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Dexter T. Rexter
Vacation for Dexter!
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2019)Dexter T. Rexter is on a plane―for the very first time. Dexter can’t wait to go on vacation with his best friend, Jack. Supercool orange sunglasses? Check. Nifty travel hat? Check. Plane tickets? Uh, what? Dexter may be the toughest, coolest dinosaur around, but everyone knows T. rexes don’t fly! If anyone could do it, he could. It’s just that he’s suddenly feeling a little hot. And maybe a little nervous. But just as he starts to melt down, he notices Jack looks upset. Dexter realizes he has to be brave enough for both of them. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll start to have a bit of fun in the air. Both nervous and funny, Dexter tells the readers what he’s feeling and even asks their advice as he comes to understand that being brave with a friend makes everything a little better. And hey, those cookies during the flight don’t hurt, either!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 16, 2019
96 people are currently reading
3123 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Ward
49 books240 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 59 reviews
November 16, 2019
My family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books every year. This is book #4 (of more than 20) of 2019, and we were not huge fans. This time it is not a dragon book, but a dinosaur book (does my sigh come through here, and will you predict this will be the last year the family judges all these books? Maybe). This one is third in a series about Dexter T. Dexter, for littluns.
Lyra (12): 3. Pretty funny! I like the colors! Pre-school kids would like it! It's about conquering your fears!
Hank (13): 1. Major breakdown! Then he forgets everything that has happened and pretends everything is fine,
Harry (14): 2. He says, "Look at my tiny arm! Does it look like I can fly?" So he rides in an airplane. :)
Tara: 3. Too many dinosaur books! It was an okay story, I guess, but where were his parents?
Dave: 2. Not a fan of the character, the art, or the story, and it's not just because I am older. I was never a fan of these generic books. Okay, let me say something nice; I do like some aspects of the art--the color, the collage style in places. It's good for little kids who are scared about stuff. A secret, silly, braver friend to help a fearful kid learn to cope.
PS: Fr0m Rod Brown: "A close look at the verso page revealed Two Lions is an Amazon company. And with a 7th book from Amazon Crossing Kids in the Picture Book nominees, that means somehow, magically, Amazon -- the owner of Goodreads -- managed to capture nearly half the slots in the opening round. What a coincidence!" Ugh, I already wrote a letter of complaint to Go9odreads and got a generic response: These books that get nominated are the most popular on Goodreads! Okay.
Lyra (12): 3. Pretty funny! I like the colors! Pre-school kids would like it! It's about conquering your fears!
Hank (13): 1. Major breakdown! Then he forgets everything that has happened and pretends everything is fine,
Harry (14): 2. He says, "Look at my tiny arm! Does it look like I can fly?" So he rides in an airplane. :)
Tara: 3. Too many dinosaur books! It was an okay story, I guess, but where were his parents?
Dave: 2. Not a fan of the character, the art, or the story, and it's not just because I am older. I was never a fan of these generic books. Okay, let me say something nice; I do like some aspects of the art--the color, the collage style in places. It's good for little kids who are scared about stuff. A secret, silly, braver friend to help a fearful kid learn to cope.
PS: Fr0m Rod Brown: "A close look at the verso page revealed Two Lions is an Amazon company. And with a 7th book from Amazon Crossing Kids in the Picture Book nominees, that means somehow, magically, Amazon -- the owner of Goodreads -- managed to capture nearly half the slots in the opening round. What a coincidence!" Ugh, I already wrote a letter of complaint to Go9odreads and got a generic response: These books that get nominated are the most popular on Goodreads! Okay.
November 11, 2019
Goodreads Choice Awards Project: Read as many of the opening round Best Picture Book nominees as possible. 5 to go!
Oh, look, a decent Two Lions book. Dexter is an odd looking but cute enough little dinosaur off on a vacation to Florida with his kid. (I'm a little unclear as to whether Dexter is a living pet or an imaginary friend/toy a la Calvin & Hobbes.) The book addresses fear of flying in a manner that both amuses and may serve as a springboard for discussion with your child about their fears.
Update 11/10/2019:
AMAZON CONSPIRACY THEORY!!!!! THE FIX IS IN FOR THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS!!!!
Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten! was the the third lackluster book from the publisher Two Lions that I had read in three days during my Goodreads Awards project. I'd never heard of this publisher before, so I started wondering how they came out of nowhere to have not even three but SIX nominees in the opening round. A close look at the verso page revealed Two Lions is an Amazon company. And with a 7th book from Amazon Crossing Kids in the Picture Book nominees, that means somehow, magically, Amazon -- the owner of Goodreads -- managed to capture nearly half the slots in the opening round. What a coincidence!
A quick look at the other categories seems to show that Amazon is not dominating those in the same way, but this still seems pretty darn sketchy. Another good thing tainted...
I recommend everyone do write-ins for this category and try to push out the Two Lions books. I recommend Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl or Dandy.
Oh, look, a decent Two Lions book. Dexter is an odd looking but cute enough little dinosaur off on a vacation to Florida with his kid. (I'm a little unclear as to whether Dexter is a living pet or an imaginary friend/toy a la Calvin & Hobbes.) The book addresses fear of flying in a manner that both amuses and may serve as a springboard for discussion with your child about their fears.
Update 11/10/2019:
AMAZON CONSPIRACY THEORY!!!!! THE FIX IS IN FOR THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS!!!!
Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten! was the the third lackluster book from the publisher Two Lions that I had read in three days during my Goodreads Awards project. I'd never heard of this publisher before, so I started wondering how they came out of nowhere to have not even three but SIX nominees in the opening round. A close look at the verso page revealed Two Lions is an Amazon company. And with a 7th book from Amazon Crossing Kids in the Picture Book nominees, that means somehow, magically, Amazon -- the owner of Goodreads -- managed to capture nearly half the slots in the opening round. What a coincidence!
A quick look at the other categories seems to show that Amazon is not dominating those in the same way, but this still seems pretty darn sketchy. Another good thing tainted...
I recommend everyone do write-ins for this category and try to push out the Two Lions books. I recommend Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl or Dandy.
February 26, 2020
2019 Goodreads Choice Picture Book Nominee
This book is fine. Dexter is a cute character, with lots of energy, and I like the little boy that is his owner. This would be a cuddly read-aloud book my boys might have liked. The illustrations go along with the reading level, they are simple and almost crayon-like. In the sea of picture books, this is fine, but forgettable.
This book is fine. Dexter is a cute character, with lots of energy, and I like the little boy that is his owner. This would be a cuddly read-aloud book my boys might have liked. The illustrations go along with the reading level, they are simple and almost crayon-like. In the sea of picture books, this is fine, but forgettable.
April 3, 2019
Dexter is the best. We brought this book on spring break with us and my nieces loved it. They loved the story, the humor, the adventure the characters and everything in between. It was a total hit! I highly recommend this readable story that both kids and adults will love!!
November 8, 2019
Are you planning a vacation soon? Will it be your child’s first plane ride? Then you need to get this book!
In Vacation for Dexter, Dexter is heading to Florida with his best friend Jack. He is so excited, but when he finds out they’re taking a plane to get to Florida he changes his mind! Like any T-Rex, he doesn’t fly!
He’s so scared, but then he notices that Jack is scared too. Dexter knows he’s got to help make Jack less afraid so he starts singing.
The stewardess shows Dexter and Jack all of the fun ways they can entertain themselves, and in no time they’re in Florida. Your kids will love this latest Dexter book! The illustrations are so cute, and Dexter has a way of making everyone feel better. I love how in spite of how scared Dexter is, he still helps his best friend Jack to feel better.
In Vacation for Dexter, Dexter is heading to Florida with his best friend Jack. He is so excited, but when he finds out they’re taking a plane to get to Florida he changes his mind! Like any T-Rex, he doesn’t fly!
He’s so scared, but then he notices that Jack is scared too. Dexter knows he’s got to help make Jack less afraid so he starts singing.
The stewardess shows Dexter and Jack all of the fun ways they can entertain themselves, and in no time they’re in Florida. Your kids will love this latest Dexter book! The illustrations are so cute, and Dexter has a way of making everyone feel better. I love how in spite of how scared Dexter is, he still helps his best friend Jack to feel better.
August 14, 2020
Dexter goes on vacation with his friend, Jack. He even goes on an airplane. And he's not even afraid! (or they are brave together.) :-)
April 23, 2019
I read this book via an Amazon KINDLE Unlimited download since I couldn’t win it for my inner-child to read through a giveaway the author had on the internet.
Not having flown until I was over 55 for the first time, I can easily imagine how Jack and his friend Dexter T Rexter felt on his first trip on a plane – full of apprehension of what would happen on it, I felt everything Dexter felt. Looking around at everyone on the plane I realized with they can be relax so can I.
What the author, Lindsay Ward, does here in this book is to subliminally tell her young readers, that like Jack and his orange dinosaur toy, Dexter, that there’s nothing to be afraid when flying in a plane. That flying can be a fun adventure, that they would like to do again. The author’s writing is engaging as Dexter is telling readers what’s happening and how he’s feeling, in addition to which he’s asking them to give him some suggestions as what to do and even invites them to sing with him.
Enhancing the reading experience is the varied sizes and color of the fonts being used, and more importantly the perfectly match illustrations with the words surrounding them, that have been drawn the author herself. Which is why, in the end, my inner-child and myself are happy to give Ms. Ward the 5 STARS she’s been given for this book.
Not having flown until I was over 55 for the first time, I can easily imagine how Jack and his friend Dexter T Rexter felt on his first trip on a plane – full of apprehension of what would happen on it, I felt everything Dexter felt. Looking around at everyone on the plane I realized with they can be relax so can I.
What the author, Lindsay Ward, does here in this book is to subliminally tell her young readers, that like Jack and his orange dinosaur toy, Dexter, that there’s nothing to be afraid when flying in a plane. That flying can be a fun adventure, that they would like to do again. The author’s writing is engaging as Dexter is telling readers what’s happening and how he’s feeling, in addition to which he’s asking them to give him some suggestions as what to do and even invites them to sing with him.
Enhancing the reading experience is the varied sizes and color of the fonts being used, and more importantly the perfectly match illustrations with the words surrounding them, that have been drawn the author herself. Which is why, in the end, my inner-child and myself are happy to give Ms. Ward the 5 STARS she’s been given for this book.
January 26, 2021
I wasn’t going to write a review of this book because it’s a kids book and I prefer for Goodreads to be my personal reads. After seeing some reviews that seemed strangely excessively negative, I felt it was important to leave my review.
I have two older kids, ages 10 and 12, and a 3 year old. My oldest could not care less about this book which is understandable since broody tween isn’t the intended audience. My 10 year old loves picture books so she enjoys Dexter, especially when I am the one reading it. My 3 year old though...Dexter T. Dexter books are among his absolute favorites and they’re among my favorite to read to him.
Dexter talks to the reader throughout the story so it’s an engaging experience from that alone. There’s also some silliness and a cute little song to enhance the reading experience. The way the words are written gives subtle clues on how the words might be spoken (big font for words you say louder, small for whispers) so if you are a parent who needs visual aids to add a little pizazz to your reading out loud, these books are going to be great for you. We get to watch Dexter work through his anxiety and persevere which is such a good lesson for kids. And of course, Dexter is a dinosaur so that automatically makes this book cool to any Dino lover!
I have two older kids, ages 10 and 12, and a 3 year old. My oldest could not care less about this book which is understandable since broody tween isn’t the intended audience. My 10 year old loves picture books so she enjoys Dexter, especially when I am the one reading it. My 3 year old though...Dexter T. Dexter books are among his absolute favorites and they’re among my favorite to read to him.
Dexter talks to the reader throughout the story so it’s an engaging experience from that alone. There’s also some silliness and a cute little song to enhance the reading experience. The way the words are written gives subtle clues on how the words might be spoken (big font for words you say louder, small for whispers) so if you are a parent who needs visual aids to add a little pizazz to your reading out loud, these books are going to be great for you. We get to watch Dexter work through his anxiety and persevere which is such a good lesson for kids. And of course, Dexter is a dinosaur so that automatically makes this book cool to any Dino lover!
April 8, 2019
This book is AWESOME! It's bright, it's cheery, it's upbeat, and while it's technically book #3 in the Dexter T. Rexter series, it works wonderfully as a standalone story. My favorite aspect of this book is the fact that, while it's humorous through and through, it also tackles a very serious issue, which is the fear of flying. While Dexter experiences his first-flight jitters aboard an airplane, children are reminded that it's normal to feel nervous from time to time, and that with a little bit of confidence, things will be fine. As a person who experienced a LOT of anxiety as a kid, I really appreciate the segment where Dexter acknowledges his symptoms - his "stiff spikes, back pain, leg cramps, dry eyes, and sweaty armpits." Though symptoms like these are uncomfortable, it's important to talk about them with kids so that they know it's okay to experience them, and to work through them, just like Dexter does! That's why this book is the perfect read for kids who are getting ready to travel. It will help them know what to expect on the airplane while giving them the confidence and courage they need to have a happy flight!
June 21, 2019
Dexter the Dinosaur is leaving with the family to go to Florida. He assumes it will be the road trip of a lifetime…until they arrive at the airport. Dexter has never flown before and is quite afraid. When Jack also gets a bit scared on the plane, Dexter comes to the rescue and the two of them comfort each other through the rest of the trip.
Dexter is quite silly as he points out his tiny arms or smelly armpits. Jack’s expressions show his anxiety and fears and relief when Dexter joins Jack on his lap. After comforting each other and a few cookies, they realize that flying can be fun and exciting.
Kids will relate to both Jack and Dexter’s fears about flying. If your family is taking a trip, reading this book can help a child feel more comfortable about the flight. Make sure you pack their own friend for the trip!
This is the third in the Dexter T. Rexter series and Ward’s writing and illustrations are just as delightful.
Dexter is quite silly as he points out his tiny arms or smelly armpits. Jack’s expressions show his anxiety and fears and relief when Dexter joins Jack on his lap. After comforting each other and a few cookies, they realize that flying can be fun and exciting.
Kids will relate to both Jack and Dexter’s fears about flying. If your family is taking a trip, reading this book can help a child feel more comfortable about the flight. Make sure you pack their own friend for the trip!
This is the third in the Dexter T. Rexter series and Ward’s writing and illustrations are just as delightful.
November 16, 2019
“Look at my tiny arms. Does it look like I can fly?”
Dexter T. Rexter is excited to be going on vacation to Flor-i-da with his buddy, Jack. Dexter loves road trips, but when he finds out they are going on a plane, he’s not happy. He doesn’t want to fly. But when he sees Jack’s face and understands how scared his boy is, Dexter marshals his courage and helps keep his boy calm during the flight.
Cute
Dexter T. Rexter is excited to be going on vacation to Flor-i-da with his buddy, Jack. Dexter loves road trips, but when he finds out they are going on a plane, he’s not happy. He doesn’t want to fly. But when he sees Jack’s face and understands how scared his boy is, Dexter marshals his courage and helps keep his boy calm during the flight.
Cute
May 25, 2021
The Dexter books just keep being winners! :) I think this one might be my favorite so far, because despite his own nervousness, Dexter really comes through for his pal Jack and uses their adorable little songs to cheer him up and disturb all the other passengers- I mean, wait, what? XD
But seriously, it's adorable and just makes me love this amazing duo all the more!
Dexter and Jack, they're so great!
Where's book 4 - I cannot wait!! :)
But seriously, it's adorable and just makes me love this amazing duo all the more!
Dexter and Jack, they're so great!
Where's book 4 - I cannot wait!! :)
March 19, 2023
Okay but there’s a mistake.
Good story, but the dinosaur is scared of flying and says dinosaurs don’t fly except some do. Or something along the lines of that. Well no, dinosaurs don’t fly. I assume they are thinking of Pterodactyls (Pterodactyl), this is a Pterosaur not a dinosaur. They lived along side the dinosaurs but not a dinosaur so when I read this line my children and I are disappointed to read misinformation on dinosaurs.
Good story, but the dinosaur is scared of flying and says dinosaurs don’t fly except some do. Or something along the lines of that. Well no, dinosaurs don’t fly. I assume they are thinking of Pterodactyls (Pterodactyl), this is a Pterosaur not a dinosaur. They lived along side the dinosaurs but not a dinosaur so when I read this line my children and I are disappointed to read misinformation on dinosaurs.
November 7, 2019
Dexter's happy about vacation, but unhappy when he realizes they'll be flying there on a plane.
Loud singing isn't the type of coping skill I'd teach a kid who is flying.
Dexter and Jack don't seem to have the normal amount of entertainment options with them. And somehow Jack isn't seated with either parent?
Loud singing isn't the type of coping skill I'd teach a kid who is flying.
Dexter and Jack don't seem to have the normal amount of entertainment options with them. And somehow Jack isn't seated with either parent?
December 4, 2019
I know Dexter T Rex is orange and therefore not the T Rex from Toy Story, but it FELT like that T. rex. Anyway my 3 year old loves this book. It’s about how plane rides can be scary but you can be brave and beaches are nice.
Also I liked the singing. And the flight attendant response. With cookies 🍪.
Also I liked the singing. And the flight attendant response. With cookies 🍪.
December 4, 2019
Dexter the Dino is going on vacation. His human is taking him to Florida. But this isn’t just another car trip, it’s their first time on an airplane, and it is so big and scary. But with a little friendship they can get through anything. The story is nice and serves a purpose, but I felt it was a bit overdone. The Dino could not stop talking.
November 7, 2022
Loved it
Cute funny story. Nice illustrations. Dexter is a little boys stuffed dino. They're going on their first plane trip to Florida. The boy is nervous but Dexter is brave and comforts him. I think this is best for older kids. Wouldn't really be helpful for toddlers to prep for a trip, best for elementary age.
Cute funny story. Nice illustrations. Dexter is a little boys stuffed dino. They're going on their first plane trip to Florida. The boy is nervous but Dexter is brave and comforts him. I think this is best for older kids. Wouldn't really be helpful for toddlers to prep for a trip, best for elementary age.
November 22, 2019
A book about taking a first plane ride. Might give the littles a scare at first, since Dino is scared to fly. Made my little one a bit apprehensive to travel by plane, so I don't know how good this book would be to share. Still a cute story.
December 7, 2019
This was very timely for our house as we're about to take the kids on their first plane flight. Dexter the toy dinosaur is nervous about his first plane flight, but when he sees that his person is also scared he puts on a brave face.
November 7, 2020
I'm so thankful that their are books that are fun and address fears that children and that so many of us have. This book addresses the fear of flying. She showed how the comforts of flying can help us feel safe and secure and distracted through the trip.
September 23, 2021
Chomp chomp chomp
Dexter Dino in one of our favorite characters. He is loveable and fun. This vacation book has Dexter and his little boy Jack facing their fear of flying together. Such a cute way to address a common fear.
Dexter Dino in one of our favorite characters. He is loveable and fun. This vacation book has Dexter and his little boy Jack facing their fear of flying together. Such a cute way to address a common fear.
November 10, 2022
Awesomeness
The snuggly blanket and cookies were the best part. Dexter the dino is funny and this story is very good. Jack was scared to fly but Dexter the dino saved the day with a super cool dino song.
The snuggly blanket and cookies were the best part. Dexter the dino is funny and this story is very good. Jack was scared to fly but Dexter the dino saved the day with a super cool dino song.
December 4, 2023
A stuffed dinosaur freaks out about not wanting to go on vacation because he doesn't want to ride in the plane. Then he goes and comforts the little boy he belongs to, who for some reason is riding a plane without his parents. I didn't really like this one.
August 17, 2024
Learning about fear
We all have fears and here we learn a simple lesson to help kids get over their fear of flying. Yes, singing on a plane is not good for adults, but kids are a different matter.
We all have fears and here we learn a simple lesson to help kids get over their fear of flying. Yes, singing on a plane is not good for adults, but kids are a different matter.
April 24, 2019
(I received my copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway).
Very cute! Great for kids who love dinosaurs and my have a fear of flying.
Very cute! Great for kids who love dinosaurs and my have a fear of flying.
May 6, 2019
Cute. Dexter comes through again for reassuring little kids with fears, this time about traveling.
May 9, 2019
This is a great little book with some good lessons that will help your toddler prepare for air travel. Loved it!
July 22, 2019
A good exploration of what a child might feel on a first plane ride
August 7, 2019
Dexter would make good in-flight entertainment!
August 16, 2019
dexter the dinosaur touy and his owner are riding a plane to vacation and Dexter is a little worried. Preschool and up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews