Picture Books: EDWINA THE DINOSAUR WHO DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS EXTINCT

Bibliography

Willems, Mo. 2006. Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct. Ill. By Mo Willems. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0-7868-3748-9



Plot Summary

Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie, a smart elementary student, grows increasingly exasperated that the citizens of his town refuse to acknowledge that their beloved dinosaur, Edwina, is extinct. After several elaborate attempts to persuade the townspeople, he attempts to enlighten Edwina personally. Reginald convinces her she is indeed extinct, but realizes he has missed knowing Edwina herself.



Critical Analysis

Many readers will be able to identify someone they know like Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie. He is serious. He is accurate. He is rather grumpy. Still, he is real, and grows more likable as his character develops. The writing in lively and engaging. After Reginal convinces Edwina that she is extinct, you hesitate to turn the page. Will the helpful, cookie-baking dinosaur be gone?

From the illustrations, one may glean a deeper understanding of the characters. Willems' cartoon-like drawing excels at conveying emotion. Readers are able to see Edwina's sweetness through Willems' renderings, from her facial expressions to the way her pink polished claws clasp her pocket book, as well as through her actions. Many pages feature multiple, black-and-white illustrations that indicate passage of time and enrich the tale. The final page, which contains no text, reveals the friendship developing between the two characters.

I enjoyed sharing this book with my toddler; it is just a fun story. She asked for "Edwina" several nights in a row, and even began to fill in parts of the text, gleefully shouting, "Edwina was shocked!" The illustrations appealed to her, and she pointed out details that I did not notice.


Review Excerpts

Horn Book : "Superior, well above average."

Kirkus Reviews: "The just-right resolution is a tribute to the child's rock-solid faith in how the world should be, not how it really is."




Connections

Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct could be incorporated into a lesson on respecting others for "who" they are instead of "what" they can be labeled.

Poetry Connections:

Collection of dinosaur poems: http://www.tooter4kids.com/DinosaurIndex/dinosaur_poems.htm