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T is for Terrible
I am a dinosaur, otherwise known as a terrible lizard.
I do not know why I am so terrible.
From a Caldecott Medal honoree comes the story of an endearing Tyrannosaurus rex who wonders why he can't be a vegetarian
Tyrannosaurus rex is a terrible dinosaur; of this, everyone is certain. But is this dinosaur really so terrible? He IS very big and very hungry. True, he might even eat his neighbors for lunch. But from his point of view, he can't help it. After all, he's not a vegetarian . . .
T Is for Terrible is the story of an introspective dinosaur. With droll humor in both the text and illustrations, Peter McCarty shows us why dinosaurs are the obsession of children everywhere. His not so terrible. T. rex is one of the most irresistible children's book dinosaurs to appear since the Mesozoic era.
I do not know why I am so terrible.
From a Caldecott Medal honoree comes the story of an endearing Tyrannosaurus rex who wonders why he can't be a vegetarian
Tyrannosaurus rex is a terrible dinosaur; of this, everyone is certain. But is this dinosaur really so terrible? He IS very big and very hungry. True, he might even eat his neighbors for lunch. But from his point of view, he can't help it. After all, he's not a vegetarian . . .
T Is for Terrible is the story of an introspective dinosaur. With droll humor in both the text and illustrations, Peter McCarty shows us why dinosaurs are the obsession of children everywhere. His not so terrible. T. rex is one of the most irresistible children's book dinosaurs to appear since the Mesozoic era.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2004
91 people want to read
About the author
Peter McCarty
36 books57 followersI was born in 1966 in Westport, Connecticut right in the middle of two older brothers and two younger sisters. We kept our mother busy while my father worked long hours at IBM. Most of my childhood was spent in my head. I was usually recreating a battle from World War II or running from dinosaurs in prehistoric times. To this day, I develop characters and environments based on worlds I first created when I was three. I am grateful to my mother who kept us surrounded with art. I come from a long line of artists and my grandmother, Grace Boyd, was the best. She died before I was born, but her fantastic paintings and drawings were all around us.
Since my father worked for IBM, we moved often. I think being on the move during my formative years has been the reason I tend to create books about returning home. By the time I graduated from high school we were living in Boulder, Colorado. At the University of Colorado, I began my long career as a professional student. I first thought I was going to be an engineer so I took all kinds of science and math classes. I enjoyed solving math problems, but I could not see myself working in a lab. Along the way, I continued to draw and create worlds as I always have. My friends and teachers were very supportive. Around the time when I should have been graduating, I decided to start over and go to art school at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I finally graduated from college, in 1992.
One of my illustration teachers, William Low introduced me to Laura Godwin, a children’s book editor at Henry Holt and Company. She gave me my first professional art job to illustrate a little science book, Frozen Man written by David Getz. I worked really hard on that book. Laura was impressed; so I was offered to illustrate a picture book, Night Driving written by John Coy. Again I did the best illustrations I knew how, like my life depended on it. One drawing of a car going over a bridge made my girlfriend cry. She said, “Oh, you can draw.” We were then married in 1995.
Night Driving was first published in 1996 and received praise from critics and won some awards. Laura Godwin then offered me the best of all offers; I could write and illustrate whatever I wanted. Little Bunny on the Move came into my mind after months of searching for a story. Little Bunny on the Move was published in 1999 and won a Best Illustrated Book of the Year from the New York Times. That book established my career and gave me the confidence to continue to write and illustrate the stories from my mind.
Since my father worked for IBM, we moved often. I think being on the move during my formative years has been the reason I tend to create books about returning home. By the time I graduated from high school we were living in Boulder, Colorado. At the University of Colorado, I began my long career as a professional student. I first thought I was going to be an engineer so I took all kinds of science and math classes. I enjoyed solving math problems, but I could not see myself working in a lab. Along the way, I continued to draw and create worlds as I always have. My friends and teachers were very supportive. Around the time when I should have been graduating, I decided to start over and go to art school at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I finally graduated from college, in 1992.
One of my illustration teachers, William Low introduced me to Laura Godwin, a children’s book editor at Henry Holt and Company. She gave me my first professional art job to illustrate a little science book, Frozen Man written by David Getz. I worked really hard on that book. Laura was impressed; so I was offered to illustrate a picture book, Night Driving written by John Coy. Again I did the best illustrations I knew how, like my life depended on it. One drawing of a car going over a bridge made my girlfriend cry. She said, “Oh, you can draw.” We were then married in 1995.
Night Driving was first published in 1996 and received praise from critics and won some awards. Laura Godwin then offered me the best of all offers; I could write and illustrate whatever I wanted. Little Bunny on the Move came into my mind after months of searching for a story. Little Bunny on the Move was published in 1999 and won a Best Illustrated Book of the Year from the New York Times. That book established my career and gave me the confidence to continue to write and illustrate the stories from my mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 11, 2015
Poor Tyrannosaurus doesn't mean to be so terrible.
He can't help it; he's just made that way.
Who can look at those teeny-weeny arms and not fall in love?
(Unless you're one of the poor unfortunates being chased or devoured . . . )
And then there's this:
SQUEEE!
This is a perfect book for a very young dino-lovin' tyke.
He can't help it; he's just made that way.
Who can look at those teeny-weeny arms and not fall in love?
(Unless you're one of the poor unfortunates being chased or devoured . . . )
And then there's this:
SQUEEE!
This is a perfect book for a very young dino-lovin' tyke.
March 5, 2013
Cuddly dinosaur wonders why he is considered terrible for doing what he was built to do: Which is eat everyone in sight.
Is it serial killer apologia or a story of self-acceptance?
YOU DECIDE.
Is it serial killer apologia or a story of self-acceptance?
YOU DECIDE.
October 17, 2021
"Would I be so terrible if I were pink? or blue?"
Gender of the day: TERRIBLE
Gender of the day: TERRIBLE
March 5, 2010
A Tyrannosaurus Rex asks why he is so terrible when he can't help things like "crushing little flowers when I step" or "growing so enormous and so enormously hungry". The innocent text is accompanied by similarly soft watercolors ("would I be so terrible if I were pink" is so adorable that my mother answered aloud "No" when she saw it). My little one even roars when we get to the page where he announces "But I am Tyrannosaurus Rex and I do not eat trees" and is shown to hungrily chase the other animals. Of course, this book should really be called T is for Toddler since many parents will sympathize with the lack of manners, control, or motor coordination that T-rex himself laments.
March 10, 2010
I forgot about this one (for it sooo old) 2004 wink,wink! I rediscovered it because Erin is crazy about the mighty Trex. Jamil was thumbing thru a copy in my office and commented on how cool it is ..... he too liked the concept would a Trex be so terrible if it were PINK?! This is a refreshing dino books for it introduces an altered reality, "what if Trex wasn't so terrible?" It does have a theme of self acceptance and identity. My favorite line is "I cannot help that I step on little flowes when I walk." This author is a Caldecott Honor winner for Hondo and Fabian which has a similar illustration style.
October 6, 2011
This is *such* a sweet story! My niece and I love T is for Terrible! And we love the pictures! My niece reminded me of this story today after we read Fabian Escapes. After reading that book she said, "Amy, I think the person who wrote this also wrote T is for Terrible. The pictures look really similar." She's sure correct, and I'm so happy that she reminded me about T is for Terrible!
June 30, 2018
The illustrations are okay, fun and kinda cute. The ending wasn't quite what anyone was expecting. It was cute but just lacking. My youngest at the end just blinked a few times and asked if that was it.
March 15, 2021
Tyrannosaurus Rex doesn’t understand why he is so terrible. He’s much like others; hatched from an egg, raised by his mother. He can’t help that he’s so hungry. He’d be a vegetarian if he could. He can’t help that he’s so terrible.
Teaching points: OG phonics, POV-1st person, empathy, character analysis
Suggested grade level: K-1
Location:
LES library
Epic! Books for Kids (audiobook)
Related reads:
Misunderstood Shark series by Ame Dyckman
How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners? by Jane Yolen
The Bad Guys: Episode 1 series by Aaron Blabey
Teaching points: OG phonics, POV-1st person, empathy, character analysis
Suggested grade level: K-1
Location:
LES library
Epic! Books for Kids (audiobook)
Related reads:
Misunderstood Shark series by Ame Dyckman
How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners? by Jane Yolen
The Bad Guys: Episode 1 series by Aaron Blabey
November 20, 2019
In McCarty's "T is for Terrible", a lonely dinosaur, who is also known as the "terrible lizard" is sad, because he can't help who he is. He can't help that he is big, and scary, and eats meat. It's who he is. But everyone thinks he is terrible, and casts him out. I was heart broken when I read this book. The dinosaur is so cute, how could you not love that big head and tiny little arms? The most important underlying theme in this book is discrimination. It's important for students to understand that oftentimes, the people we mistreat or cast out are being judged by traits that they cannot help or change about themselves. This book could be used with younger students at a time when they might not be accepting of one another, or might be mistreating each other due to differences they cannot help, such as their race, culture, or physical appearance. Having students who understand and appreciate the differences in one another can improve the classroom environment tenfold. The illustrations very much so help along the story, enhancing the sadness we feel for the t-rex when we see sadness written all over his face as the other dinosaurs run away from him.
March 21, 2019
Normally, I am SUPER picky about children's books as most of them today have poorly drawn art and dumbed down storylines, but the artwork in this was SO irresistibly cute that I immediately fell in love with it. I honestly think I would get this book more for me than for my kids because I just could not stop fawning over this book.
February 12, 2020
I'll be the first to admit my rating is slightly unfair, but I stand by choosing to rate on an enjoyment basis (within the context of a particular format/genre). I've seen so many "I can't help that I'm big and scary" type picture books, and this just didn't add anything too special. Saying that, this one probably came before most if not all of the ones I've read thus far.
May 24, 2023
Self-acceptance can help us all.
Renewing it periodically, self-acceptance can help us to make the most of the lives we've got.
I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if some of Tyrannosaurus Rex's self-acceptance can rub off on readers, and also those who read this picture book to readers.
In celebration, FIVE STARS!
Renewing it periodically, self-acceptance can help us to make the most of the lives we've got.
I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if some of Tyrannosaurus Rex's self-acceptance can rub off on readers, and also those who read this picture book to readers.
In celebration, FIVE STARS!
August 18, 2017
I think my heart broke for this poor T-Rex. He can't help that he is what he is, he just is. Obviously, McCarty's illustrations are beautiful, and the expression in the dinosaur's face is absolutely endearing.
June 13, 2018
Cute story about T-Rex aka terrible lizard, who doesn't know why he's so terrible. Simple text, cute pictures. Not crazy about the ending, seems a little....I don't know, not quite right. Kind of a bummer ending. Other than that I love this. 3+
February 6, 2019
The illustrations are really soft and mild, not what one might expect of a book with a T-Rex as the protagonist. The story is simple and sweet, but I was left at the end wondering if that's all there was. Just okay, this one didn't wow me.
May 13, 2019
My grandson loved this week little book, where a great big T-Rex tries to explain why he is so very big and terrible. The pictures are lovely. This is a great book for any little one who loves dinosaurs.
September 23, 2019
Tyrannosaurus Rex explains to the reader why he's the way that he is. Although his name means terrible lizard, he's not terrible. He was born from an egg like all dinosaurs, but he can't help it that he grew large, and is not a vegetarian.
May 12, 2020
T Rex apologizes for being so terrible...he just can’t help it. My kids enjoyed it, but we all felt it was a little short. “That’s it?!” exclaimed my four year old on the final page. Pictures are cute and my kids enjoyed spotting the other dinosaurs and creatures.
February 26, 2017
Cute illustrations but not a very satisfying ending
June 14, 2017
He can't help that he's so big and so hungry …
January 13, 2018
So so CUTE! And the soft illustrations in graphite, plus the t-rex neck head...love
January 23, 2018
Illustrations were decent but not much story here.
March 8, 2018
Poor widdle baby t-rex with his widdle baby armsies. He can't help it that he's a terrifying carnivore.
Goodness. Kiddos loved it!
Goodness. Kiddos loved it!
July 23, 2018
This book was kind of weird, but also adorable, so I loved it.
December 18, 2018
This is pretty funny with the T-Rex pointing out that he can't help that he eats meat and not plants.
September 4, 2021
Cute story, but the illustrations are incredible.
January 30, 2022
N is for Not-Too-Bad. I was disappointed in the ending. The boys love it, though.
February 19, 2017
Baby T-rex, T is for terrible, introduces himself.
June 16, 2015
(Maybe 4.5) Lil' Tyrannosaurus Rex is literally a terrible lizard (a.k.a. dinosaur), but he insists he's just misunderstood. He might be a carnivore, but he's not SO terrible.
When The Wife and I were first dating she picked this up at a bookstore because she loved it so. I finally took a few minutes to read it and thought it was funny and charming. The illustrations are great, and it made me laugh out loud a couple of times (I love children's books). As far as text goes, I'm pretty sure this review is already longer than the book itself. The only thing that kept me from giving this five stars is that I wished it had just a little bit more story. It kind of just... ends. And it's kind of a sad ending! Poor unresolved life of his. Perhaps that's a fitting fate for a T-Rex.
Also, I couldn't help but wonder if the author had a subtle agenda with the simple message of the story, but I don't want to think he did (though other reviews on here indicate otherwise). It could have various meanings, really.
This book has really great illustrations and is pretty funny. A little more story might have been nice, even for a children's book, but it was fun. I like reading things that I can look forward to reading to my future kids one day.
When The Wife and I were first dating she picked this up at a bookstore because she loved it so. I finally took a few minutes to read it and thought it was funny and charming. The illustrations are great, and it made me laugh out loud a couple of times (I love children's books). As far as text goes, I'm pretty sure this review is already longer than the book itself. The only thing that kept me from giving this five stars is that I wished it had just a little bit more story. It kind of just... ends. And it's kind of a sad ending! Poor unresolved life of his. Perhaps that's a fitting fate for a T-Rex.
Also, I couldn't help but wonder if the author had a subtle agenda with the simple message of the story, but I don't want to think he did (though other reviews on here indicate otherwise). It could have various meanings, really.
This book has really great illustrations and is pretty funny. A little more story might have been nice, even for a children's book, but it was fun. I like reading things that I can look forward to reading to my future kids one day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews