A review by anniedeereads
Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel by Mary Pope Osborne

5.0

I had just started the Magic Tree House novel set with my six year old when I learned about this new reimagining of an old favorite. As an educator, I'm a huge fan of graphic novels. They captivate my third grade students, providing a bridge between early chapter books and the longer ones they'll encounter in the years to come. They are colorful and engaging, and Dinosaurs Before Dark did not disappoint. The plot remains almost identical to the original, which will thrill parents and educators who remember reading these years ago, but the vibrant colorful illustrations add so much to the story (props to twin sister illustrators (Kelly and Nichole Matthews).

My only critique would be the missed opportunity to add some inclusivity to the novel by not changing Jack and Annie's ethnicity. There is nothing in the original books to hint at their background, and it would have been a wonderful addition to this book to show BIPOC characters.

Kids from 6 to 12 will be thrilled to read this one, and it shouldn't matter if they've read the novel version or not. I can see students who HAVE read the novel version enjoying a more illustrated version, and also kids who have not read the chapter book wanting to after reading this graphic novel. I will be purchasing for my classroom.