Kittysaurus Rex

This is the first book in the Kittysaurus series. It is the story of 2 children, Clara and Zeke, who want to be archeaologists or paleontologists. They start a paleontologist guild and head out to look for fossils. While out in the rain, Clara thinks she finds fossilized footprints of a giant cat. After continued investigation, they find fossilized poop in a fossilized kitty litter pile. They name this discovery, Kittysaurus Rex. This story is a mix of various themes including time travel and scientists who are trying to steal their thunder. They do not always follow all the rules while continuing to support their find, but it is not too bad.

This book is a children's adventure story, and while it contains some relevant facts, it is a fantasy adventure series. In a fantasy children can do many things that in the real world an adult would stop. Situations that are dangerous can be fully explored and the children can take great risk because they can be powerful and intelligent enough to overcome any danger. I am pretty sure, children will not think the events in this story are true or that they should be emulated.

This was a fun book. With the main characters being both a boy and girl, it should appeal to both sexes. A couple of messages within the book about working hard to achieve your goal and that you can be whatever you want if you put your mind and effort behind it as well as standing up for your beliefs and what is right. The one thing I did not like was the way Clara went about correcting her teacher as well as the teacher's antagonistic way in dealing with Clara was a real turn off for me. I do not think it was necessary for the story line.

Overall this is a cute fantasy adventure story of children 8 to 12. I am looking forward to the sequel to see if it continues to entertain. As I read an ARC of this book, I do not know if there are illustrations in the final copy, but I think a few here and there would certainly add to the story and the children's interest.

My son and I read this together and we both enjoyed it very much! It is fun, natural science-y (without being a dull parade of facts) and just plain humourous. Clara and Zeke are believable kids in a strange situation. I think many clever readers will get the jokes about the scientists' names (Dr Hyperbole, anyone?) and look for fun in every aspect of this book. A fun book for voracious dinosaur-lovers!