This week, I am reviewing a short story from the book Danny and the Dinosaur Storybook Collection. This book was written and illustrated by Syd Hoff. It is the first story in the book and is entitled —

“Danny and the Dinosaur”
Danny loves dinosaurs. A trip to the museum gives him the opportunity to not only see a dinosaur, but to actually meet, greet, and befriend a dinosaur.

The dinosaur offers Danny a ride and together they leave the museum to set off on an adventure. They first meet a policeman who is extremely surprised because he has never seen a dinosaur stop for a red light. As their walk continues, Danny helps the dinosaur navigate clothes lines, dogs, and buildings. They offer passersby a ride on the dinosaur’s tail and use the dinosaur’s back as a bridge to avoid traffic. Pedestrians with packages are offered a carry on service.

They say goodbye to their riders, and visit a baseball game, swim in the river, and eat ice cream. However, a trip to the zoo turns sour after the head zoo keeper asks them to leave. He is upset because everyone wants to see the dinosaur rather than the other animals.

After sadly leaving the zoo, Danny decides to cheer the dinosaur up by introducing him to his friends. Danny’s friends are delighted with the dinosaur. Together, they teach the dinosaur to play hide and seek. The dinosaur is not very good at finding or hiding. However, the game ends on a happy note after the children pretend they can't find the dinosaur. After the game, it is time for Danny’s friends to say goodbye.

Danny and the dinosaur are alone and once again things turn sour. The dinosaur tells Danny he must say goodbye. Danny asks him to come home with him. The dinosaur answers no.

Will Danny ever see his new friend again? You will have to find out by reading the rest of the story yourself.

The illustrations are bright and playful, and the writing is easy to read and also can help teach new words.

The complete list of stories in this collection:
“Danny and the Dinosaur”
“Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur”
“Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp”
“Danny and the Dinosaur and the New Puppy”
“Danny and the Dinosaur: Too Tall”

Review Information:

Title: Danny and the Dinosaur Storybook Collection

By: Syd Hoff

ISBN: 978-0-06-247070-6

Copyright: 2016

Publisher: Harper — An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Author Information: Syd Hoff, Cartoonist and Author, 9/4/1912 to 5/12/2004

Review Copy Note: — The copy of Danny and the Dinosaur Storybook Collection I used for this review was borrowed from my local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library system in Columbus, Ohio.

I will continue to search for children’s short story collections to share with you. Please post any titles that you may know of in our Short Stories Forum. You can also post your questions and comments.