Angel Draws a Dinosaur

A budding artist’s efforts to draw “the best dinosaur ever” yield a lesson about embracing imperfection in Giron’s upbeat story, which underscores persistence and creativity as antidotes to perfectionism. The protagonist’s grand ambitions provide an opening frame, with Angel declaring that he’ll create an “absolute masterpiece” that will “hang on museum walls.” But after attempts to draw different dinos fail to achieve his mental vision, Angel throws up his hands in frustration. Quick comfort comes from his two moms’ snuggles and shared wisdom, and when Mom likens the drawings to fossils, the comment provides Angel the inspiration he needs to assemble a work that satisfies. Bold pinks, purples, and oranges lend gouache and colored pencil scenes an energy that aptly conveys the story’s emotional arc—from opening excitement to disappointment to closing pride. The family is portrayed with brown skin. Ages 4–8. (June)