read a chapter book with my daughter (5) because she quite enjoys dinosaurs. While she did great for the first 25%, I think the subject matter and writing was a bit advanced for her. For the part that she read with me, she was very interested in Rory's ADHD and we chatted about how different people learn and handle their emotions differently. She also really liked the pictures. After she tapped out, I finished the book because I wanted to know what happened with the Dinosaur Pie. The book is very much written from a child's point of view, using language and thoughts that line up like a child. Slang, usage of filler words, and thoughts about video games rather than serious issues seems like it would really connect with the age group this book is written for. While my daughter wasn't ready for this book yet, she has expressed an interest in reading it again in the future, so we may give it another try next year. We read this ebook through NetGalley.

I can never resist a book with dinosaurs. Based on the title and cover... this was not what I was expecting in this novel. However, I did laugh and I did quite enjoy it. No surprise at all, but a lab has been experimenting with genetically altered meat substitutes for a lower cost and they thought dinosaur meat would work best in this scenario. What did doesn't want to eat a dinosaur pie? Some parents buy them at the supermarket and serve them up.. and their children turn into dinosaurs.. but it's okay because the label says they will be back to normal within 12 hours.. no harm done until Rory doesn't change back after 12 hours.

I love the premise of this novel and all the twists along the way.

I also love that it's Irish! eee! Highly recommend for any dino lovers and for anyone who has a little in their lives who loves dinos.

Dinosaur Pie
by Jen Wallace
Illustrated by Alan O’Rourke

When Roary’s mom cooks him a dinosaur pie from the local supermarket he is surprised to discover he has turned into a dinosaur! The former twelve-year old, video game-loving boy with ADHD joins up with two of his friends, Oleg and Daria, to solve the mystery of his transformation. They embark on a journey full of adventure, mischief and other dinosaurs to figure out how Roary can return to his human self. With references to media apps like youtube, and the influence of likes and followers, as well as other media, this story is contemporary and entertaining, despite some missed sequence details here and there that occasionally confuse the narrative. This is an easy read filled with current content such as the symptoms of ADHD and the mention of epi pens and asthma inhalers, that will allow for young readers to laugh and connect. A nice introduction to chapter books in the mystery and science-fiction/fantasy genres. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Out February 18, 2025! Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher Spotlight for sharing an advanced digital copy with me to review. All opinions are my own.

ARC read: Wasn't a bad read but felt like it ran on for a while. There were a lot of spots where sentences had no space, and I wasn't sure if it was intentional or not. Was such a cute concept and loved his jounrey and tiny Burp was such an adorable add to the story.

On the surface, this is a fast-paced and humorous story about a kid who one morning wakes up as a dinosaur. All sorts of unexpected challenges confront him and he just doesn't feel like himself. He enlists his friends to help him try to get back to the way that he was, and this in itself makes for interesting reading. I like how the author uses becoming a dinosaur as an allegory for neurodivergence without being at all overt.
While this short novel will appeal to avid readers aged 7 to 10, the language is more geared to older kids. That said, the story is so light and entertaining, that even reluctant readers may decide to challenge themselves because they're intrigued with the story.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7090736104\
Delightful and funny, at least to a Grandma with 12 grandchildren. I know our grandchildren who are in their teens and over now would have loved it, and the 7 who are 10 and under will definitely like it. I am somewhat undecided on the right age for it, as I think the ages of 6-8 would love the overall story, but not sure that they would 'get' some of the language, especially by Oleg namely 'Like and Subscribe' or 'gone to the dark side' and phases of that nature. I think the Rory character is perfect for that age group, and young boys and girls alike will think he is hilarious, and will also relate to Daria. I read this book as an unedited ARC from Netgalley and I was totally intrigued, so yeah, once it is edited with colourful illustrations, etc., it is totally a 5-star and will be popular in school libraries, local libraries, and a favourite on children's night time reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher Spotlight / Little Island Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Dinosaur Pie was a funny story that I can’t wait to read to my nephew! I’d recommend this for kids 9 - 13, though if you have a newer reader who is obsessed with dinosaurs like me, you’ll want to incorporate this as a multi part bedtime story.

Poor Rory had dinner one night and became a (now scientifically proven to be historically accurate) feathered dinosaur. It was very cute for me to see Rory’s struggles to turn back human and go to school in his dino form. With a few illustrations to keep a younger reader’s imagination helped along, I thought this was a great way to feed the beast that is a child wanting a fun book.

I received an electronic ARC from Publisher Spotlight through NetGalley.
Wallace wraps some serious thoughts in humor and fun. Rory eats a meal prepared by his mom as he does every evening, but this one is a bit different. He wakes up as a dinosaur. Readers will enjoy the humor and feel the other emotions he goes through as they try to find a cure. Different levels of understanding will depend the reader's age. I appreciate the way Rory and his friends keep searching for answers and how their various talents work together to find solutions.