Dinosaur Woods: Can Seven Clever Critters Save Their Forest Home?
When seven quirkywoodland animals discover that their forest home is going to be leveled to build a factory, quick-thinking Rojo the fox hatches a plan to save their habitat. He constructs a giant mechanical dinosaur using sticks, vines, and “borrowed” burlap, and the appearance of his prehistoric creature not only stops construction of the factory but attracts scientists and reporters from around the world. A mishap soon exposes the friends working the controls of the beast, which creates even more of a stir because the unwitting animals are revealed to be members of rare, endangered species. McClements’ cartoonlike collage illustration has a rough-hewn quality evocative of recycled materials that is in line with the story’s ecological focus. Although the book’s breezy premise feels a bit slight, its playful, comedic appeal and themes of friendship, cooperation, and the value of being yourself will resonate with young readers. Preschool-Grade 1. --Kristen McKulski