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Dexter T. Rexter
It's Show and Tell, Dexter!
Dexter T. Rexter is going to school. But will anyone like him?
Tomorrow is the biggest event ever in Dexter’s his best friend, Jack, is taking him to school for Show and Tell Day! Dexter has been getting ready for weeks. But now he’s a little nervous. What if the other kids don’t like him? So Dexter decides to come up with a plan. He’ll wear a costume. Dinosaurs in bunny ears look good, right? He’ll recite state capitals starting with…uh…ah…er. Then he realizes something. He can’t dance. He can’t recite things. He doesn’t have ANY skills. What’s a dino to do?
This comical, interactive tale of belonging, friendship, anticipation, and first-day-at-school jitters lets readers experience the excitement and nervousness along with Dexter—and even offer him a little advice along the way.
Tomorrow is the biggest event ever in Dexter’s his best friend, Jack, is taking him to school for Show and Tell Day! Dexter has been getting ready for weeks. But now he’s a little nervous. What if the other kids don’t like him? So Dexter decides to come up with a plan. He’ll wear a costume. Dinosaurs in bunny ears look good, right? He’ll recite state capitals starting with…uh…ah…er. Then he realizes something. He can’t dance. He can’t recite things. He doesn’t have ANY skills. What’s a dino to do?
This comical, interactive tale of belonging, friendship, anticipation, and first-day-at-school jitters lets readers experience the excitement and nervousness along with Dexter—and even offer him a little advice along the way.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2018
133 people are currently reading
1639 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Ward
48 books238 followersLindsay Ward has a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. Her most recent books include It’s Show and Tell, Dexter! and Don’t Forget Dexter!, books 1 and 2 in the Dexter T. Rexter Series with Two Lions. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians (Two Lions, 2017), The Importance of Being 3 (Dial 2016), Rosco vs. the Baby (S&S, 2016), Henry Finds His Word (Dial, 2015), a Choose to Read Ohio Book, When Blue Met Egg (Dial, 2012), and Please Bring Balloons (Dial, 2013), which was produced into a play by the New York City Children’s Theater in 2017. Her work has been reviewed in Kirkus Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly, and the New York Times. Lindsay is currently working on a new board book series, I Go!, with HarperCollins, due Summer 2019 and This Book Is Gray, a new picture book with Two Lions. She is the founder of Critter Lit (www.critterlit.com), a free picture book manuscript and illustration critique service for up-and-coming authors and illustrators. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and dog. Visit her online at www.lindsaymward.com or follow her on Twitter @lindsaymward.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 17, 2018
I don't remember show and tell day from when I was a kid, but I do remember it as a parent. It is a stressful day and night before. I remember our kids saying something like:
What should I take?
Will it be as cool as what Parker or Izzy brought?
What is something that I can share and tell a story about?
Well, this is exactly what Dexter is worried about. He can't wait to be the guest at Show and Tell Day. He knows he is Jack's favorite toy and he is sure he will be chosen for Show and Tell Day. But, then he starts to have second thoughts. Maybe he isn't a cool as some of Jack's other toys. Maybe the other kids at school won't think he is as fun as Jack thinks he is. Dexter tries to come up with ideas to make himself cooler like dressing in a costume (Elvis was my favorite) or trying a new dance routine. None of them seem to be the right thing and he starts to get worried. Eventually, Show and Tell Day arrives and all goes well. Dexter is a hit. But, the silliness and real nervous emotions from Dexter will make kids love this story.
This book is perfect for kids that get nervous about anything, like the first day of school, a doctor appointment, a play date, or a field trip. Seeing how Dexter handles his worry and nervousness will put kids' minds at ease and show them that just being themselves will make whatever seems so scary a piece of cake.
Dexter is hilarious and this book is the perfect read-aloud book for a library storytime, classroom circle time, or snuggle time on the couch. There are so many exclamations and voices that the reader can use to make the book even more exciting. It is one kids will want to read over and over again. I'll be sticking this one in my sub bag for my younger elementary classes. I know it will be a hit!
What should I take?
Will it be as cool as what Parker or Izzy brought?
What is something that I can share and tell a story about?
Well, this is exactly what Dexter is worried about. He can't wait to be the guest at Show and Tell Day. He knows he is Jack's favorite toy and he is sure he will be chosen for Show and Tell Day. But, then he starts to have second thoughts. Maybe he isn't a cool as some of Jack's other toys. Maybe the other kids at school won't think he is as fun as Jack thinks he is. Dexter tries to come up with ideas to make himself cooler like dressing in a costume (Elvis was my favorite) or trying a new dance routine. None of them seem to be the right thing and he starts to get worried. Eventually, Show and Tell Day arrives and all goes well. Dexter is a hit. But, the silliness and real nervous emotions from Dexter will make kids love this story.
This book is perfect for kids that get nervous about anything, like the first day of school, a doctor appointment, a play date, or a field trip. Seeing how Dexter handles his worry and nervousness will put kids' minds at ease and show them that just being themselves will make whatever seems so scary a piece of cake.
Dexter is hilarious and this book is the perfect read-aloud book for a library storytime, classroom circle time, or snuggle time on the couch. There are so many exclamations and voices that the reader can use to make the book even more exciting. It is one kids will want to read over and over again. I'll be sticking this one in my sub bag for my younger elementary classes. I know it will be a hit!
July 30, 2018
Finn Thinks:
Do you like this book?
Yeah! Because I love Dexter Dino.
What's your favorite part of the book?
When he was a bunny! Because a t-rex can't be a bunny! And I like the song! And when he's an astronaut, it matches my room!
What do you think of the cover?
I like it, I like the t-rex.
Do you want me to read it again?
Yeah! Tomorrow.
Momma Thinks:
The Dexter books are some of our favorites. It's a t-rex, so who can go wrong with that?
It's Show and Tell Dexter is about a toy dinosaur who is scared to go to his boy's show and tell day. He feels like he isn't good enough. So he tries on different costumes, does silly dances, and even tries to act like other animals.
At the end Dexter figures out that all he has to do is be himself and he's good enough.
I think it's a great book that teaches you to just be yourself. The illustrations are cute and it was really fun to read.
Do you like this book?
Yeah! Because I love Dexter Dino.
What's your favorite part of the book?
When he was a bunny! Because a t-rex can't be a bunny! And I like the song! And when he's an astronaut, it matches my room!
What do you think of the cover?
I like it, I like the t-rex.
Do you want me to read it again?
Yeah! Tomorrow.
Momma Thinks:
The Dexter books are some of our favorites. It's a t-rex, so who can go wrong with that?
It's Show and Tell Dexter is about a toy dinosaur who is scared to go to his boy's show and tell day. He feels like he isn't good enough. So he tries on different costumes, does silly dances, and even tries to act like other animals.
At the end Dexter figures out that all he has to do is be himself and he's good enough.
I think it's a great book that teaches you to just be yourself. The illustrations are cute and it was really fun to read.
November 18, 2019
Dexter the dinosaur is going to show and tell at school and he's feeling nervous and is having some anxiety over it.
Kids will relate to his feelings and because Dexter talks to the reader, it puts a more interactive spin on the conversation!
Kids will relate to his feelings and because Dexter talks to the reader, it puts a more interactive spin on the conversation!
August 5, 2018
An adorable story about anticipation, friendship, love and about nerves regarding school. The story was very cute and flowed in a way that makes it fun to read and fun to listen to it being read. I loved the illustrations, they were dynamic and vibrant. The pictures are a great way for kids to learn to read because they are quite detailed and animated. The child can first tell the story by looking at the pictures and then later add in the words. This type of book is perfect for budding readers and new and emergent readers. I loved it so much and I cannot wait to give this book to my schools kindergarten teacher. She will love it as will her students!
September 20, 2018
Cute and interactive!
Dexter talks to you! Not literally... but it definitely got my son involved in the story. It was fun to read and a great way to connect to kids!
Dexter talks to you! Not literally... but it definitely got my son involved in the story. It was fun to read and a great way to connect to kids!
February 6, 2022
Super wordy. Dexter the toy dinosaur wants to be the toy his person Jack brings to school for show-and-tell. But then he obsesses over the idea that Jack might want to bring a different toy. He tries to come up with ways to be more interesting. This leads to a depression about not feeling good enough. But, of course, he needn't have worried.
Personally I found this spent way too much time on the anxiety and not enough time on the reassurance. I find this more triggering than empathetic. Your mileage may vary.
Personally I found this spent way too much time on the anxiety and not enough time on the reassurance. I find this more triggering than empathetic. Your mileage may vary.
September 5, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is It’s Show And Tell, Dexter! by Lindsay Ward, the adorable second installment of the Dexter T. Rexter series.
Dexter T. Rexter, a dinosaur toy, is back with a new challenge to face. His owner, Jack, is having show-and-tell at school, and he’s going to bring his very favorite toy: Dexter, of course! Dexter is so excited, and he’s been preparing for weeks. However, he’s also pretty nervous: will the kids like him? What outfit should he wear? Should he try to wow everyone? Will he make Jack proud? Dexter works himself into a frenzy over his worries, but the reader offers a suggestion: instead of trying to impress Jack’s classmates with costumes or flashy tricks, what if Dexter just went as… himself?
Wonderful! This was a story with a lot of comedy, yet had a very encouraging message for little ones who also may be feeling nervous about their first day of school. Dexter’s histrionics are presented in laughably dramatic text that is a blast to read aloud and act out – JJ was screeching with laughter by the time we got to “TOTAL FREAKOUT!”. But the message that being yourself is always the best way to face new experiences is the best part, and brought the plot full-circle beautifully. The art is bright, colorful, and full of energy, and JJ loved seeing Dexter’s antics. The length is great, and we both enjoyed this one a lot. A fantastic follow-up, yet stands on its own as a wonderful lesson in being oneself. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
August 16, 2018
Calling all dino-loving kiddos! It's Show and Tell, Dexter! by Lindsay Ward is an amusing story with a creative two-way dialog between the narrator, Dexter T. Rexter, and the reader. The illustrations in this book are adorable and accurately depict the words on the page. Dexter's best friend, Jack, will be taking Dexter to school soon for show-and-tell day. Dexter Dino has been preparing for his big debut in the silliest of ways, making sure he is healthy and hydrated all while battling a case of the nerves. He considers dressing up in costumes to be 'more fun' in an effort to stand-out. As Dexter interacts with the reader, he finally comes around to what the reader already knows, be yourself. I love the message this one shares. I love that it shows kids you can be nervous about going to school or making presentations, but at the end of the day the best thing you can do is to be YOU! I would say the target age for this book is entering elementary school, great for any kid with first day of school nerves, early readers and those who can read well.
If you are looking for a cute book about dinosaurs with a great message, or a book to help bust through the back to school jitters, find out all about what happens when Jack takes Dexter T. Rexter to show-and-tell.
I give this one 4.5 rawring stars out of 5.
If you are looking for a cute book about dinosaurs with a great message, or a book to help bust through the back to school jitters, find out all about what happens when Jack takes Dexter T. Rexter to show-and-tell.
I give this one 4.5 rawring stars out of 5.
August 13, 2018
I really love the illustrations, overall cute book. In the book Dexter is worried about if he is interesting enough for show and tell and unsure if others will like him. As Dexter experiences trying options to seem more interesting in the end it results in just choosing to be yourself.
I do want to point out that this book would work better being read in partners or read out loud to others. As it is comes off to me, as an interactive book. Almost leaving space for a response. Just something to keep in mind as I don't think this is as good if reading to oneself. I would rate this a three and a half stars if I could because of this reason.
I do want to point out that this book would work better being read in partners or read out loud to others. As it is comes off to me, as an interactive book. Almost leaving space for a response. Just something to keep in mind as I don't think this is as good if reading to oneself. I would rate this a three and a half stars if I could because of this reason.
November 4, 2018
Dexter is a toy dinosaur with issues. This time, it is the anxiety called "Show and Tell". He is excited, yet nervous. He details his anxieties with the reader, finally deciding that all is fine when his owner Jack takes him to school and he finds out Show and Tell is a breeze!
Ward uses a combination of uppercase and bold font to help convey the strength of the anxiety. Dexter's one-sided conversation is a riot to read aloud. Her illustrations were created using printmaking in, colored pencil and cut paper. They are bold and bright. I like that Jack has brown skin -- it's a bonus!
A preschool storytime winner -- I think this text could be adapted into a very fun puppet show!
Ward uses a combination of uppercase and bold font to help convey the strength of the anxiety. Dexter's one-sided conversation is a riot to read aloud. Her illustrations were created using printmaking in, colored pencil and cut paper. They are bold and bright. I like that Jack has brown skin -- it's a bonus!
A preschool storytime winner -- I think this text could be adapted into a very fun puppet show!
August 19, 2018
This adorable picture book tells the story of Dexter who's nervous about the upcoming show and tell day at school, because he's a stuffed animal that's going to be taken to school by his owner to be shown. I love the point of view of this story, and it's fun to think of all the ways this stuffed dinosaur wants to spice up his appearance - costumes, tricks, etc. This might be a fun mentor text to share with young writers to help them create stories from another person's or thing's point of view.
August 6, 2018
Received this book today after winning it in a Goodreads contest. It is absolutely adorable and fits in well with other dinosaur/school stories that are new this year. My favorite part, I think, was when he was wearing the Elvis jumpsuit with the T-rex on the side in sequins. And the end, which is simply saying - just be yourself!
March 18, 2019
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Toys: Dinosaur
A personable dinosaur experiences the anxiety of going to school as a show-and-tell toy without any talents, dance skills, or cool costumes. But when the audience encourages him to go as himself, we're left with a happy ending.
A fun read-aloud with strong parallels to a child's first-day experience.
Toys: Dinosaur
A personable dinosaur experiences the anxiety of going to school as a show-and-tell toy without any talents, dance skills, or cool costumes. But when the audience encourages him to go as himself, we're left with a happy ending.
A fun read-aloud with strong parallels to a child's first-day experience.
November 7, 2020
Lindsay Ward is so amazing at taking feelings and struggles that we all have and phrasing the in such a way that we can all relate and we feel we have hope for ourselves working through the issues. This book addresses the fear that others won't like us for who we are. Lindsay Ward, I sure hope you keep writing books! Because we'd love to read more!
August 27, 2018
This is a funny book about a toy dinosaur who wants to go to show and tell day at school. He tries many costumes and talents but ends up deciding to be himself. It would be a great book to read to younger elementary school children.
February 5, 2019
Dexter’s catchy little tune always puts a smile on my boys face - after we finish either of Wards Dexter T Rexter books my son does a little dance and hums the rhythm (I’ve sung it in) of the song.
Great read for parents and their kiddos.
Great read for parents and their kiddos.
October 21, 2020
So cute
Told from the perspective of a favorite toy being taken to show and tell, this is a cute story showing a dinosaur worrying over nothing. Well, nothing to an adult, but to a child, or a favorite toy, show and tell us a big deal.
Told from the perspective of a favorite toy being taken to show and tell, this is a cute story showing a dinosaur worrying over nothing. Well, nothing to an adult, but to a child, or a favorite toy, show and tell us a big deal.
August 17, 2024
Learning about stress projections
This is a good story about not stressing over our projections which cause us to waste so much time and energy. This was great for the kids who have started to stress as they near 9 years old.
This is a good story about not stressing over our projections which cause us to waste so much time and energy. This was great for the kids who have started to stress as they near 9 years old.
July 31, 2018
Dexter is nervious for show and tell day at school.
September 2, 2018
This book was super cute! I read it to my son and he loves the high energy and excitement. I loved that it was exactly what I would have said!
September 8, 2018
A stuffed Dinosaur gets ready for show & tell by bragging then getting nervous. Will he be a hot or miss? Cute. Elementary for humor and length
December 14, 2018
Amazing!! One of our favorite books.
Amazingly simple yet heartfelt way to address fear, sadness and hope. Beautifully done! One of our absolute favorites. Please write more.
Amazingly simple yet heartfelt way to address fear, sadness and hope. Beautifully done! One of our absolute favorites. Please write more.
January 3, 2019
Fun book about Dexter, a toy dinosaur, who is eagerly awaiting Show and Tell day at school, but becomes nervous.
February 26, 2019
It looks totally hilarious and breaks the 4th wall
March 11, 2019
Great !
My daughter really enjoyed this book, she hasn’t had show and tell yet at school yet and this gave her the toys perspective! LOL 🙀😸
My daughter really enjoyed this book, she hasn’t had show and tell yet at school yet and this gave her the toys perspective! LOL 🙀😸
March 17, 2019
Super cute dino book!
We can't wait for more Dexter T Rexter books. I love reading them to my 3 year old dino fan.
We can't wait for more Dexter T Rexter books. I love reading them to my 3 year old dino fan.
March 26, 2019
Adorable story about a toy dinosaur who’s nervous about show and tell day at school. Will his human actually bring him to school? What special talent can he show off? 30 pages
April 4, 2019
A cute story of a toy T. Rex that gets anxious when he might get taken to school for show and tell
November 17, 2019
Sleepover favorite
This is the best book ever! Dexter thinks he has to take a costume. My grandsons have me read them this book every time they come for a sleepover!
This is the best book ever! Dexter thinks he has to take a costume. My grandsons have me read them this book every time they come for a sleepover!
November 19, 2019
Dexter is worried about going to school for show-and-tell. What if the kids don't like him? What if he's not impressive enough?
Luckily, just being Dexter is just what is needed.
Luckily, just being Dexter is just what is needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews