T. Rex dinosaur Tiny’s best friend, a stegosaurus named Pointy, is feeling sad and Tiny would like to comfort him, but because he has short arms, he finds it impossible to hug his salmon-colored buddy. And so he seeks hugging advice in this animated adaptation of Jonathan Stutzman’s picture book, illustrated by Jay Fleck.
Tiny’s father says T. Rexes are thinkers and not huggers and he devises a formula for happiness that Tiny soon dismisses. His Auntie Junip does yoga poses and says balance and fresh cucumber juice might be the key, while Tiny’s mother merely confirms that he is good at many things and braver than most.
Tiny’s siblings enjoying a game of ping pong say he needs to practice so Tiny tries hugging books, cacti (not a good idea), ice cream cones, and a tree that is really a flying creature that picks up Tiny and drops him directly on Pointy’s head, allowing him to sweetly hug his best friend.
A cast of narrators lead by Ron Butler gives voice to the dinosaurs and Jay Fleck’s brightly colored block-like illustrations and sprightly background music will capture young viewers, especially dinosaur fans. This sweet story entertains while subtly offering a message of compassion and friendship. Recommended. Aud: K.