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Tommysaurus Rex
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. When he finds a live, 40-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex trapped in a cave behind his grandfather's house, Ely embarks on an adventure to tame this seemingly friendly giant, convince the town his new pet isn't a threat, and keep his dinosaur safe from the jealous town bully.
108 pages, Library Binding
First published August 1, 2004
About the author
Doug TenNapel
46 books518 followersDoug TenNapel is the Eisner Award winning writer/artist of over sixteen graphic novels. He is published by Image Comics and Scholastic/Graphics.
He's been married for 27 years to the love of his life and has four book-loving kids.
Doug's favorite authors include G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. He reads mostly philosophy but tends to get his fiction from audio-books.
His performs live art demonstrations on his Facebook page, and has animated using pixel art for clients like BlueSky software and Electronic Arts. He also regularly posts on his Youtube channel.
Doug tries to write and draw something every day as a discipline that also happens to be a career.
He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
He's been married for 27 years to the love of his life and has four book-loving kids.
Doug's favorite authors include G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. He reads mostly philosophy but tends to get his fiction from audio-books.
His performs live art demonstrations on his Facebook page, and has animated using pixel art for clients like BlueSky software and Electronic Arts. He also regularly posts on his Youtube channel.
Doug tries to write and draw something every day as a discipline that also happens to be a career.
He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
November 7, 2018
Once you suspend disbelief over the existence of a T-Rex today this becomes a heartwarming story. Once you get over the fact that this could never happen you will be able to focus on what the story is really about: sticking with your friends through the good times and the bad times. Really liked the art - a very fun story!
September 18, 2016
OMG why can't I read a Doug TenNapel graphic novel without getting choked up and teary eyed. 5 stars for always giving me the feels.
Ely is a boy with no friends. He has his trusty female dog named Tommy as his one and only companion. One day while taking his dog for a walk, Tommy gets hit by a car and dies. (mega sad)
To encourage his son to move on, Ely's dad sends him to his grandpa's farm for the summer. Ely is surprised with a toy T-Rex from his grandpa and after his first long day of work he goes off to play with his new toy. After a while he runs into Randy and his gang. Randy has a pet golden retriever and Ely, trying to make a new friend says he had a dog just like that one. Randy goes on to tease Ely about his dead dog and make him eat dog poop and steals his new toy.
Ely is sad and discouraged. He hears a noise in the middle of the night and when he goes to explore what the noise is he finds a real life T-Rex that he begs to keep as a pet.
The shenanigans the T-Rex gets into and the consequences that follows having a dinosaur for a pet continues through out the book. Ely must find a way to tame and train his pet dinosaur or he has to get rid of it.
The book has a bit of reincarnation in it and deals with hope, loss and love. It also talks about apology and forgiveness. It was really cute and again made me cry lol. If you like meaningful middle grade then definitely check out this book. All of Doug's books are like this. Heartwarming with a great message.
Ely is a boy with no friends. He has his trusty female dog named Tommy as his one and only companion. One day while taking his dog for a walk, Tommy gets hit by a car and dies. (mega sad)
To encourage his son to move on, Ely's dad sends him to his grandpa's farm for the summer. Ely is surprised with a toy T-Rex from his grandpa and after his first long day of work he goes off to play with his new toy. After a while he runs into Randy and his gang. Randy has a pet golden retriever and Ely, trying to make a new friend says he had a dog just like that one. Randy goes on to tease Ely about his dead dog and make him eat dog poop and steals his new toy.
Ely is sad and discouraged. He hears a noise in the middle of the night and when he goes to explore what the noise is he finds a real life T-Rex that he begs to keep as a pet.
The shenanigans the T-Rex gets into and the consequences that follows having a dinosaur for a pet continues through out the book. Ely must find a way to tame and train his pet dinosaur or he has to get rid of it.
The book has a bit of reincarnation in it and deals with hope, loss and love. It also talks about apology and forgiveness. It was really cute and again made me cry lol. If you like meaningful middle grade then definitely check out this book. All of Doug's books are like this. Heartwarming with a great message.
September 20, 2013
A wonderful heartwarming story that at the core of it all is the story of a boy and his dog ... well, a boy and his pet, even if the "dog" is represented by a Tyranasaurus Rex. A smaller but equally potent side-theme is the redemption of a bully. Not dark, like TenNapel's other work I've read to date, but sad and bittersweet. Tender-hearted children will not be able to handle the Old Yeller type ending (and beginning). I simply adored this story and found it perfectly suited to the middle-grade age range as opposed to Cardboard which I found better suited to an older age. However, of interest, which is not to be found on the copyright page at all is that this book was originally written in 2004 and the edition presented here has been colourized and the text slightly edited to make it suitable for children. The original edition's text may be considered more "adult" or at the least YA appropriate. Certainly, one of my favourites by the author (Gear being my fav.). A bit different from his other works: not father/son focused, not as dark (or creepy!), and more touching. The best of the author's books to start kid's off with though.
March 31, 2019
This is a cute, quick read.
In fact, it will probably take me longer to write this review then it did to read this story.
This is not because it wasn’t good, just that you wanted to find out what was going to happen next.
Ely loses his dog, his crazy, untrainable dog, in the first few pages, and so his father sends him to his grandpa’s farm, to get over it. And that where he meets Tommy/Rex the dinosaur.
And then we see how to train your T-Rex, which is quite cute, and unexpected.
I kept thinking it would all turn out to be a dream, or to be magic, or something.
I only had one issue with the story, as to the fate of the bully, but that’s just me.
Overall a cute read.
In fact, it will probably take me longer to write this review then it did to read this story.
This is not because it wasn’t good, just that you wanted to find out what was going to happen next.
Ely loses his dog, his crazy, untrainable dog, in the first few pages, and so his father sends him to his grandpa’s farm, to get over it. And that where he meets Tommy/Rex the dinosaur.
And then we see how to train your T-Rex, which is quite cute, and unexpected.
I kept thinking it would all turn out to be a dream, or to be magic, or something.
I only had one issue with the story, as to the fate of the bully, but that’s just me.
Overall a cute read.
August 8, 2013
When a boy loses his best friend, Tommy, his dog, he is inconsolable. His parents send him to his grandfather's farm for the summer. He finds an unusual friend, a T-Rex, and an enemy, Randy. The adventure begins. TenNapel weaves a story of family, friendship and life lessons that you don't even see coming.
December 24, 2017
Another cute graphic novel for kids
February 1, 2018
this book is sad, cute, and funny
February 17, 2020
Cute and heartwarming. Cool T-Rex.
February 25, 2014
Previously I had red TenNapel’s books Ghostopolis and Cardboard and really enjoyed them both. I loved the quirkiness, the illustration, and the positive endings. Tommysaurus Rex was an entertaining read, but my least favorite TenNapel graphic novel so far.
Ely’s dog Tommy is hit by a car and Ely is devastated. In an effort to cheer Ely up his parents agree to let him spend the summer at his grandpa’s farm. While at the farm Ely finds a T-Rex trapped in a cave. Ely and T-Rex become the best of friends, but a media frenzy surrounding the T-Rex and a mean bully threaten this friendship.
I felt like the character development and plot was really rushed, especially in the beginning of the book. Everything... Ely’s loneliness and lack of friends, the death of his dog...is thrown at the reader really quickly. However, once the story gets going it is engaging and entertaining.
I think readers of all ages can enjoy this. It deals with some more mature issues that really young kids might not understand; for example bullying, being raised in a single parent home, and loss of a beloved pet. However I think kids 6 and up will be able to follow and understand. There are also some scenes where the bullies are very mean to Ely; for example at one part they force him to eat dog poop.
Given that we recently just lost our own dog, I found some parts of the story to be quite sad. I also chose not to read this with my seven year old because I think he would get too upset at those parts of the book. However the ending is hopeful and well done. TenNapel always does a great job of telling an entertaining story that is creative and interesting while still addressing some social issues (bullying, a parent leaving, etc). He also does a great job of giving stories a hopeful ending that feels natural.
The illustration is in full color and absolutely stunning, just like all of TenNapel’s books. Although there is an element of fantasy (Ely does find a T-Rex in a cave) this book was not as magical and fantastical as Cardboard and Ghostopolis were.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It is a fun and entertaining read. The pictures are beautiful and the story is engaging. There is some good discussion around loneliness, loss of a family pet, the leaving of a parent, and bullying. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy graphic novels with a fantasy element to them or if you are a fan of Doug TenNapel’s other graphic novels.
Ely’s dog Tommy is hit by a car and Ely is devastated. In an effort to cheer Ely up his parents agree to let him spend the summer at his grandpa’s farm. While at the farm Ely finds a T-Rex trapped in a cave. Ely and T-Rex become the best of friends, but a media frenzy surrounding the T-Rex and a mean bully threaten this friendship.
I felt like the character development and plot was really rushed, especially in the beginning of the book. Everything... Ely’s loneliness and lack of friends, the death of his dog...is thrown at the reader really quickly. However, once the story gets going it is engaging and entertaining.
I think readers of all ages can enjoy this. It deals with some more mature issues that really young kids might not understand; for example bullying, being raised in a single parent home, and loss of a beloved pet. However I think kids 6 and up will be able to follow and understand. There are also some scenes where the bullies are very mean to Ely; for example at one part they force him to eat dog poop.
Given that we recently just lost our own dog, I found some parts of the story to be quite sad. I also chose not to read this with my seven year old because I think he would get too upset at those parts of the book. However the ending is hopeful and well done. TenNapel always does a great job of telling an entertaining story that is creative and interesting while still addressing some social issues (bullying, a parent leaving, etc). He also does a great job of giving stories a hopeful ending that feels natural.
The illustration is in full color and absolutely stunning, just like all of TenNapel’s books. Although there is an element of fantasy (Ely does find a T-Rex in a cave) this book was not as magical and fantastical as Cardboard and Ghostopolis were.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It is a fun and entertaining read. The pictures are beautiful and the story is engaging. There is some good discussion around loneliness, loss of a family pet, the leaving of a parent, and bullying. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy graphic novels with a fantasy element to them or if you are a fan of Doug TenNapel’s other graphic novels.
July 11, 2014
While I *really* like Doug TenNapel's other works (Cardboard, Ghostopolis, Bad Island), I really felt "Tommysaurus Rex" fell short.
Boy's dog dies. Dog's spirit reincarnates as a T-Rex. T-Rex becomes faithful canine-like pet. T-Rex demolishes town. T-Rex saves bully. Bully & Boy make up as friends, as T-Rex dies, but only after T-Rex has self-procreated, leaving behind two new T-Rex eggs. Cycle begins again.
OK. Nice story, which could have maybe worked well in TenNapel's hyper-creative world, as do his other stories. However, I felt that Tommysaurus Rex had several stutters, unclear panel progressions, and a few inappropriate "humor" moments that should have been left out or modified. I could have possibly tolerated the T-Rex defecating & urinating all over in public, but do we have to show it explicitly? However, clearly showing the main character (a minor!) drinking beer (isn't that illegal in America?) and making light of it while the boy suffers no negative consequences (nor his "supervising" grandpa) seems quite inappropriate for a graphic novel that WILL be read (and enjoyed!) by 4th through 8th graders across the nation. Better judgment should have won out on the behalf of the publishers/editors before letting this see print.
*EXCELLENT Ray Harryhousen cameo/homage*, which I assume was included into the story circa his May 2013 death. I show the original Clash of the Titans to my 6th graders every year when we study Greek Mythology, and Harryhousen was the Stop Motion Legend! Thank you, Doug, for that surprising & delightful inclusion!
The story & artwork (despite its hiccups) is a 3-star work. But for the reasons mentioned above, I lower my rating to 2-stars.
Boy's dog dies. Dog's spirit reincarnates as a T-Rex. T-Rex becomes faithful canine-like pet. T-Rex demolishes town. T-Rex saves bully. Bully & Boy make up as friends, as T-Rex dies, but only after T-Rex has self-procreated, leaving behind two new T-Rex eggs. Cycle begins again.
OK. Nice story, which could have maybe worked well in TenNapel's hyper-creative world, as do his other stories. However, I felt that Tommysaurus Rex had several stutters, unclear panel progressions, and a few inappropriate "humor" moments that should have been left out or modified. I could have possibly tolerated the T-Rex defecating & urinating all over in public, but do we have to show it explicitly? However, clearly showing the main character (a minor!) drinking beer (isn't that illegal in America?) and making light of it while the boy suffers no negative consequences (nor his "supervising" grandpa) seems quite inappropriate for a graphic novel that WILL be read (and enjoyed!) by 4th through 8th graders across the nation. Better judgment should have won out on the behalf of the publishers/editors before letting this see print.
*EXCELLENT Ray Harryhousen cameo/homage*, which I assume was included into the story circa his May 2013 death. I show the original Clash of the Titans to my 6th graders every year when we study Greek Mythology, and Harryhousen was the Stop Motion Legend! Thank you, Doug, for that surprising & delightful inclusion!
The story & artwork (despite its hiccups) is a 3-star work. But for the reasons mentioned above, I lower my rating to 2-stars.
April 25, 2015
After Ely’s beloved dog Tommy is hit by a car, he goes to live with his grandfather for the summer. Soon after the local bully starts bothering him, he comes across a very friendly dinosaur. They become the best of friends and get into all sorts of trouble together. Ely and his grandpa try to convince the town that a dinosaur is worth having around. I like Tennapel’s illustrations. They seem to have a certain bit of darkness to them. He also has a common theme of bullying, and he always seems to resolve this issue in a positive manner. Ely is relatable, and so is his situation. The book manages to be funny and serious all at the same time. I thought this book was great fun. What little boy or girl wouldn’t want a giant pet dinosaur, even with all of the concerns that go along with having one?
July 17, 2010
In brief, a competantly-drawn tale of a boy stumbling across a T-Rex in a cave, and the bodily wastes that it leaves behind. Characters are stereotypical (duplicitous politician, quirky grandpa, chunky bully, etc.), with no real focus on motivation. The concept of a "found" T-Rex could hold such potential - but the material has already been covered countless times.
Probably a good read for a small child who has never read any dinosaur fiction before, and with a heart and soul for piles of prehistoric dino-dung. And pee.
Probably a good read for a small child who has never read any dinosaur fiction before, and with a heart and soul for piles of prehistoric dino-dung. And pee.
May 6, 2015
This was a really sweet and creative book. Ely lost his dog who was then somehow reincarnated into a T-Rex (go with it). It was a quick and easy read and the characters were amusing. The ending, although a tad predictable, was sweet.
June 14, 2013
READ THIS!! It's a tearjerker and a heart-warming story about forgiveness. Don't skip it in the bookstore.
May 13, 2014
Funny, touching, and sweet. I loved the grandpa.
February 9, 2017
This was really good, and it had a lot of emotions in it.
March 17, 2017
Great
This book was so emotional yet fun. I loved it a lot. I also almost cried even though I've read it before
This book was so emotional yet fun. I loved it a lot. I also almost cried even though I've read it before
October 4, 2017
I think this one might have been too sad for my six year old. He needed lots of hugs after he read it.
He still wants to re-read it.
He still wants to re-read it.
August 2, 2026
Ever since watching the Makers Documentary about Doug TenNapel I've found him to be an incredibly interesting character in God's world. Graphic novels are not my passion but I hope to have some knowledge of good ones for my boys when they come of age, so naturally I had to acquire some of TenNapel's work.
The art is fun and lively and the story bounces along at a quick pace, I read in maybe 25 minutes this afternoon. Very boyish and adventure full, themes of forgiveness and family are strong. Felt like it could have had 15ish more pages (around 130 total) there were a couple parts that seemed to skip by too fast or without enough explanation.
The art is fun and lively and the story bounces along at a quick pace, I read in maybe 25 minutes this afternoon. Very boyish and adventure full, themes of forgiveness and family are strong. Felt like it could have had 15ish more pages (around 130 total) there were a couple parts that seemed to skip by too fast or without enough explanation.
February 19, 2019
This book simply needed more picky editing. The core story line was great. However, there were too many side details that were distracting (e.g., grandpa's ability to predict bad omens, everything about the mayor). These poor pacing decisions undercut the story about the boy's relationship with the dinosaur and the bully's storyline, which I didn't realize was important until the last couple pages.
April 7, 2021
I haven't decided exactly how much I like this, but I think it's in the 3.5 to 4 stars kind of range. It starts out harsh, has a few *really* good moments, a few more funny moments, and bittersweet but conveniently wrapped up sort of ending. Probably would have made me cry if I were actually emotionally invested in the story.
Content concerns: animal death, grief, bullying, danger/fear, minor drinking alcohol, minced oaths.
Content concerns: animal death, grief, bullying, danger/fear, minor drinking alcohol, minced oaths.
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October 21, 2025Fun.
I'd says Cardboard edges out this one, but some great moments in here (and even better illustrations in the final action).
Like Bad Island, I found myself wishing that there was 20% more filler pages. TenNapel, it seems, has little patience for filler and set-up scenes. I'm glad that he errs on that side (rather than long-winded) but think his pacing comes off breathless now and then. This book is heavier on the "what if" vignettes than an actual story line.
I'd says Cardboard edges out this one, but some great moments in here (and even better illustrations in the final action).
Like Bad Island, I found myself wishing that there was 20% more filler pages. TenNapel, it seems, has little patience for filler and set-up scenes. I'm glad that he errs on that side (rather than long-winded) but think his pacing comes off breathless now and then. This book is heavier on the "what if" vignettes than an actual story line.
April 14, 2026
“You can't expect a creature to just eat all of your problems away.”
June 16, 2014
Not a huge fan of this one. It did surprise me as . I was like, WOAH, but yeah, TenNapel's work is a little darker, even if it is meant for kids. The biggest issue I had with this one is Then there's the fact that That particular arc made no sense whatsoever, and it irritated me. The main kid is fine. His grandpa's kind of cool. There was a bit of heavy-handed pokes at politicians that were just, blatant. The story was very much like all of TenNapel's that I've read before... not a huge fan.
Art notes: Stylized, good detail and color. Not the biggest fan of his very line-y sketchy exaggerated cartoons. This looked a bit like someone's really rough storyboard sketches, not quite finished.
Art notes: Stylized, good detail and color. Not the biggest fan of his very line-y sketchy exaggerated cartoons. This looked a bit like someone's really rough storyboard sketches, not quite finished.
March 7, 2014
Reading this book was an enjoyment because I can relate to a few parts in the story. Doug TenNapel’s books are just so easy to read and follow. The book might be a little easy for me, but it still has a great story to be told throughout the course of the book. It follows most of the same principals of Doug’s other books; that is short comments that go back and forth quickly and amazingly descriptive photos that makes it seem like you’re there. I recommend this book to readers that understand pictures better than words.
The main characters, Ely has a dog, named Tommy who’s a little bit on the naughty side. His parents aren’t fond of the dog but understand that Ely and Tommy are the best of friends and don’t want to separate them. One day Ely is walking Tommy in the city and Tommy sees a cat and goes chasing after it just like he always does, except usually there is not a car around. Ely’s luck runs out shortly after that when Tommy gets hit by the car and dies. Ely is very upset and depressed because he has lost his friend. Ely then goes to his grandpa’s house for the summer. Ely meets Randy, who is a bully but come in to play later in the story. Ely’s luck comes back as he finds Tommysaurus Rex, who is a gigantic dinosaur who resembles his dead dog. Rex destroys a few things and is almost kicked out of the little town until Ely’s grandpa convinces the mayor that he can be tamed and could help him win his next election. Randy tries to spoil all of it but it doesn’t work because Ely and Rex are still the best of friends. Ely eventually forgives Randy by giving him a dinosaur egg because Rex was really a female dinosaur.
The main characters, Ely has a dog, named Tommy who’s a little bit on the naughty side. His parents aren’t fond of the dog but understand that Ely and Tommy are the best of friends and don’t want to separate them. One day Ely is walking Tommy in the city and Tommy sees a cat and goes chasing after it just like he always does, except usually there is not a car around. Ely’s luck runs out shortly after that when Tommy gets hit by the car and dies. Ely is very upset and depressed because he has lost his friend. Ely then goes to his grandpa’s house for the summer. Ely meets Randy, who is a bully but come in to play later in the story. Ely’s luck comes back as he finds Tommysaurus Rex, who is a gigantic dinosaur who resembles his dead dog. Rex destroys a few things and is almost kicked out of the little town until Ely’s grandpa convinces the mayor that he can be tamed and could help him win his next election. Randy tries to spoil all of it but it doesn’t work because Ely and Rex are still the best of friends. Ely eventually forgives Randy by giving him a dinosaur egg because Rex was really a female dinosaur.
January 10, 2018
Tommysaurus Rex is a Touching and
Wonderful Read
By: Wil Sherrin
Books change people’s perspective of life.Most books are meant to be
enjoyed for people of all ages. The book Tommysaurus Rex by Doug
TenNapel is as touching as enjoyable for teens and young children. Many
of the characters are like common day kids like Ely who have trouble
making friends, but have a good connection with their dog like Ely and
Tommy. Sadly Tommy gets hit by a car and Ely gets really sad. This allows
Ely to hang out at his Grandpa's farm like he has always wanted. Ely drive
over and meets his grandpa and the next day he gets to work on the farm.
He meets a from the neighborhood with the name of Randy who causes
trouble for Ely and causing him to hide. While he was hiding he finds a
cave. Even though written 13 years ago it still shows relationship to kids
today.
This book shows a lot with forgiving bullies and how even the meanest
people can turn around. It also shows how life can be beautiful and loved
ones will keep you safe. It might be because this book is filled with many
pictures to help the reader understand the story and feel the mood the
characters are. While there's a forest fire Ely and his new pet Rex have to
save Randy and they kind love every and a sense of relaxation while they
are with each other. Sadly Rex dies while saving Randy and Ely still hates
Randy. Randy apologized with giving Ely a new dog or Randy’s pet dog
named Buckshot.
The entire book is filled with emotion and is the perfect book for teens and
kids to read. Teens and kids will enjoy the simple read that highlights that
all people can be forgiven and can change.
4.7 stars out of 5
Wonderful Read
By: Wil Sherrin
Books change people’s perspective of life.Most books are meant to be
enjoyed for people of all ages. The book Tommysaurus Rex by Doug
TenNapel is as touching as enjoyable for teens and young children. Many
of the characters are like common day kids like Ely who have trouble
making friends, but have a good connection with their dog like Ely and
Tommy. Sadly Tommy gets hit by a car and Ely gets really sad. This allows
Ely to hang out at his Grandpa's farm like he has always wanted. Ely drive
over and meets his grandpa and the next day he gets to work on the farm.
He meets a from the neighborhood with the name of Randy who causes
trouble for Ely and causing him to hide. While he was hiding he finds a
cave. Even though written 13 years ago it still shows relationship to kids
today.
This book shows a lot with forgiving bullies and how even the meanest
people can turn around. It also shows how life can be beautiful and loved
ones will keep you safe. It might be because this book is filled with many
pictures to help the reader understand the story and feel the mood the
characters are. While there's a forest fire Ely and his new pet Rex have to
save Randy and they kind love every and a sense of relaxation while they
are with each other. Sadly Rex dies while saving Randy and Ely still hates
Randy. Randy apologized with giving Ely a new dog or Randy’s pet dog
named Buckshot.
The entire book is filled with emotion and is the perfect book for teens and
kids to read. Teens and kids will enjoy the simple read that highlights that
all people can be forgiven and can change.
4.7 stars out of 5
August 8, 2017
I LOVE graphic novels, especially when they have a different take on a common trope. But this "boy and his 'dog'" story was not a favorite. I read it as part of a children's literature class, and this is clearly meant for middle grade readers; but while the general thrust of the story offers some good lessons (particularly about bullying), I had some problems with a few elements. From a storytelling point of view, there are a few moments that don't work for me narratively; there are some jumps that just don't seem to flow with the rest of the story. And from a purely aesthetic point of view, there were some downright disturbing moments here; the main one comes toward the end, when Tommy's dinosaur gets caught in a fire and is depicted burning alive down to its skull. I just didn't think that was necessary; that graphic moment didn't add anything to the story.
Without a doubt, there are some dark elements included here and there in this tale, which is generally drawn in a very upbeat style, and features a mostly fun and rollicking adventure (even though it's a little slow to get started). With a little editing to the story to tighten the pacing, and to the tone to keep it more consistent, I think this could be an amazing graphic novel. As it stands, it's okay.
Without a doubt, there are some dark elements included here and there in this tale, which is generally drawn in a very upbeat style, and features a mostly fun and rollicking adventure (even though it's a little slow to get started). With a little editing to the story to tighten the pacing, and to the tone to keep it more consistent, I think this could be an amazing graphic novel. As it stands, it's okay.
February 12, 2014
TenNapel says to think of this as an Easter story, a Resurrection story--and when you have that framework going in, the story takes on a whole new meaning! On the surface, a story of a kid who loses his dog, goes to live with Grandpa for the summer, and meets up with some bullies. Then… he discovers a T-Rex. The T-Rex becomes his new pet with mixed results initially (after all T-Rexes can be awfully destructive, even if accidentally). The ending shows some subtle clues to the Resurrection/Easter them--at the beginning of the story, Ely asks what eggs have to do with Easter. At the end of the story, Ely and Randy are shown frolicking with the baby dinosaurs that have hatched out of the eggs left behind…. There are lots more details, events, and emotions. This is a great story, one that kids will enjoy (esp the dinosaur's bodily functions!) and with more depth than first meets the eye.
My one complaint is that the sequence showing Ely and the T-Rex first getting acquainted felt choppy to me. There's no evidence of Ely even remotely thinking he should be careful/afraid/cautious or even that he's surprised to see a giant T-rex…. I know it's a graphic novel and all, but I needed a touch more realism for that part I guess.
My one complaint is that the sequence showing Ely and the T-Rex first getting acquainted felt choppy to me. There's no evidence of Ely even remotely thinking he should be careful/afraid/cautious or even that he's surprised to see a giant T-rex…. I know it's a graphic novel and all, but I needed a touch more realism for that part I guess.
September 25, 2018
The funny story “Tommysaurus Rex” by Doug TenNapel is talking about a dog become to a T-Rex.
In the beginning, The dog of Ely crash by a car. And Ely want to forget it, so he go to work for farm. But he founds a T-Rex in a cave, it is the dog which is kill by car.
In the middle, T-Rex help the people in the farm and get the grateful of people.
At the end T-Rex kill by fire, this fire is a boy maker it, because the boy don’t like the T-Rex.
In the beginning, The dog of Ely crash by a car. And Ely want to forget it, so he go to work for farm. But he founds a T-Rex in a cave, it is the dog which is kill by car.
In the middle, T-Rex help the people in the farm and get the grateful of people.
At the end T-Rex kill by fire, this fire is a boy maker it, because the boy don’t like the T-Rex.
May 12, 2013
Ely just lost his pet dog and to cheer him up, his parents send him to his grandfather's farm. There, his grandfather gives him a toy dinosaur. Sadly, the town bully swipes it from him and he finds himself with one less thing to cheer him up. Not only that, but working on a farm is a lot less fun than Ely first thought.
When he's allowed to explore, he finds a cave with a real Tyrannosaurus Rex, only he seems to be more friendly than he should be. In fact, he acts just like his old dog Tommy. He does tricks, is helpful and seemingly harmless. Lucky enough, Ely is allowed to keep him as long as he doesn't harm anyone.
I love Doug's graphic novels and so do my students. I think they will eat up this one, which makes probably the coolest animal into a likeable pet. I love the graphics and style that the illustrator uses with the characters and the environment. I tend to also be a sucker for full color graphic novels and love when I stumble upon ones as stunning as this one was.
Final Verdict: A great story about a boy and his pet and the boundless imagination of being young.
When he's allowed to explore, he finds a cave with a real Tyrannosaurus Rex, only he seems to be more friendly than he should be. In fact, he acts just like his old dog Tommy. He does tricks, is helpful and seemingly harmless. Lucky enough, Ely is allowed to keep him as long as he doesn't harm anyone.
I love Doug's graphic novels and so do my students. I think they will eat up this one, which makes probably the coolest animal into a likeable pet. I love the graphics and style that the illustrator uses with the characters and the environment. I tend to also be a sucker for full color graphic novels and love when I stumble upon ones as stunning as this one was.
Final Verdict: A great story about a boy and his pet and the boundless imagination of being young.
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