By Ryan T. Higgins
Disney-Hyperion, 2023
Picture book, 48 pages, ages 4-8
Penelope Rex is just like every other kid … except for being a 7-foot-tall T. rex! Like every other kid, she has big feelings and sometimes feels afraid. Her biggest fear is Walter, the class goldfish. So when her teacher announces that everyone will take turns bringing Walter home for the weekend, Penelope gets a serious case of dino jitters. What if Walter tries to turn her into dino nuggets? (He did nibble her claw that one time.) What if he attacks during the night? And what if, horror of all horrors, she loses the class goldfish?
Don’t read this book unless you’re ready to laugh & fall in love with Penelope Rex!
This is another brilliant book in the Penelope Rex series. Ryan T. Higgins has created an endearing character who simultaneously is adorable, relatable, and hilarious. The illustrations are superb, full of emotion, and littered with details that make the story even funnier. This series just keeps getting better!
Will kids like this book? You betcha. Will adults like this book? Yes, even after multiple reads. (As an adult, I love this book and recommend the Penelope Rex series to everyone.) Will dinosaurs like this book? Definitely, unless they also have a goldfish phobia.
Themes: facing your fears, responsibility, taking care of pets
We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins receives 5 stars from this reviewer.