A charming, whimsical book about a not-so-charming little girl contains valuable lessons about good manners, thoughtfulness and the meaning of gratitude. Filled with the exaggerated pen-and-ink drawings of Lane Smith, the reader is taken along on the journey of a child who gets exactly what she’s wishing for, only to find out—well, we know how such tales usually go, don’t we?

Ms. Viorst is one of those writers who know that not all children are darling, sweet little angels and the rotten ones sometimes need stern warnings about not getting their own way all the time. The lesson is gently given as we see that Lulu’s bossy manner can also provide strength to deal with life’s adversities. But ultimately “Lulu and the Brontosaurus” is a sly little tale for every pouty girl or boy who’s ever thought their parents were being unfair about not getting them everything their little hearts desired.

Viorst's narrative voice is characterized by a comically dry wit and the occasional meta intrusion ("Okay, so snakes don't talk. But in my story they do."), and is accompanied by Lane Smith's typically wonderful art and some gorgeous design work. A fabulous package of an early chapter book.

Very good story. I loved it!

Little Lulu always gets her way. If her parents dare to say ?No,? Lulu simply changes their minds by employing her trademark ear-shattering shriek. For her birthday this year, Lulu demands a pet brontosaurus. Her parents refuse, Lulu screeches until light bulbs shatter, and then the precocious tot heads into the forest?suitcase containing pickle sandwiches in hand?to find a dinosaur all by herself. After lions, tigers, and bears (oh my), the brontosaurus of Lulu?s dreams rears his giant head. But there?s a problem?the dinosaur thinks that Lulu is going to become his pet. As Lulu and the brontosaurus meet their match in each other, the reader will find more than enough charm in author Judith Viorst?s tongue-in-cheek cautionary tale. Artist Lane Smith lends a hand with adorably droll illustrations, and the result is a lively, lovely tale for children of all ages.