Kittysaurus Rex

Kittysaurus #1

by Judge Kludge

When Clara and Zeke discover a series of strange fossils from an unknown cat-shaped dinosaur, they expect to make a groundbreaking contribution to the science of Paleontology. Soon they find themselves in the sights of Myles Vulture, a trillionaire with unlimited resources who will stop at nothing to obtain the rare Kittysaurus fossils for his own collection.
Their only hope of success requires a trip 145 million years into the past to a lost period of history called the Zanyzoic where Clara and Zeke run the risk of getting eaten by their own discovery!

Kittysaurus is a hilarious adventure, entertaining for middle school students, children and adults.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2015

About the author

You might think that being a judge would be a satisfying job. And for years, the Honorable Judge Kludge would’ve agreed with you. He took enormous delight in his gavel pounding ability every time he dispensed justice. Moreover, he was very talented at furling his eyebrows. During trials, he loved to remain silent and communicate his will only through eyebrow movement.

Outside the courtroom, he was known to love festivities. After all, he was the judge who’d launched the Monday recess ‘Croquet Fiesta’ as well as the Thursday recess ‘Bowling Potluck’. But at a party celebrating his ten-thousandth trial, he felt unfulfilled. That day, the piñata full of gum balls, ordinarily his favorite treat, seemed like nothing more than a hollow, paper maché donkey full of candy. For every criminal he put behind bars, there were ten more criminals to take the last one’s place. He began to have what adults call a ‘mid-life’ crisis. Some people said that it was a very positive sign to have a mid-life crisis at the age of eighty, because that meant he would live to be one hundred and sixty. But Judge Kludge dreamed of leaving his mark. He wanted to accomplish something which would be of inestimable value for humanity.

Thus, the Honorable Judge Kludge decided to step down from the bench and pen The Kittysaurus Series.

Reviews

[R.J. Rodda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My children (8, 7, 5) are begging to read the second book. They loved the idea of a cat dinosaur. This story contains an interesting mix of actual scientific information along with some quite fantastical elements - whether young minds can discern the difference is an interesting question.

The main heroine Clara is a feisty young paleontologist who struggles to prove the existence of a new era of pre-history that contains unique dinosaurs. The kids are smart in this but they are opposed by a clever Trillionaire. There are a lot of fossil digging and scientific deduction scenes and scenes with the museum and at a science fair. The next book promises to have more interactions with kittysaurus which is something to look forward to.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual, goofy adventure story with investigating children, secret clubs, time travel and a new dinosaur species.

Fun to read, but didn't grab enough enough for more interest. It seems to be trying to be The Phantom Tollbooth but not quite making it. The adults all have weird names, which is amusing, but they don't appear to have any relevance, and they're probably completely missing most of the audience (for example, Dr. Onomatopoeia, Dr. Hyperbole).

From an adult perspective, Zeke and Clara's actions in the junkyard, as they dig up the unique relic may make you cringe; it's an archaeologist's nightmare!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The jury is in and Judge Kludge has another wonderful children’s book that overflows with dabs of reality and tons of adventure!

When Clara can’t join her brother’s fossil finding club, this enterprising, budding “dinosaur detective” starts her own. With the help of her single member, Clara and Zeke take off on an amazing adventure in search of the unknown dinosaur, the Kittysaurus Rex, feline and fearsome, no one believes Clara has found evidence of this unknown, long extinct creature.

All Clara and Zeke need is proof, solid, physical proof, but how to get it? Will Clara’s brother continue to be a thorn in her side? Brothers, you can’t pick ‘em, but you can’t help but love them in spite of themselves! Join the adventure, science, science fiction, time travel and pure fun!

Judge Kludge knows entertainment and magnetic reading for ALL ages! Perfect for children, feeding their imaginations and setting them free to create their own magical journey! The possibilities for discussion is almost unlimited and sure to be as exciting as Clara’s tale!
A MUST have for every child’s personal library!

I received this copy from Judge Kludge, himself in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher: Kittysaurus Books (November 30, 2015)
Publication Date: November 30, 2015
Genre: Children's fantasy \ adventure
Print Length: 161 pages
Available from: Amazon 

For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Nancy Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read approximately 50%

I don't think this book is a bad read. Kids will love it! It is a clean fantasy that delivers strange dinocats and time travel. The problem is that the writing is so clearly aimed for the youngest crowds that I am simply not the audience for this book. Expect very short sentences with very simple grammar and tons of exclamation marks.

While older readers might feel the same way I did, it is certainly great for the youngsters to get interested in reading. Dig in without fear!

[Lynda Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara is a fourth grader with a real passion for dinosaurs. When her brother Roy doesn't let her join his Bone Hunter's Club, Clara forms her own club with her classmate Zeke. Their aim is to stop Mr Vulture, the museum's supposed benefactor, from acquiring any new fossil discoveries and keeping them for himself. Clara and Zeke have to overcome her annoying big brother, evil henchmen, vicious dogs, and even ghosts, to accomplish their mission. They discover some intriguing evidence that's leads them to conclude that a creature they call Kittysaurus Rex actually existed. They also make another amazing discovery that might just help them prove their hypothesis about this new dinosaur species. But will they be able to make their discovery public before the evil Mr Vulture finds out about it?

This book is full of quirky characters whose names suit their personalities. I love the chapter headings made out of bones! However, I'm not a fan of the cover art. There are a few minor editing issues, but overall the book is well-written. One major error was with the "Bone Hunters" being referred to as the "Bone Collectors" on several occasions.

With its engaging characters, tongue-in-cheek humor, and imaginative storyline, this book is fun for kids ages 8 and up - including adults!

While this story is complete, the adventure continues in the next book, Tri-pizza-tops, about another amazing dinosaur species.

Full blog post: https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an imaginative story for children but that adults can enjoy as well (I am a 30 something year old woman who loved reading this story). This is the story of Clara and how she wanted to be part of her brother’s fossil hunting club. Being that Clara is the young paleontologist and her brother is only in it for the money, Clara feels the need to prove that she is better; that she has the passion. Clara wanted to advance young children’s knowledge of dinosaurs and get them as interesting as she is; knowledge and adventure her ultimate goal. Along the way she makes a major discovery, Kittysaurus. The way Clara goes about her discovery and the action and adventure makes this story well worth the read. I was completely entertained and am looking forward to the next story (it does read like a complete, standalone story).

However, it was so much more than a dinosaur adventure. It is filled with learning opportunities, strong characters, and great lessons. The adventure of a young girl finding a dinosaur that is kitty shaped was such an interesting and fun one. The story includes time travel, paleontology, sibling antics, and language clues. An example of this is the adult’s names with in this story: Dr. Onomatopoeia and Dr. Hyperbole, specifically. The characters had personalities that matched their names. If you understand the meaning behind the names (or take time to learn) then you can get some extra fun in their actions/words. Dr. Onomatopoeia would always explain things using the words as sounds and Dr. Hyperbole would always use over exaggerated statements to make his point. These are just a few of the fun little “Easter eggs” that were part of this wonderful story.

I recommend this story to anyone who wants a fun adventure. You might just learn a little along the way. It is a unique adventure that makes science fun. I received and ARC and am leaving an honest review.

[Vappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the name and the cover I honestly wasn't expecting too much, just some short silly fun. I was surprised to find a great female lead, enjoyable character names, and some actual scientifically correct information snuck in that will hopefully get some kids more interested in actual paleontology. Even the micro-conflicts between kids and adults echo attitudes that a number of people have to deal with daily (students correcting a teacher's mistakes, professionals dismissing amatures, the privileged expecting special treatment or others to fawn over their what they can afford...).

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book and look forward to reading the next installment...I can only imagine how much KIDS will want to see what happens next!

[Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a ten year girl, who loves dinosaurs. She gets one of her classmates to help find some fossils. Her biggest adversary is a multi - millionaire who lives up to his name. Mr. Vulture wants fossils too but doesn't want to share them with the public. Can Clare and Zeke find fossils? Can they stay one step ahead of Mr. Vulture? Young readers will love this book.

[Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I surprisingly enjoyed this book! The plot was good, along with some suspense. However, I would have liked a little more character development and setting description. Otherwise, good book, and I'm excited to read the next one!

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun chapter book for kids. Learning about paleontology as they search, along with the children in the book, for a new species of dinosaur. Finding a way to travel through time is an added advantage. Exciting and filled with fun facts. Can't wait for another in this series.

[Genesis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headline for kittysaurus
















This was a good book I liked the adventure and I liked the characters as well as the ideas I would recommend this to people who like time travel and fictional creatures

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my daughter was younger I used to love reading books like this to her. So fun. I particularly loved some of the characters names in this book. And I totally want a Kittysaurus Rex as a pet!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute story.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about 2 children, Clara and Zeke, who discover a new dinosaur. They form a paleontologist guild, time travel and work hard to prove their discovery. I don't want to give away the entire story so I will keep the description short.
As an adult I could take issue with how they did their exploring. But I read this book with the thought that it is a children's adventure story. While it contains some relevant facts, (which I took as a bonus), it is a fantasy adventure series. In a fantasy children can do many things that in the real world an adult would stop. Situations that are dangerous can be fully explored and the children can take great risk because they can be powerful and intelligent enough to overcome any danger. I believe real life children reading this book would know that you don't do everything you read about or see on tv or in the movies. Maybe I just know really savvy kids.
I had fun reading this book. I like Clara and Zeke. I loved that the author allowed equal opportunity between the sexes in the ability to enjoy science. I love the message that if you work hard you can be anything you choose to be. I liked that the children had confidence in themselves and weren't afraid to stand up for their beliefs. I can remember as a child wanting to correct an adult who had some facts wrong but not doing it. It wasn't polite. As an adult I know I do not know everything. I have learned many things from the children around me. In the book the children know some things that the adults don't have right. They also seek answers from those adults for things they don't know. I like that exchange of knowledge. I enjoyed the children outsmarting the adult villain. The child inside me cheered them on and can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a book I will be sharing with my grandchildren.
I received a copy of this book through the 'Kittysaurus'--Holiday ARC Giveaway + $50 Amazon Gift Certificate. Opinions of the book are my impressions. I received nothing nor do I expect anything,(other than the review copy),for my review.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Kittysaurus series. It is the story of 2 children, Clara and Zeke, who want to be archeaologists or paleontologists. They start a paleontologist guild and head out to look for fossils. While out in the rain, Clara thinks she finds fossilized footprints of a giant cat. After continued investigation, they find fossilized poop in a fossilized kitty litter pile. They name this discovery, Kittysaurus Rex. This story is a mix of various themes including time travel and scientists who are trying to steal their thunder. They do not always follow all the rules while continuing to support their find, but it is not too bad.

This book is a children's adventure story, and while it contains some relevant facts, it is a fantasy adventure series. In a fantasy children can do many things that in the real world an adult would stop. Situations that are dangerous can be fully explored and the children can take great risk because they can be powerful and intelligent enough to overcome any danger. I am pretty sure, children will not think the events in this story are true or that they should be emulated.

This was a fun book. With the main characters being both a boy and girl, it should appeal to both sexes. A couple of messages within the book about working hard to achieve your goal and that you can be whatever you want if you put your mind and effort behind it as well as standing up for your beliefs and what is right. The one thing I did not like was the way Clara went about correcting her teacher as well as the teacher's antagonistic way in dealing with Clara was a real turn off for me. I do not think it was necessary for the story line.

Overall this is a cute fantasy adventure story of children 8 to 12. I am looking forward to the sequel to see if it continues to entertain. As I read an ARC of this book, I do not know if there are illustrations in the final copy, but I think a few here and there would certainly add to the story and the children's interest.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there a greater dream for an aspiring paleontologist than find a new dinosaur?

Clara and Seke discover the fossils of an unknown dinosaur they called Kittisaurus Rex. But of course, nobody believes them, they are only 10 years old after all. The last chance they have to prove their theory is right seems to be to travel 145 millions of years ago and take a picture of Kittisaurus. But of course, dinosaurs' bones are safer than real, giant, fierce, alive ones!

Kittysaurus Rex is a funny story that counts with lots of action. Clara and Seke will have to not only face a real dinosaur, but also endure public disbelief, escape from an unscrupulous trillionaire, deal with ghosts, fight angry dogs, overcome a unconscionable brother, drive a travel machine/merry-go-round, and more.

The characters are adorable. You'll find names like Mr. Vulture, Dr. Hyberbole, Dr. Onomatopoeia, Mrs. Techty, and have an idea what to expect from them.

The end left me wanting to read more of this series. I'm glad to know Tri-pizza-tops, the second book in the series, is on its way!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Find More children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "Kittysaurus Rex". I'm an adult, not the main audience for this book, but it was quite amusing. I think middle-grade geeky (and I mean this as a compliment) girls who are interested in natural science, dinosaurs and cats would love the story.

Boys with the same interests may also enjoy the story, but since the main character is a girl, it would have to be a boy who doesn't mind that. There is a boy supporting character, Zeke, but he doesn't appear in the story right away. Zeke is also a geek, who is highly intelligent and a math wiz.

Clara runs the show, but without Zeke, Clara would be stuck. Zeke figures out how to operate heavy machinery and futuristic gadgets, and does all the math calculations. I figure Zeke must be taking college level math courses on the side, because they sure don't teach that kind of math in grade school. ;-)

I loved the part where Clara and Zeke find the petrified Kittysaurus scratching post, hairball and gravel cat box complete with fossilized (stinky) poop.

Disclaimer: I received a free Kindle copy of the book in exchange for a review.

[Donna Micco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for children 9 and up. It was a brilliant story. Lots of humor and a great plot. The cover is misleading because it makes you think it is for small children. Any kid that loves dinosaurs, mysteries, and being a detective will love this book. I can't wait to read book 2 of the series. I highly recommend this book!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, especially the way Clara put the puzzle pieces together and discovered the Kittysaurus Rex. I liked that Clara is a "smart girl" but she's also comfortable outdoors and able to shrug off the mean girls who aren't interested in fossil hunting with her.

I have to remind myself that this is a science fiction story and some implausibility is to be expected, but the names of the adult characters bothered me. I'm also disturbed by the time-travel merry go round. But, considering I'm 3 to 4 times the age of the book's target audience, I figure the things that bother me would make the target audience giggle, and so it still receives 4 stars.


(This book was free on Amazon, and I read it because I received a free copy of the sequel, Tri-pizza-tops, in exchange for writing a review of that story. Which I should probably do later today...)

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I read this together and we both enjoyed it very much! It is fun, natural science-y (without being a dull parade of facts) and just plain humourous. Clara and Zeke are believable kids in a strange situation. I think many clever readers will get the jokes about the scientists' names (Dr Hyperbole, anyone?) and look for fun in every aspect of this book. A fun book for voracious dinosaur-lovers!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy!

[Victoria Zigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, which combines real dinosaur related facts with a very imaginative and exciting story. The plot is extremely creative, while still being thought out well enough to be believable, and the characters are likable and easy to relate to.

I look forward to reading what happens in the rest of this series.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara and Zeke two Children discover a Dinosaur. They form a Paleontologist club , they time travel and work to prove their discovery. This is a children's fantasy book which combines real Dinosaur facts with an exciting story. I loved the plot it was very creative. A great book for middle schooler's who are interested in Dinosaur's, Natural Science and cat's.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got Tri-Pizza-Tops for review and this one as freebie from one of my book sites, they are cute without being cutesy, and will be looking in to getting the more of this type for my grandson because he would so luv them. They have sections, easy to keep up with by younger ones, and interesting enough, too.

Kittysaurus Rex then Tri-Pizza-tops

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not the target audience for this book, but it was enjoyable. My 9 year old son loves dinosaurs and I'm sure he would love this book.

[Yvonne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this cover and thought it looked so cute. It was such a cute adventure.
Clara and Zeke are out to prove that Kittysaurus really exsists. They are on the adventure of a lifetime.