Granny Rex

by Kurtis Scaletta, Kurtis Scaletta

A tiny bird discovers her inner dinosaur and learns to roar in this sweet story about remembering where you came from

When little Dee is harassed by the neighborhood hawk, Mama tells her that her 20-million-times great-great-great-grandmother was an enormous dinosaur named Granny Rex and that Granny Rex still lives in Dee’s feathers and bones. It’s Not only did birds descend from dinosaurs, but they are related to the Tyrannosaurus rex, one of the mightiest dinosaurs of all! “Never forget,” says Mama to her little bird, “that you are a dinosaur.” Dee discovers she might be small, but she is mighty.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Dinosaurs, Childrens, Self Esteem, Animals, Evolution

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Kurtis Scaletta is the author of several books for young readers including Mudville, which was short listed for the Mark Twain Readers Award, and The Tanglewood Terror, which was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award. He lives in Minneapolis with wife and son and some cats.

Reviews

[Lannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. A surprising tale about heritage from a little chickadee and its roots to the age of dinosaurs. The end page detracts a little (in battling a much larger hawk), I would have preferred it ended on the penultimate page on a high, but still a sweet and unique story.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant children’s book about heritage and the connection between the dinosaurs and today’s birds. I was almost in tears of joy. So precious!

[Lin Salisbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kurtis Scaletta's first picture book (illustrated fabulously by Nik Henderson) is a reminder that we are always a part of something bigger than ourselves.

When little Dee almost gets eaten by the neighborhood red hawk and is forced to eat seeds left over by the bigger birds, she complains to her mother that she is tired of being so small. Mama tells Dee that her twenty-million-times great-great-great grandmother was a dinosaur named Granny Rex and that Granny Rex still lives on in her.

With this newfound knowledge, little Dee finds the courage she needs to survive in a world that doesn't always recognize that the small can be mighty and that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Young readers will love the bold and colorful illustrations by Henderson and will be comforted to know that they, too, have the strength and resources to claim their space in the world. An inspiring picture book for the timid and the tough. Highly recommended for holiday gifting (especially from a special grandmother.)

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this delightful introduction to ornithology, a fledgling chickadee learns that she has evolved from dinosaur ancestors like Tyrannosaurus rex. Stories about Granny Rex as Queen of the Dinosaurs inspire the bird to acknowledge her own strengths, face her fears, and act with courage. By extension, the story seems to imply that children can draw upon the strengths of their ancestral lineage to discover their own unique super powers. Expressive illustrations simplify the concept of evolution by showing the natural process by which a certain species has developed from its ancient, primitive form to its present, specialized state.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chickadee's thousand-time great grandmother was a T-Rex, her mother reminds her when she complains about being small and almost eaten by a hawk. This knowledge helps her find the fierce dinosaur that's in her bones. I loved that it didn't work right away. Coming back the next day and trying to roar just made the other birds laugh. But after reassessing and trying a different tack, Chickadee finds great-great-grandmother's strength. Sweet and fun, with beautiful illustrations.

[Susan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiny Dee is very proud of being descended from dinosaurs. It takes her a while, but eventually she finds--and channels--her inner Tyrannosaurus Rex. Satisfying and validating for all of the tiny ones out there :-)

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Chickadee is tired of being small and complains to her mother about it. Her mother takes the opportunity to educate the little one on her many-times great grandmother, Tyrannosaurus Rex.

A fun, educational dino book for littles.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love chickadees in our house, and this was an amusing concept. The young Dee learns she’s related to Granny T. Rex and it gives her more confidence. I think my daughter will love it.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fell a bit short of expectations. I thought the premise was fun. I would have enjoyed a stronger ending.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough info on the whole evolution thing. Unresolved, fateful ending. Yikes

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of dinosaurs will get a kick out of this one but it also has a depth I didn't expect and explores identity and family history in a meaningful way.

[Jennybug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book about dinosaurs especially for a children's book. I learned something. It also has a really cute story.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. Loved the story.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Evolution of dinosaurs told from a different perspective.

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and sweet book that simultaneously teaches appreciation for one's roots and evolution at the same time.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable main bird character. I thought this was pretty cute, and would be fun for a dinosaur lover or a bird lover. Also speaks to change and heritage in a way.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute, and a great reminder to look at where you've come from and remember who you are. My baby Atlas loved the pictures while I read the story.

[Ms. Madalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, just too long for storytime.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute story, and I loved the illustrations by Nik Henderson, but I agree with other reviewers that some back matter on evolution and the dinosaur-bird connection would've been great.

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dee wants to find out about her ancestor Granny Rex. When she finds out Granny Rex was Queen of the Dinosaurs, it gives her confidence in her daily life with hawk and friends.