Let’s take trip to the library with Mrs. Baker and her third-grade class. As we all know the library is a space filled with books that can transport our imagination to fantastically places. With the backdrop of the library a group of children embark on a thrilling adventure of discovery through a book filled with extinct dinosaurs. Along with a reluctant reader who dislikes the library, Mrs. Baker and the rest of her students explore various species of dinosaurs that pop off the page into the library causing all the children to run for cover.

There are several aspects of this story that readers will enjoy; the narrative is age appropriate and well balanced between discovery and excitement, keeping young readers engaged throughout the entire story; effective weaving of educational facts about dinosaurs to increase the learning and instructional experience; a familiar environment (school & library) for the school-aged readers to explore the incredible wonders of books through reading and illustrations.

One of the strengths of this story are the illustrations. The illustrator, Octavio Cordova, filled the pages with colorful, vibrant, and intricate detailed images which enhanced the narrative, characters, and especially the dinosaurs to jump off the pages into the readers imagination. These illustrations are an excellent complement to the story’s overall reading experience to assist with aiding in the visual adventure. Cordova’s art work and creativity will entice the most reluctant reader to join in the overall pictorial delight bringing the dinosaurs and the library to life.

The story celebrates the joy of learning, the magic that books contain, the influence of a teacher’s love for her students, and the value of the library and librarians who support the teachers and the students with a myriad of diverse books to explore. I found myself excited to turn the page to see what other types of dinosaurs would pop out of the book that Mrs. Baker was holding. Many of the dinosaur species allow for further exploration after reading this book.

The author, A.G. Allen, use of imaginative narration along with Cordova’s alluring illustrations to exemplify a positive message of the value of reading to spark the imagination of young minds. Caregivers, educators, and librarians can utilize this story to introduce and highlight several entry points to young readers; books, reading, school, teachers, classmates, libraries, librarians, and of course, different species of dinosaurs. There Are Dinosaurs in the Library is a valuable addition to any child’s library.