Oona Finds an Egg

Gr 1–3—Oona wants a pet more than anything. Unfortunately, her younger brother is allergic to the coveted animal she really wants. Then she makes an amazing discovery, stumbling upon a very special egg. Once it has hatched, the siblings are shocked to discover a baby stegosaurus. Oona and Bruce go head-to-head over possession of the prehistoric pet. Funny and informational, this introductory story to Griffin's new chapter book series offers a modern twist on cave dwellers. The father is a stay-at-home would-be chef, while the mother works at marketing a newfangled contraption called a wheel. The mix of choppy, cave-child dialogue and cartoony illustrations makes for a playful, fast tale to which most modern kids can relate—sibling rivalry, the desire for a pet, the trials and tribulations of school and bullies. Griffin peppers her story with history, setting it in what would now be Colorado. There is an author's note describing the history of the area and the animals featured in the story.