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Mr. Tiffin's Classroom #4
The Dinosaur Expert
Dinosaurs, girl power, and science combine in the newest addition to the Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom series.
Mr. Tiffin and his students are back in another picture book, and this time the focus is on dinosaur-loving Kimmy. During a field trip to the natural history museum, Kimmy is thrilled to share what she knows about the Stegosaurus and the Archaeopteryx and even the ginormous Titanosaurus. That changes when one of her classmates questions whether girls can be paleontologists. Kimmy starts to feel shy. What if they can’t? What if no one wants to hear what she has to say? It will take some help from Mr. Tiffin–and from a famous scientist–for Kimmy to find her voice again.
Join Mr. Tiffin’s class as they learn about dinosaurs big and small, feathered and scaly, winged and ocean-dwelling. And root for Kimmy, the dinosaur expert . . . who might just learn something about herself.
Mr. Tiffin and his students are back in another picture book, and this time the focus is on dinosaur-loving Kimmy. During a field trip to the natural history museum, Kimmy is thrilled to share what she knows about the Stegosaurus and the Archaeopteryx and even the ginormous Titanosaurus. That changes when one of her classmates questions whether girls can be paleontologists. Kimmy starts to feel shy. What if they can’t? What if no one wants to hear what she has to say? It will take some help from Mr. Tiffin–and from a famous scientist–for Kimmy to find her voice again.
Join Mr. Tiffin’s class as they learn about dinosaurs big and small, feathered and scaly, winged and ocean-dwelling. And root for Kimmy, the dinosaur expert . . . who might just learn something about herself.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 17, 2018
7 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McNamara
113 books59 followersMargaret McNamara is the Christopher Award–winning author of more than two dozen books for young readers, including the Robin Hill School series. The Fairy Bell Sisters series is inspired not only by her love of the classic sisterhood novel Little Women but by her own experiences growing up with older sisters (and a baby brother). Margaret and her family live in New York City, but they spend part of their summer on an island in Maine very much like Sheepskerry Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 2, 2019
While I do appreciate the "girl power" message of letting girls know that it's fine to be interested in scientific pursuits, I think this book failed a little in that regard. Why? Because the sexist classmate was never called out for his remarks. He may have learned that he was wrong because of the events in the book, but the fact that even the teacher seemed to ignore his comments was a little disturbing. It's just another example of how our society lets males get away with things they really shouldn't get away with.
The synopsis isn't accurate in this regard, either. Jake doesn't just question whether girls can be paleontologists. He clearly says: "Girls aren't scientists." The immediate effect of this is that Kimmy stops talking, even though she knows more about dinosaurs than anyone in her class. I found that whole interaction chilling... and it gets even worse after the kids look at a display of male paleontologists. Jake saunters away from Kimmy with a smug, "See?"
I really wanted this little sexist pig to have some sense smacked into him. While the kids do eventually find out that there are female paleontologists, too, the earlier sexism is never addressed. It's just kind of swept out of the way as the kids continue their trip through the museum. In a book that's all about girls getting into a scientific field, I would've expected this part of the story to be handled a little better.
The illustrations are nice, and I liked the pages at the end where Kimmy shares with the reader information she's found about female paleontologists. That part of the book is great for encouraging girls who might be interested in this subject. However, I found the unaddressed sexism disturbing, and I'm not sure I like the message this book gives. Yes, Kimmy finally finds her voice again. But does Jake really learn anything? It's not just about encouraging girls in the sciences; boys need to be taught to accept that girls can be scientists, too, or achieving more equality in the scientific fields is going to take longer than it needs to.
The synopsis isn't accurate in this regard, either. Jake doesn't just question whether girls can be paleontologists. He clearly says: "Girls aren't scientists." The immediate effect of this is that Kimmy stops talking, even though she knows more about dinosaurs than anyone in her class. I found that whole interaction chilling... and it gets even worse after the kids look at a display of male paleontologists. Jake saunters away from Kimmy with a smug, "See?"
I really wanted this little sexist pig to have some sense smacked into him. While the kids do eventually find out that there are female paleontologists, too, the earlier sexism is never addressed. It's just kind of swept out of the way as the kids continue their trip through the museum. In a book that's all about girls getting into a scientific field, I would've expected this part of the story to be handled a little better.
The illustrations are nice, and I liked the pages at the end where Kimmy shares with the reader information she's found about female paleontologists. That part of the book is great for encouraging girls who might be interested in this subject. However, I found the unaddressed sexism disturbing, and I'm not sure I like the message this book gives. Yes, Kimmy finally finds her voice again. But does Jake really learn anything? It's not just about encouraging girls in the sciences; boys need to be taught to accept that girls can be scientists, too, or achieving more equality in the scientific fields is going to take longer than it needs to.
February 8, 2019
Mr. Tiffin's class, who first appeared in author Margaret McNamara and illustrator G. Brian Karas'
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?
, and then in
The Apple Orchard Riddle
and
A Poem in Your Pocket
, return in this fourth picture-book devoted to their academic adventures. In this installment of the series, the class heads to the Natural History Museum for a dinosaur-related field trip. Kimmy, an expert on all things dinosaur-related, can't wait to share her knowledge with her classmates. When Jake says girls can't be scientists however, she finds herself clamming up. Fortunately, Mr. Tiffin notices something is amiss, and manages to point her to a display about a woman paleontologist who discovered a new species of dinosaur, thereby restoring her confidence...
I have seen The Dinosaur Expert criticized for the fact that Jake, the pupil who makes the sexist remark about women not being scientists, is never called out directly in the narrative, nor chastised by Mr. Tiffin for his behavior. For my part, I actually really appreciated that aspect of the story. Although it might have been a good idea for Mr. Tiffin to pull Jake aside and speak to him, this was Kimmy's story, and that would have been a narrative distraction. This isn't a tale about a boy learning that girls can be scientists, although that clearly happens during the course of the story. This is the tale of a girl who loses confidence in herself temporarily, because of the thoughtless remarks of another, but who regains that confidence when shown a powerful example and role model, in the form of (real life) paleontologist, Dr. Zulma Brandoni de Gasparini. Zack clearly learns his lesson, through the subtler machinations of Mr. Tiffin, and by the end he is happily listening to the information that Kimmy has to share. What earthly purpose would publicly shaming a child have, other than to create hurt and resentment? Leaving that issue aside, I enjoyed this entry in the series about Mr. Tiffin's class. The narrative is engaging, involving the reader in Kimmy's emotional ups and downs, and the artwork is fun. Although it is the fourth book published about these characters, it is only the third I have read. I will have to try and track down the one I missed, The Apple Orchard Riddle . Recommended to young would-be paleontologists, and to anyone looking for books that address girls being scientifically inclined.
I have seen The Dinosaur Expert criticized for the fact that Jake, the pupil who makes the sexist remark about women not being scientists, is never called out directly in the narrative, nor chastised by Mr. Tiffin for his behavior. For my part, I actually really appreciated that aspect of the story. Although it might have been a good idea for Mr. Tiffin to pull Jake aside and speak to him, this was Kimmy's story, and that would have been a narrative distraction. This isn't a tale about a boy learning that girls can be scientists, although that clearly happens during the course of the story. This is the tale of a girl who loses confidence in herself temporarily, because of the thoughtless remarks of another, but who regains that confidence when shown a powerful example and role model, in the form of (real life) paleontologist, Dr. Zulma Brandoni de Gasparini. Zack clearly learns his lesson, through the subtler machinations of Mr. Tiffin, and by the end he is happily listening to the information that Kimmy has to share. What earthly purpose would publicly shaming a child have, other than to create hurt and resentment? Leaving that issue aside, I enjoyed this entry in the series about Mr. Tiffin's class. The narrative is engaging, involving the reader in Kimmy's emotional ups and downs, and the artwork is fun. Although it is the fourth book published about these characters, it is only the third I have read. I will have to try and track down the one I missed, The Apple Orchard Riddle . Recommended to young would-be paleontologists, and to anyone looking for books that address girls being scientifically inclined.
July 29, 2018
While ostensibly about a trip to the natural history museum and a tour through a dinosaur exhibit, this one goes straight to the heart as Kimmy, the main character, discovers that girls can be dinosaur experts (and owns that she already is one). Lovely voice as well as back matter about female paleontologists, including Kimmy's new hero, Zulma Brandoni de Gasparini from Argentina, who is still alive.
July 17, 2018
Combining the exciting world of dinosaurs, the fascinating realm of science, and the powerful message of female empowerment, Margaret McNamara's The Dinosaur Expert is a heartfelt and uplifting delight! Young readers will enjoy all the factual and fun dinosaur information throughout the book, while eagerly rooting for scientist in the making Kimmy as she finds her voice. I especially appreciated the back section that features past and present female scientists.
August 21, 2018
This would be a great picture book to share with budding scientists that enjoy learning about dinosaurs. It's also a nice book to show that girls can be scientists and they shouldn't let anyone discourage them from pursuing their dreams. Little Kimmy loves collecting all sorts of scientific specimens to observe, but she is really into dinosaurs. When the class goes on a field trip to the natural history museum, she is eager to share what she knows. But a careless comment from a classmate leads her to doubt whether or not anyone is interested in what she has to say. As the field trip continues, though, Mr. Tiffin shows Kimmy some great contributions to the field of paleontology made by women. The last page of the book also highlights some prominent paleontologists that are also women. Within the narrative of this book, the author includes some terrific facts about dinosaurs. This could make this a good mentor text for young writers looking for ways to include true facts into narrative writing.
September 7, 2019
The Dinosaur Expert is the fourth book in the children's picture book series Mr. Tiffin's Classroom, written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, which follows Kimmy – a natural naturalist on a field trip to a museum, but things goes array when a fellow student declares that girls can't be scientist.
McNamara's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. Mr. Tiffin's class is taking a field trip to the museum, which Kimmy loves, but is disheartened when she is told from a fellow student that girls can't become scientists. Karas' acrylic and pencil illustrations sensitively extend the story, showing both the enthusiasm and sadness of Kimmy throughout the story.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Kimmy, a born naturalist, eagerly shares her knowledge about dinosaurs and fossils on a trip to the museum until she's silenced by classmate Jake's disparaging remark that girls aren't scientists. No sooner does her astute teacher spot her sudden change, though, than he leads her to a specimen of Gasparinisauria, a dinosaur named, she reads, in honor of paleontologist Zulma Nélida Brandoni de Gasparini – an Argentinean paleontologist, who just happens to be female. Even Jake admits that that is awesome and for the rest of the visit Kimmy becomes a positive fount of information about raptor toes, Stegosaurus brains, and other dinosaur lore.
All in all, The Dinosaur Expert is a wonderfully gentle and subtle book about a pivotal moment in a child’s life, handled with grace and sensitivity rather than conflict or ineffective lecturing.
McNamara's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. Mr. Tiffin's class is taking a field trip to the museum, which Kimmy loves, but is disheartened when she is told from a fellow student that girls can't become scientists. Karas' acrylic and pencil illustrations sensitively extend the story, showing both the enthusiasm and sadness of Kimmy throughout the story.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Kimmy, a born naturalist, eagerly shares her knowledge about dinosaurs and fossils on a trip to the museum until she's silenced by classmate Jake's disparaging remark that girls aren't scientists. No sooner does her astute teacher spot her sudden change, though, than he leads her to a specimen of Gasparinisauria, a dinosaur named, she reads, in honor of paleontologist Zulma Nélida Brandoni de Gasparini – an Argentinean paleontologist, who just happens to be female. Even Jake admits that that is awesome and for the rest of the visit Kimmy becomes a positive fount of information about raptor toes, Stegosaurus brains, and other dinosaur lore.
All in all, The Dinosaur Expert is a wonderfully gentle and subtle book about a pivotal moment in a child’s life, handled with grace and sensitivity rather than conflict or ineffective lecturing.
August 27, 2018
I wish all students had a teacher just like Mr. Tiffin. Not only does he take his students on neat and informative field trips, but he pays attention to his young charges and notices when something seems wrong. On the class's field trip to a natural history museum, the students are fascinated by all the dinosaur fossils. Kimmy in particular is thrilled by the exposure to her favorite topic, and she shares some of her knowledge with others. But after a classmate makes fun of her and points out that girls can't be scientists and others seem to be making fun of parts of the exhibit, she grows quieter and quieter and doesn't feel like sharing what she knows. Mr. Tiffin notices that she's become reticent and shows her something that makes her dreams of being a scientist, maybe even a paleontologist, come alive again. The message that girls can be scientists is supported in the back matter, which highlights some paleontologists who might inspire Kimmy and others just like her. This is a great picture book to share because it challenges assumptions about gender roles and jobs as well as reminding readers that their own dismissive, judgmental attitudes can cause others to doubt themselves. Why would anyone want to do that? The illustrations, created in gouache, matte medium, and pencil complement this important story perfectly. Youngsters will love seeing all those dinosaur fossils, some small and some extremely large. Gosh! I wish picture books such as this one had been around when I was growing up.
October 20, 2018
I am on a search for good picture books that came out this year to get for our granddaughter. I get them out of the library, and then make a decision if this is a story that I think will resonate, or one that will be enjoyable to read again and again.
This book features Mr. Tiffin and his class (which have apparently appeared in other books as well. So same class, different featured student). Kimmy has been hunting for fossils and studying dinosaurs her whole life and her class is going to a natural history museum, which is like a dream come true. She experiences some momentary shyness when a classmate tells her that a girl cannot study dinosaurs. Mr. Tiffin shows her otherwise, and the end of the book concludes with real life women who have contributed to paleontology. One is Mary Anning, who was amongst the first fossil scientists, and the subject of Tracy Chevalier's book Remarkable Creatures.
There has never been a better time for dinosaur fans. New species are named at a dizzying rate, and refined techniques are telling us more about dinosaur lives than was ever possible before. So encouraging the study of our planet's past is timely.
This book features Mr. Tiffin and his class (which have apparently appeared in other books as well. So same class, different featured student). Kimmy has been hunting for fossils and studying dinosaurs her whole life and her class is going to a natural history museum, which is like a dream come true. She experiences some momentary shyness when a classmate tells her that a girl cannot study dinosaurs. Mr. Tiffin shows her otherwise, and the end of the book concludes with real life women who have contributed to paleontology. One is Mary Anning, who was amongst the first fossil scientists, and the subject of Tracy Chevalier's book Remarkable Creatures.
There has never been a better time for dinosaur fans. New species are named at a dizzying rate, and refined techniques are telling us more about dinosaur lives than was ever possible before. So encouraging the study of our planet's past is timely.
August 6, 2018
This is a book for me, I was Kimmy decades ago. Everyone laughed at Herman, my paper mache triceratops. Dinosaurs are a subject you never out grow, Still check ing out all the books and exhibits.
This book is a great starting point, especially for girls, cute illustrations and just enough information to stir up interest. Love the notes about women paleontologists in the back. Oh ! to be young again.
This book is a great starting point, especially for girls, cute illustrations and just enough information to stir up interest. Love the notes about women paleontologists in the back. Oh ! to be young again.
February 20, 2019
Mr. Tiffin's class gets to go a natural history museum on a field trip and Kimmy is so excited to share all of her knowledge of dinosaurs with her class. She is sharing away until Jake tells her that girls can't be scientists and the pictures at the museum back up his statement. Suddenly Kimmy goes quiet. Until Mr. Tiffin shows her the dinosaur Gasparinsaura which was discovered by a female paleontologist. Great notes at the end showing more female dinosaur experts. The fourth book in the Mr. Tiffin series.
October 18, 2018
Dinosaurs aren't just for boys. Kimmy is told by a boy that "Girls aren't scientists." A display at the museum proves women can be paleontologists. Kimmy's list of her favorite paleontologists is in the back.
December 21, 2018
Great picture book to share with kids about dinosaurs- especially to show that not all paleontologists are men! (Library)
August 3, 2018
Nurturing Kimmy's fascination with dinosaurs on a trip to the natural history museum.
December 10, 2018
4.5 stars. I loved this book about dinosaurs and a girl who loves everything about them. One aspect of the story is whether girls can be scientists/paleontologists (and the answer is a resounding YES, no matter what one of the kids in the book says). Loved the message and the care the teacher shows to his student! I love the whole Mr. Tiffin's Classroom series.
June 10, 2018
It is always lovely to see children who are passionate about a topic portrayed in a story. Kimmy is enthralled by many things, but dinosaurs are her absolute passion. She knows so much about them and is excited to share her knowledge at the class field trip. Although this story mainly centers around the absolute coolness of dinosaurs, it also sheds light on the profound effects an offhand demeaning comment can have. A classmate tells Tilly that girls can't be scientists, and from his demeanor and later on his change of heart, he was not intentionally putting Tilly down, but down is how she felt, silenced. Her teacher shows empathy and knows just what to do to gently make Tilly realize that what was said is not true, and it is a beautiful turning point in the story. Wonderful book because of the plot, the amazing dinosaur illustrations and facts, the author's note highlighting amazing modern women who dedicate their life to paleontology, and the opportunity to explore what our words are capable of doing.
July 31, 2018
A little girl who loves dinosaurs is told by a male classmate (on a trip to a museum) that girls can't be scientists. The story is pretty gentle with the declaration by the classmate, but the strength in the story lies in the teacher bringing the little girl out of her shell.
October 17, 2018
It's probably not a great thing that I'm planning on teaching my little to punch anybody who says "girls can't ________" :-p But I feel like that would have resolved this book quite well.
Despite the lack of punching, it's a great story that gets its point across without coming off as too preachy. Excellent info in the back, too!
Despite the lack of punching, it's a great story that gets its point across without coming off as too preachy. Excellent info in the back, too!
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May 1, 2019I did think this one was cute, but still annoyed that the teacher didn't shut Jake down immediately with the whole girls can't be scientists thing.
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November 1, 2018This realistic fiction book will definitely be an inspiration to girls. This age appropriate book tells a story about a girl, Kimmy, who loves dinosaurs and wants to tell her class all about them during their field trip to the museum. She wants to be a paleontologist when she grows up, but becomes discouraged due to a male student telling her that girls aren’t scientist. Kimmy story is inspiring for little girls because it shows girls that negative comments should never stop them from pursuing what they love to do; even if the negative comments are coming from the opposite sex. The illustrations could stand to be more colorful; however, they are very detailed. Illustrations throughout the book are great conversation pieces. Students will remain interested throughout the entire story due to the main topic being about dinosaurs; at least the male students will because of this fact. Female students will love this book simply because the main character is a little girl. The main character mentions quite a few dinosaur names that are difficult even for adults to pronounce. Although the dinosaur names are hard to pronounce I still think students of all ages will still remain interested in the story. The story begins with a field trip to the museum which is something students can relate to. Kimmy eventually finds a female paleontologist in the museum. Finding a female paleontologist is a great example of why every child needs to witness someone who is like them. After Kimmy found that there were female paleontologist she was enthusiastic again to become a scientist. Kimmy goes through what a lot of girls may go through in regards to a male figure telling them they can’t do what boys do. This book is a great message for women and girls.
September 18, 2018
In this new book in the Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom series, the class visits the natural history museum. Kimmy loves fossils and has been to the museum many times before. She can’t wait to share everything she knows about dinosaurs with the others. But when she starts to tell the others about dinosaurs, Jake tells her that girls can’t be scientists. As the children walk through the exhibits, Kimmy sees only men’s names on the displays. Kimmy stops talking about what she knows, even when Mr. Tiffin tries to get her to share. When they enter a new special exhibit, Mr. Tiffin points out that a female paleontologist was the one who discovered it. Inspired, Kimmy starts to talk about what she knows.
A book about the power of modeling to inspire young people, particularly girls to get involved with science, this picture book forgoes subtlety and takes the issue straight on. The strength of other children’s opinions is shown very clearly but so is the ability to suddenly shrug that off and be who you are without hesitation when you are inspired by another female scientist. Don’t miss Kimmy’s list of her favorite female paleontologists and their discoveries. Karas’s illustrations are done in his signature style. He shows Kimmy’s emotions very clearly as she moves from questioning herself into owning her knowledge.
A great book to share and inspire science exploration. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
A book about the power of modeling to inspire young people, particularly girls to get involved with science, this picture book forgoes subtlety and takes the issue straight on. The strength of other children’s opinions is shown very clearly but so is the ability to suddenly shrug that off and be who you are without hesitation when you are inspired by another female scientist. Don’t miss Kimmy’s list of her favorite female paleontologists and their discoveries. Karas’s illustrations are done in his signature style. He shows Kimmy’s emotions very clearly as she moves from questioning herself into owning her knowledge.
A great book to share and inspire science exploration. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
May 1, 2020
"The Dinosaur Expert" by Margaret McNamara. This realistic fiction book will definitely be an inspiration to girls. This age-appropriate book tells a story about a girl, Kimmy, who loves dinosaurs and wants to tell her class all about them during their field trip to the museum. She wants to be a paleontologist when she grows up but becomes discouraged due to a male student telling her that girls aren’t a scientist. Kimmy's story is inspiring for little girls because it shows girls that negative comments should never stop them from pursuing what they love to do; even if the negative comments are coming from the opposite sex. The illustrations could stand to be more colorful; however, they are very detailed. Illustrations throughout the book are great conversation pieces. Students will remain interested throughout the entire story due to the main topic being about dinosaurs; at least the male students will because of this fact. Female students will love this book simply because the main character is a little girl. The main character mentions quite a few dinosaur names that are difficult even for adults to pronounce. Although the dinosaur names are hard to pronounce I still think students of all ages will still remain interested in the story. The story begins with a field trip to the museum which is something students can relate to. Kimmy eventually finds a female paleontologist in the museum.
March 4, 2019
This beautifully illustrated picture book is more than a story of a school field trip to see the dinosaurs at a natural history museum! It is a poignant tale narrated by the protagonist, Kimmy, who collects all kinds of natural objects in her thirst to learn about the natural world. Fossils are her favorite. Despite the fact that I was a Kimmy, I feel I am objective in praising this story's possible impact for certain readers. There are the Kimmies who meet with discouragement from people who think girls can not be scientists, there are the many children who do not want to come across as know it alls in front of their classmates or friends, and of course all the children who love museums, dinosaurs, and the other intriguing prehistoric creatures. Yes, it does wrap up rather perfectly but my heart strings were pulled by the messages in this book. The book ends with short biographies on six female paleontologists as well as a clip on Daisy who found a new dinosaur at four years. It bares her name! Excellent read for early collectors, perfect read aloud for K-3rd, and independent read for 2nd/3rd.
March 12, 2019
This picturebook is both an informational tale and encouraging to young females striving for predominantly male careers. On the surface level “The Dinosaur Expert” by Margaret McNamara is an engaging story that accurately gives information pertaining to both dinosaurs that the different periods that they lived in. Which makes it a great story for young boys as they are often fascinated by dinosaurs. On a secondary level, this story does a great job at proving that women are just as capable as men at doing impressive things and there this is no such thing as a man’s job. In the story, there is a young girl absolutely in love with everything dinosaur and is excited to share her knowledge with the rest of her class. However, a young boy in her class tells her it is impossible for her to grow up and study dinosaurs as only boys do that. Luckily, while on their school trip to the museum they come across a dinosaur that was discovered by a female, showing that it is possible. Therefore, this story would be great to have in the classroom as it helps to break the gender stereotypes that lies in society.
November 7, 2018
Kimmie liked to collect things so that she could study them. She collects rocks, shells, leaves, pebbles and feathers. But, her most favorite thing to collect is fossils.
When Kimmie finds out that Mr. Tiffin’s class is going on a field trip to the natural history museum she is very excited. She can’t wait to share her knowledge of dinosaurs.
All through the tour, Kimmie tells her class about the many different dinosaurs. Kimmie points out the fast moving Allosaurus and the huge Barosaurus with its super-powerful tail.
She says that she loves fossils and wants to be a scientist one day. However, one classmate thinks that girls can’t be scientists. Kimmy becomes discouraged but with a few kind words from an observant teacher and the discovery of a female paleontologist, her confidence is restored.
Reviewed by: Jane Khaytin, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
When Kimmie finds out that Mr. Tiffin’s class is going on a field trip to the natural history museum she is very excited. She can’t wait to share her knowledge of dinosaurs.
All through the tour, Kimmie tells her class about the many different dinosaurs. Kimmie points out the fast moving Allosaurus and the huge Barosaurus with its super-powerful tail.
She says that she loves fossils and wants to be a scientist one day. However, one classmate thinks that girls can’t be scientists. Kimmy becomes discouraged but with a few kind words from an observant teacher and the discovery of a female paleontologist, her confidence is restored.
Reviewed by: Jane Khaytin, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
November 1, 2021
The dinosaur expert is a young girl Kimmy who aspires to be a paleontologist because of her love for fossils but she doubts it when a boy in her class tells her she cannot be one because she is a female. But through the story, she doubts herself and does not talk about any of the fossils after she is told girls will not be able to be a paleontologist but her teacher helps her by showing her a fossil that was discovered by a female this makes her excited again. The strong points in this story are the outcome where she is told she would be about to be a paleontologist because why would she believe the boy instead of listening to herself and following her dreams. The illustrations are also well done and thought out each page holds a lot of details especially when we look at each exhibit. Teachers can use this to show the girls in the class to not believe what the boys say and follow their dreams because they can be whatever they put their minds to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
The Dinosaur Expert by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G.Brian Karas. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz & Wade (Random House), 2018. $18.
9780553511437
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
On a class field trip to a natural history museum, Kimmy eagerly anticipates sharing her knowledge about dinosaurs, but is intimidated by the idea that perhaps girls can’t be scientists. Kimmy’s perceptive teacher draws out her enthusiasm and expertise, which surprises and benefits the whole class.
A fun book! In an unobtrusive way, it shows that a scientific bent can be present in girls and boys, children and adults. Besides the interesting information about dinosaurs, the book briefly highlights some famous female paleontologists.
M. Kijek, Library teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
9780553511437
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
On a class field trip to a natural history museum, Kimmy eagerly anticipates sharing her knowledge about dinosaurs, but is intimidated by the idea that perhaps girls can’t be scientists. Kimmy’s perceptive teacher draws out her enthusiasm and expertise, which surprises and benefits the whole class.
A fun book! In an unobtrusive way, it shows that a scientific bent can be present in girls and boys, children and adults. Besides the interesting information about dinosaurs, the book briefly highlights some famous female paleontologists.
M. Kijek, Library teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
January 25, 2021
Kimmy collects things so she can study them. Her favorite things to collect are fossils. She is looking forward to the class trip to the museum to see the dinosaurs. In the first room, she shares her knowledge with the class. She explains she wants to be a scientist when she grows up. Jake mocks her and tells her girls can’t be scientists, and the pictures of scientists who discovered older fines seem to confirm this. Kimmy stops talking and sharing her knowledge. Mr. Tiffin her teacher encourages her to speak up, but she is discouraged. Then they come to the largest currently known dinosaur specimen, discovered by Dr. Brandoni de Gasparini. A great story that can spark conversations about how to handle things when someone tells you that you can’t do something because of who you are. The book ends with a two-page spread introducing 7 female paleontologists and their stories.
October 25, 2021
I found this book on the website RISE: A feminist book project for ages 0-18 on the 2019 Amelia Bloomer List titled Early Readers- Fiction. This book chronicles a school visit to a natural history museum from the perspective of a young girl named Kimmy. Kimmy loved dinosaurs and wanted to be a paleontologist one day. However, when first at the museum, a classmate comments that girls cannot be dinosaurs. This hurts Kimmy’s confidence and she is quiet, even when she knows the answer. Then, her teacher calls her over to see the Gasparinisaura, a recently discovered dinosaur. This was special because it was discovered by a woman named Dr. Brandoni de Gasparini. This boosts Kimmy’s self-esteem and she opens up, sharing all of her dinosaur knowledge with her classmates. Kimmy expresses that she wants to be just like her Dr. Gasparini when she grows up and her teacher responds by saying that he thinks she already is. The final pages of the text highlight Kimmy’s favorite paleontologists and they are all women! I could use this text in my classroom to teach students that they can be anything they dream of. There are no man or woman jobs to hold them back, if they reach for their goals they can accomplish it. In addition, I could teach my students about the different types of dinosaurs described in this text.
September 20, 2018
Kimmy loves fossils and dinosaurs and when her class takes a field trip to the natural history museum Kimmy can't wait to share that love with her classmates. When Jake comments that she seems to know a lot about dinosaurs, Kimmy says, "I want to be a scientist when I grow up." And Jake tells her that girls aren't scientists. Kimmy is more hesitant after that, especially when she notices that all of the paleontologists mentioned in museum placards are men. Her teacher Mr. Tiffin takes special care to point out an exhibit commemorating the contributions of Dr. Zulma Brandoni de Gasparini, a female scientist, and Kimmy's enthusiasm is reignited! Girls CAN be scientists. An empowering story filled with dinosaur facts.
March 3, 2021
This picture story book is titled The Dinosaur Expert by Margaret McNamara in which the main character is a young girl named Kimmie who collected many things such as rocks, shells, and feathers. Kimmie’s favorite thing to collect fossils and she was very excited when Mr. Tiffin’s class got to go to the history museum to learn about their dinosaur exhibits. Kimmie tells her classmates that she would like to be a scientist and she explains what she knows about dinosaurs. I really enjoyed the use of dinosaur vocabulary words in this story and the illustrations were very unique. For example, I loved the illustrations of the fossils and dinosaur exhibits. I think that this would be a great book to read aloud for a second grade language arts lesson.
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