cover image Ally-saurus & the Very Bossy Monster

Ally-saurus & the Very Bossy Monster

Richard Torrey. Sterling, $16.95 (40p) ISBN 978-1-4549-2123-3

Ally still loves dinosaurs in this follow-up to Ally-saurus & the First Day of School, and Torrey again outfits her with a pink-outlined tail and spikes—all the better for her to live out her imaginary double life as Ally-saurus. Her friend Kai’s purple top hat and tuxedo similarly reflect his dreams of being a star dancer, but the children’s patience is tested by new neighbor Maddie, who insists on everything being done her way: “If you’re going to play monsters, you have to follow the rules!” (Torrey draws Maddie as a green “queen monster,” a role she seems born to play.) But Ally-saurus’s big roar proves effective in democratizing the children’s playtime: it’s a story that advocates for defending one’s passions and running wild with them. Ages 3–6. [em]Agent: Ronnie Ann Herman, Herman Agency. (Aug.) [/em]