While this book seems to be about show and tell, it is really about so much more…Sometimes we could all use a little reminder that being true to ourselves is the best way to live.” —Books My Kids Read
“This book was adorable…I love the message of being yourself.” —A Rup Life
“Wonderful! A blast to read aloud and act out. But the message that being yourself is always the best way to face new experiences is the best part, and brought the plot full-circle beautifully…A fantastic follow-up, yet stands on its own as a wonderful lesson in being oneself.” —Baby Bookworm
“With the first day of school fast approaching, children will easily be able to relate to Dexter’s anxiety. What a good lesson to reinforce with children—take pride in yourself and your talents!” —Beagles and Books
“Ward’s illustrations, made with printmaking ink, colored pencil, and cut paper, wonderfully capture Dexter’s every emotion and over-the-top ideas.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A sweetly amusing and fun picture book with a wonderful message about friendship, first day nerves, and the power of just being oneself. A fun interactive experience.” —Word Spelunking
“Ward again captures the inner emotional world of a young child and presents it in a very relatable manner.” —KidLit Frenzy
“Perfect for budding readers and new and emergent readers. I loved it so much and I cannot wait to give this book to my school’s kindergarten teacher.” —Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews
“I love that this book shows that it’s okay to be scared, and that being yourself is the best thing you can be. Your kids will love it.” —Christy’s Cozy Corners
“Since Dexter is speaking right to the reader, this invites energetic responses to Dexter’s worries, making this a fun choice for storytime.” —proseandkahn
“Dexter is positively lovable and the brightly colored illustrations really bring the story to life. The book has something funny on almost every page…Highly recommended!” —Booking Mama
“Dexter’s bright color and body postures make him awkward and lovable, and his empowering Dexter Dino chant gets an entire room up and stomping, making this PERFECT for storytimes.” —Mom Read It
“This amusing story is not only an entertaining read aloud, it is also a fantastic way to introduce the concept of Show and Tell in schools.” —Library Mom
“Dexter's voice is one of a kind…Students will also love rereading this.” —Unleashing Readers
“Dexter is hilarious and this book is the perfect read-aloud book for a library storytime, classroom circle time, or snuggle time on the couch. It is one kids will want to read over and over again.” —Sincerely Stacey
“I don’t think a preschool library is complete without this fun and sweet book!” —Where Imagination Grows
“You will get no spoilers from me, but I will tell you that readers will be happy with the ending. This book offers young readers an opportunity to explore feelings such as worry or anxiety. It would lend itself to meaningful discussions.” —The Late Bloomer’s Book Blog
“I love books with important messages for children and this one has that…The best part about this book is that it really shows children the importance of being themselves and how that is good enough.” —Youth Services Book Review
06/04/2018
In his second outing, Dexter, a toothy, orange dinosaur toy, is freaking out about show-and-tell day at his owner, Jack’s, school. Dexter’s anxiety peaks—with psychosomatic symptoms such as “tummyache” and “clammy claws”—as he questions his self-worth: “What if Jack doesn’t think I’m cool enough for Show and Tell anymore?” Happily, Dexter nails it by just being himself. Ward’s gentle art features cut-paper forms with residual pencil outlines, providing an ad hoc quality to the spreads. Readers prone to anxiety over big events should be tickled by the idea that a toy has concerns too. Ages 3–7. (July)
2018-05-14
Dexter is as anxious as in his debut, Don't Forget Dexter! (2017), and he's worked himself into a frenzy over the fact that Jack's show-and-tell day is tomorrow. The orange T. Rex toy is beside himself with excitement and has been preparing for weeks. But then the nerves set in, fears that will be familiar to many a child: "What if no one likes me?" What cool talent could he possibly show off? What if Jack chooses to take someone else instead? Dexter regularly breaks the fourth wall to address readers, responding to their implied criticisms. Regarding the bunny costume: "I know it's a little tight, but…Really? Not even the cute fluffy tail?" Discarded costumes and possible talents mount up, Dexter's panic increasing exponentially until a double-page spread "TOTAL FREAKOUT!" leads to the suggestion (from readers, of course) that he just go as himself. The final two spreads portray his show-and-tell debut and its aftermath, but after the extensive lead-up, the finale seems too brief. Ward's illustrations, made with printmaking ink, colored pencil, and cut paper, wonderfully capture Dexter's every emotion and over-the-top ideas. Dexter's owner, Jack, a black boy, appears only at the beginning and end, the dino's outsized personality taking up all the space in between. In this sequel, Dexter's still funny, but he is in danger of becoming a one-note joke. (Picture book. 4-7)
