If you could imagine the most wondrous shop to visit, especially if you happen to have a passion for the prehistoric, it’s got to be The Dinosaur Department Store! This lovely picture book is written by Lily Murray, who has been writing and editing children’s books for fifteen years and illustrated by Richard Merritt, who has been an illustrator for over ten years. Published yesterday by Buster Books, youngsters are going to fall in love with this fabulously flamboyant story and it is with great pleasure I’m hosting this stop on the blog tour.

The Dinosaur Department Store by Lily Murray and Richard Merritt

Meet Eliza Jane. She wants a pet for her birthday. Not a rabbit or a hamster or a puppy…..a prehistoric pet.  Join Eliza Jane and her parents at the Dinosaur Department Store. What could possibly go wrong?

Eliza Jane is a bit of a madam, driving her parents to distraction with her wilful ways! When she demands a dinosaur for her birthday, they oblige and take her on a tour of the Dinosaur Department Store, courtesy of the rather wonderful Mr Magisaurus. Every kind of dinosaur is on display from rip-roaring raptors to stomping sauropods (I particularly liked the ankylosaurs named Maud and Frank!). As with everything involving Eliza Jane, there’s an unexpected turn of events, causing more than a little upset at the Dinosaur Department Store…..

A fantastic book to read aloud, I can imagine The Dinosaur Department Store fast becoming a bedtime favourite! I thoroughly enjoyed the rhyming narrative, the characterisation of the very cheeky Eliza Jane and her exasperated parents, for whom you feel quite a bit of empathy.

With so much to see in the vibrant illustrations – whether it be dinosaur spotting or looking at the incredible detail in the pictures – it’s no wonder the story comes leaping off the page.

For the many children who are fascinated by dinosaurs this story is a must – and for those less knowledgeable about prehistoric creatures, there’s a helpful selfie-style dinosaur glossary at the back of the book so children can read along using the right dino-pronunciation.  The Dinosaur Department Store is a fun and adventurous tale which is sure to be a hit – make sure you visit soon!

Don’t forget to follow along with the rest of the blog tour:

With thanks to Buster Books for sending me this book to review and inviting me to participate in the blog tour.