How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?

Dinos once again turn out to be excellent role models in this nicely-animated adaptation of Jane Yolen's 2005 picture book How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? (see review of How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? in VL-11/02), featuring illustrations by Mark Teague. Author Yolen reprises her role as narrator (authors as narrators are a mixed bag, but Yolen is excellent) for this dining-manners primer that asks whether a dino would “belch,” or “fidget or squirm in his chair,” or “bubble his milk,” or “stick beans up his nose,” or a myriad of other unsavory eating habits. Although we see examples of kids and dinos doing all of these questionable activities (and more: playing with spaghetti, throwing a cup, spitting out broccoli “partially chewed”), viewers are later told that dinos actually say “please and thank you,” sit very still, try every new food (at least one small bite), and never drop anything on the floor. Featuring solid animation, a fine light and jazzy score by Jon Carroll, and Yolen's winsome narration, this fun sequel is definitely recommended. Aud: K, P. (R. Pitman)