What Others Say about the Books, 'Old T-Rex' and 'Big Woolly Mammoth'
"Big Woolly Mammoth and Old T-Rex are two creative non-fiction gems.
These colourful and engaging books will appeal to curious kids
keen to travel back in time and explore our natural history."
Above are the concluding remarks in a New Zealand Booklovers review.
Scroll right down to see the full review by Rebekah Lyell.
Read what others say and think about the children's books, Old T-Rex and Big Woolly Mammoth.
Discover why these appealing and fun stories are also very educational books.
“I was excited to buy these books. Geoff brings a different take to these subjects,
making them accessible and memorable for children. The informative and engaging
text is perfectly complemented by Ned's detailed and powerful illustrations.”
Yvonne Hall, Sumner School Librarian, Christchurch, New Zealand.
“My Mum gave these to my kids last year and they absolutely LOVE them. Fantastic stories with incredible drawings … well done.”
Emma Stead posted on Facebook.
"I've read a lot of children's books over the years, and these books are truly wonderful.
I thought the balance between story-line and information was perfect.
We used these books as a springboard to venture further into these fascinating time periods.
In addition, my 5-year-old daughter and I really enjoyed the crisp and colourful illustrations."
Mrs Jeffreys, Teacher of Geography & Mum of 2, Cambridge, UK.
"The Old T-Rex is a fantastic book with lovely illustrations.
The story is fun and features lots of interesting dinosaur facts.
It's a must for young dinosaur fans and we're very proud to sell them in our dinosaur gift shop".
Ian at Dinosaur House.
Cheryl Fraser, Librarian, Tua Marina School, Marlborough, NZ.
“These are fantastic books!
I have placed your books in our lovely little library
and most definitely, the 5
years through to 8 years seem to be liking them.
They are very child friendly."
Comments from pupils in this class at Somerfield School in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Sam - I enjoyed the interesting facts that were included in the stories.
I especially liked the back of the book where there were lots of interesting facts about the dinosaurs. - Oakley
Flo - I liked how in the story, the first and last pages were repeated.
It was good how he used rhyming words, because it made the story more fun to read. - Willa
Boston - The stories came alive because of the way he used lots of describing words that made themmore exciting to read.
"I am a retired bookseller, and I was impressed with these books of Geoff's.
I would have had no hesitation in supporting Geoff by stocking these books in my shop.
His prose is quirky and good fun, with the added advantage of being educational.
A job well done." Peter Rigg
(Peter was the previous owner of Page & Blackmore, and winner of the Nielsen Award for New Zealand Bookshop of the Year.)
Rinke lives in Kamiōoka, Japan
She has both Old T-Rex and Big Woolly Mammoth.
When asked what she liked the best about them, she said,
"I like many pages, but these ones are most
interesting and not scary at all."
This photo says it all!
It made Hunter's day when he received a NZ Post
courier bag that was addressed to him.
He loves the books and was so very excited to read them
... again and again!
Hunter's Mum, Rotorua, New Zealand
"I really like that there are other dinosaurs
in the pictures too.
I have a tooth of a Mosasaurus.
The Woolly Mammoth looks fun, I like the drawings!"
From Nico who lives in Takarazuka, Japan
Geoff and Old T-Rex would love to get your feedback as well.
You can send your helpful feedback now about the website, or these books.
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The image on the left is a screenshot taken from the NZ Booklovers website.
Below is an easier to read version of this review.
Young readers can take a trip back to
the time of the Ice Age or the Cretaceous period in these two books by
retired teacher turned author Geoff Gudsell.
Using two of the most well-known creatures of those times - a mammoth and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Gudsell has created a short rhyming story about the features of both of these beasts.
While rhyme is so often over-used in children's books, often to the detriment of the story, Gudsell doesn't 'over cook' it. Reading it, it is instantly obvious Gudsell has drawn on his years of teaching to make these books that will appeal to younger readers. The rhyme isn't too much of a stretch, while also imparting some fun facts. He also uses some great humour - do you think T-Rex ever had nightmares about his demise, did mammoths go ice skating? - that will keep little listeners engaged and inspire them to ask their own questions.
The story is really only just the start though. Gudsell switches to make these books useable resources. The back pages are packed full of facts and figures on not just the main character, but the time they were alive and other creatures you might have found.
Old T-Rex for example includes information not only about the tyrant lizard king, but about dinosaurs in general, the Mesozoic era, the Cretaceous era, where dinosaurs lived, how they died, and detailed information on 12 other amazing creatures that were living about the same time as T-Rex.
This additional resource, of which Big Woolly Mammoth replicates, is a veritable treasure trove of information for curious readers.
Illustrator Ned Barraud could not be a more perfect match for the book. Barraud already has a number of non-fiction books under his belt, many of which revolve around the natural world. His illustrations are clear and detailed but somehow full of emotion (the T-Rex licking his chops a particular favourite).
Big Woolly Mammoth and Old T-Rex are two creative non-fiction gems. These colourful and engaging books will appeal to curious kids keen to travel back in time and explore our natural history.
Reviewed by Rebekah Lyell
