The T-Rex and his two little human companions, whose previous adventures are chronicled in Tea Rex and Camp Rex, return in this third picture-book, this time heading to the beach for some fun in the sun. The simple narrative gives instructions on the proper way to comport oneself at the shore - putting on sunscreen, waiting to take a dip after eating, swimming with a partner - while the artwork captures all the fun that dinosaurs and children have together.

Although Sea Rex is the third book about this genial T-Rex and his human friends, it is only the second I have read, not being currently able to track down the second title, Camp Rex. I enjoyed it as much as the first (Tea Rex), and thought the faux-instructional narrative worked particularly well when contrasted with the more zany illustrations. The artwork, as is always the case with Molly Idle's books, is really lovely, cute but also beautiful (the two are not always the same thing). Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed the earlier Tea Rex books, and to anyone searching for entertaining seashore adventures for the picture-book set. ( )

library copy ( )

Overall I liked the book Sea Rex but I had mixed feelings for one reason. I liked that the book was told in second person, with terms like you and everybody. For example, “you never know what treasures you may find” uses the word you twice. I had mixed feelings about how much the text relied on the illustrations for clarification. For instance, it is never explicitly stated who the characters are, this is something the reader learns from the illustration. When the author writes “use plenty of sunscreen” the reader has to also look at the illustration to understand the real meaning and humor behind it. The big idea here is that you can enjoy anywhere life takes you as long as you have your friends. ( )

I truly enjoyed this book by Molly Idle! I have seen other stories from her “Rex” collection and have always wanted to read one, and I am so glad I finally did! This book appealed me for three specific reasons: the characters, the illustrations, and the plot.

One of the main reasons why I enjoy the characters and illustrations so much is because of the way they carry the story. The whimsicalness of the expressions each character makes adds a special element to the text. For example, I loved seeing all of the little girl’s expressions during the beach activities because while her brother and the dinosaur were enjoying themselves, she was a little distressed. Without the illustrations, the reader would not know this and would be left without such a beneficial enhancement to the text. The other characters also added fun elements to the tale. The dinosaur being with the children created a fun environment for the reader. For example, when the dinosaur dived into the pool, it was fun seeing the aftermath of the water.

The text itself was very simple, which eased the plot into an easy to follow tale of three friends enjoying a day at the beach. I really like the transition of the little girl, where she starts the day by having a not-so-fun time, but with the help of her friends she is able to end the day happy while having a blast. I love the main idea that this book lends itself to the reader- that with the help of your friends, any troubles or hardships can transform into a day at the beach. ( )

Dinosaurs frolic at the beach. ( )