The Three Triceratops Tuff

PreS-Gr 2—This unnecessary retelling of "Three Billy Goats Gruff" features dinosaurs in the starring roles. Three brothers, Stanley, Rufus, and Bob (he's the big one) set out to cross a valley in search of some grub. But at the bottom of the valley stands a ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex who would rather eat them. He lets the first two pass in anticipation of a bigger dinner. Bob, of course, beats off the T. rex and dinner is served for the triceratops family and all the other friendly neighborhood dinos. The formulaic text holds no surprises and is accompanied by chunky-looking pastel dinosaurs against a stubbly pale blue, yellow, and green background. Stanley and Rufus are goofy-looking while big Bob looks like the fierce protector. T. rex is cartoon scary with all those pointy teeth, but nothing that is likely to alarm young readers. With so many other, better versions of the classic story, this one is strictly for kids who can't get enough prehistoric beasties.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT