We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story

by Hudson Talbott

"What happens when scientists from outer space test a new brain-developing product on dinosaurs, educate them, and drop them off in the middle of Manhattan's Thanksgiving Day Parade? Those five and up will adore the off-beat humor of this prehistoric tour de force."—Parents Magazine. This is the book on which Steven Spielberg's movie was based.

Genres: Picture Books, Dinosaurs, Childrens, Animals, Science Fiction, Fantasy

17 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great tale told by a T-Rex in the first person of his unforgettable adventure. It all begins with his encounter with an alien named Vorb who recruits him (and other dinos) for a trial of a a special "vitamin" that makes the dinosaurs intellectuals, thus rendering their lives completely changed from thereon. Ultimately they are transported to the modern day world, in the city, and chaos ensues. It is a scream to see their interactions in the big city and you will most likely get many giggles out of your kids. Ultimately T-Rex and his dino companions make it to the museum of natural history - their intended destination - where they are safe and protected from the city-folk who have been unhinged by their presence. The book ends rather abruptly and awkwardly; it almost seems as though there should be a follow-up book (which I have yet to look into if that is the case). All in all, you and your kids will enjoy the story, the humorous antics, and attractive illustrations in this dino-mite tale. Especially if your kids are as crazy about dinos as my five- and four-year-old are!

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a favorite film when I was growing up so the novelization of said film can only incur the same thoughts and feelings from me although it does have less of the flare of the film such as when Professor Screweyes becomes just his one eye.

Due to it is a novelization of the movie it has been condensed into the most important parts that those who have watched the films will remembered and there is only the suggestion of the one song that the movie was known for. Even so for it being cut down in size the story is still rather long and so very young readers this won't make for a great book or one that will keep their attention for very long either.

The illustrations are basically pulled from the film while has the weird consistency of very cartoonish dinosaurs when they eat the Brain Grain but then are more realistic after getting the Brain Drain.

In the end it was decent but nothing I would have strong enough emotions to recommend to anyone even the nostalgic-minded.

[Dustin Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving it three stars because I feel like I missed something. Maybe there's a first book in the series that I should have read, but I couldn't get over not knowing from what the dinosaurs had returned. The grocery store? A vacation? It was never clear to me, so I didn't "get" the story. 3 out of 5 stars.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this. It was published in 1987 when I married. We both love the Natural History Museum in NYC and we love children's books and dinosaurs! I'd forgotten how loving the story is but I cannot forget how amusing all the characters are. Their faces, their waves! If you need a pick-me-up book for yourself or to read to a friend, this is a great choice.

[Colona Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cute story, it's fun to imagine smart dinosaurs being in a parade and in current times. The illustrations are good and sometimes make me laugh at the expressions they make. If you're a fan of the movie I think this book is just as fun. ~Ashley

[Monica Tomasello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my son over and over when he was little. It was one of his favorites. The illustrations are terrific and the story is charming.

[Gerald Sessions · Rating 2 out of 5]

A kids book so so graphics. Would be for very young. Hardly passable story.

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story

[Kei · Rating 5 out of 5]

The difference between this and the movie is absolutely staggering

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a child, after having watched the movie. They are both one of the most disturbing things from my childhood. The story is just very creepy and makes you wonder why any parent would let their children ahold of it, but it is also very intriguing and interesting, and despite it creeping me out (It would probably still do so today) I enjoyed it highly.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The movie was a childhood favorite so it was a lovely surprise to come across this book!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and unique pic book. Very fun.

[Rose Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! Cute idea for a book! I think kids will love this, I certainly did. The illustrations are so well done -- the looks on the dinosaurs' faces made me laugh out loud.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't resist picking this up after enjoying the movie so much when I was a child!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, and a lot more innocent than the movie version. But not as rockin'.

[Alan Wilcox · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was cute but there was no story involved, there was no development of characters there was no louie or Cecilia nuthatch, captain neweyes or professor screweyes no wonder the movie was so short the book did not have enough story to tell