Cowboys Vs…Dinosaurs?

“Why, those Toad brothers would steal your gold, kiss your cattle, and insult your chili.” This book made me giggle—and that was while reading it all alone. Sharing it with my nieces made it so much more fun.

Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads is a new picture book from Roaring Brook Press. It will be a favorite read-aloud this season. It’s hard not to put on a ridiculous twang:

“Why I bet it were some crazy diney-o-saur what jumped my claim and stole my gold.”

Written by Bob Shea, a veteran comedy writer for both kids and adults, he packs in the jokes for everyone. I enjoyed the little details like how the mayor loves his cumin, to the overall plot: the Toads, a band of outlaws, are terrorizing the old west town of Drywater Gulch. A young boy sheriff, expert on dinosaurs, tricks the outlaws to save the day.

Lane Smith, an award-winning illustrator, stylizes the tale with vintage tones and patterns. The expressions on the outlaws are hilarious, and look for the hidden designs within the landscapes.

When my daughter was young, she was one of those dino-obsessed kids, throwing random facts around, just like the Sheriff in the book:

“A hole this big means one thing- T.rex,” said the Sheriff.
“Or dynamite,” said the Mayor.
“T.rex don’t need no dynamite. Largest predator of the cretaceous period,” said the Sheriff.
“Wow, you’re good,” said the Mayor.

But in this book, those facts will save the town. My niece thought the tortoise part was pretty darn funny. Get Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads, grab a kid (or giggle by yourself), and you’ll understand why.

GeekMom received a copy for review purposes.