Pup and Dragon: How to Catch a Dinosaur

by Alice Walstead, Paul Gill (Illustrator)

From the creators of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series comes a new exhilarating graphic novel adventure! Pup has boundless energy and endless optimism; Dragon is cool and thoughtful but always up for adventure...together, they are best friends who are always there for one another. It's time for the science fair, and Pup and Dragon have hatched a plan to help the kids win the first They'll catch a REAL dinosaur! Bursting with colorful art and hilarious text, Pup and How to Catch a Dinosaur is sure to appeal to How to Catch lovers and new young readers alike. More Pup and Dragon

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Dinosaurs, Juvenile

64 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Diana N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so great seeing Pup and Dragon thinking of ideas on how to catch a dinosaur in so many different ways. So many ideas didn't work the way they thought it would. Maybe a dinosaur for the science fair wasn't needed after all. How about one of pup and dragon's catching ideas as the project?

My 3rd grader (she helped with this review) thought this book was super silly, but pup and dragon were creative too. This book teaches kids to think out side of the box. The bright colorful pictures and fun characters lure the reader in. A wonderful book for kids and a good addition to the series.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Kids and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Pam]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
Pup and Dragon are back for more adventures. This time they attempt to help the kids catch a dinosaur for the Science Fair. Readers will enjoy the antics and appreciate the humor. The artwork is fun to study - don't miss the dinosaur hiding on each page spread. The details offer further information to support the story. A quick read for lower to mid elementary levels.
Walstead is a master of this style and the graphic novels are a fun new direction.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Pup and Dragon: How to Catch a Dinosaur. By Alice Walstead with illustrations by Paul Gill is a graphic novel for young children.

Energetic Pup and his more thoughtful friend Dragon decide to help their kid friends win the school science fair. Pup’s plan is to catch a dinosaur, which Dragon reluctantly agrees to. What follows are a series of funny attempts by these two friends.

It all plays out like a gag filled cartoon. Long on silliness and short on substance. The art is good and the panels are easy to read and follow.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the popular How to Catch series that features best friends Pup and Dragon. Pup has lots of energy and a 'can do!' attitude and wee Dragon is patient and thoughtful as he allows Pup to explore his harebrained ideas about how to catch the latest creature.

The series shows how it's okay to try new ideas, make mistakes and forgive each other's blunders. Kids will enjoy the 'how to draw' activity at the back of each book and adults will enjoy tidbits of humour.

These books, with bright and colourful illustrations, are a good pick for young readers who aren't quite ready to transition from picture books to chapter books. They're a nice intro into graphic novels which provide visual cues that will help kids build reading confidence.

How to Catch a Dinosaur: This book will put a smile on many small faces with the antics of Pup and Dragon as the duo, upon seeing a poster for a science fair, decide to catch a dinosaur to help their friends with their science project.

What could go wrong? Umm, everything! Pup has many zany ideas that end in disaster and incidentally mess up their friends' plans. Dragon, the more levelheaded of the two, tries to guide Pup to better choices. After a few accidents and run-ins with slime, cages, pits and chicken suits, they figure things out. Young readers will enjoy pointing out glimpses of the dino before each page turn and the learn to draw the robot character in the back of the book.

Disclaimer: Sincere thanks to Sourcebooks Wonderland for the complimentary copies of these book which were provided in exchange for my honest review.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received this graphic novel from Sourcebooks as a Little Free Library giveaway, but that in no way affected this review.

As a general rule, I don't read graphic novels, but I decided to check out the book since I received it in a LFL giveaway from the publisher. It has great graphics and I enjoyed the story of Pup and Dragon who are trying to catch a dinosaur for the kids' science project. Pup's great plans never quite work out despite everything. As Robert Burns said, "the best laid plans o' mice and men, gang aft agley."

The story is cute, has a happy ending, and even shows how to draw a robot. Part of a series of books also featuring Pup and Dragon (and total mayhem).

Now the book has been placed in Little Free Library #128352 (filled with Children's Books) for another reader, preferably a child who enjoys comics. @sourcebookskids

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pup and Dragon are friends who like adventure and get themselves into some messes along the way. This is an adorable graphic novel for younger students and readers who new to English as the characters are engaging and the format allows use of picture clues to understand the story. I loved the bright illustrations. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read it virtually!

I am adding this series to my collection as graphic novels for new readers are always in demand!

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I read a digital advanced copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley.
Pup and Dragon notice a poster for an upcoming science fair and decide to help their human friends catch a dinosaur! After many accidents on Pup's part and some terrible plans, they decide on an even better plan that will make their friends successful at the science fair. Pup and Dragon are well balanced friends and readers will appreciate their antics.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun, younger graphic novel. It’s about second third grade reading level. Pup and Dragon always have the best heart. Their antics are realistic and fun as well as being outlandish at the same time. They are always looking out for each other and that’s part of what makes this book series special.

[Aleisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel is humorous and quirky. It is an excellent installment of the Pup and Dragon series. This is an easy and quick read for younger kids transitioning out of picture books, but not quite ready for chapter books. This is an enjoyable book for parents as well..

[Rachel Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pup and Dragon are determined to catch a dinosaur. But dinosaurs are very hard to catch! Kids will enjoy their disastrous plans and humorous dinosaur-catching antics. This series is perfect for students to build confidence while transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

[Deirdre Lohrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this from Good Reads Giveaways and I absolutely loved this graphic novel. I had to read it twice because it goes with the 'How to Catch" children picture book series. I look forward to other adventures with Pup and Dragon.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little book. I am sure my “grands” will enjoy it along with the activities that go with it. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Alex Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A silly, funny adventure with Pup and Dragon! Thanks Goodreads for the ARC giveaway!

[Lisa Lemelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pup and dragon have big plans to help the kids catch a dinosaur for the school science fair, but things didnt turn out the way they expected
Will they catch the Dino after all? Read to find out

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pup and Dragon are at it again. This time they are determined to help the kids win first place in the science fair by catching a dinosaur. Although Pup and Dragon come close several times, alas, instead they mess up several of the traps the kids have set up. Fortunately it all ends well. A high energy and entertaining graphic novel for younger readers!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun addition to the Pup and Dragon series but that can stand alone. The artwork is bright and colourful, and the story capitalizes on the interest that most kids in the demographic have with dinosaurs. And the whole elusive nature of dinosaurs.

I did feel like the book forced the mysterious element a bit, having Pub and Dragon constantly trying to catch the extinct beast. And I guess the idea that a dinosaur existed in their reality made me scratch my head - I'm not scratching my head over the dragon aspect though so maybe that's a speciesist move.

I think that this book will work for the target demographic and more as an early reader book than as a read aloud picture book.

*I received an ARC via NetGalley.

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not my favorite. It was kinda dumb. I didn’t really like it. I thought it was gonna be funny but it really wasn’t.