The Tinysaurs

The Tinysaurs by Sally Odgers, illustrated by Adele K Thomas (Scholastic 2026) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781761528576

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

The Tinysaurs are the smallest dinosaurs in the land: living in tunnels, 

foraging for food and hiding out of the way of big stomping feet and swooshing tails. 

Until one day, they discover a hidden entrance to ... the enchanted forest!

From the creators of the best-selling Pearl the Magical Unicorn comes The Tinysaurs, a fantasy adventure for young children ready to graduate from picture books and to immerse themselves in longer texts.

The tinysaurs live in a dark cave because, being so small, they are in constant danger of being accidentally trodden or sat on by the huge dinosaurs. So, early each morning - before the big dinosaurs wake up - the tinysaurs go out along the tunnel with their baskets, to gather their favourite foods.

But on this particular day, they find that the door to the outside has been blocked by a big pile of rocks. They call upon Professaur, the inventor, for help. She reports that it's a cave-in - caused by a landslide - and could take a long time to clear. The tinysaurs are worried they won't be able to get outside to find food. So a plan is made. Professaur will make a rock-moving invention (the Rock-o-Matic), and the others will go back through the tunnels in hopes of finding a new entrance to the outside world.

They search for days - and after going round in circles, arriving at dead ends - and having the glow-worms in their lanterns inconveniently go on strike ...

'We've worked enough,' the glow-worms snapped ... Floomph! The glow-worms put out their lights.

 ... ‎they miraculously stumble upon another door to the outside and find the Enchanted Valley.

It's wonderful,' Ponysaur said again. 'Outside has never been as beautiful as this.'

Sally Odgers's narrative sparkles with imaginative cleverness. I love her idea of having the glow-worms go on strike - adding another level of difficulty to the moment - and another layer of comical cuteness to the story. Kids are bound to fall in love with the four main characters - Ponysaur, Spinysaur, Cheekysaur and Handysaur. (And although a lesser character, I must mention Jigsaur here because this name made me smile.)

They are a good-natured, friendly bunch, and even though there is one who loves causing mischief and playing tricks - a could-be nuisance at times (Cheekysaur) - they just roll with his antics, as they each do for one another, respectfully and in complete acceptance. Such a lovely group dynamic for children to witness and absorb as they read.

The Tinysaurs front cover is as enticing as a sweet-shop window! Its bright, cheerful colours, shiny, raised letters and mini dinosaurs give it instant appeal and will have kids reaching out to grab it. Equally, as they turn the pages, kids will appreciate the large-sized font, the rainbow-highlighted words sprinkled throughout the text, and all the 'resting places'  that Adele K Thomas's adorable illustrations provide.

I have a particular fondness for illustrations depicting the dark - and love the double-page spread where the tinysaurs are in the cave (the glow-worms are on strike), and you just see the whites of their eyes and their silhouettes - such a lovely contrast to all the other more vibrant illustrations. I also love how each new chapter is prefaced by a single-coloured page covered in tinysaur footprints.

Featuring an easy-to-follow story, clear, well-paced text, and an abundance of cute and colourful illustrations - The Tinysaurs delivers all the page-turning elements needed for a newly independent readership; lovable characters, challenges to be faced and overcome, gentle humour, moments of magic and mystery ... and ... an invisible cat! 

Recommended for readers around 5-8 years.