Gorgonzola: A Very Stinkysaurus

From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 2—Palatini and Bowers have a winner in this hilarious story about an awkward subject. Gorgonzola the dinosaur isn't mean, he isn't scary, and he isn't fierce. But boy does he stink! He smells so "doggone awful" that no one can stand to be around him. The poor guy doesn't even realize his offense until a plucky bird finally tells him, "You could petrify a rock with that prehistoric aroma of yours." He was an orphaned egg and had to hatch himself; he never had a mother to tell him about soap, toothbrushes, or blowing his nose. Birdie decides to help and soon has her new friend spiffed up and ready to join the rest of civilization, "proud to be the first dinosaur declared 'ex-stink.'" The over-the-top illustrations of the grossed-out dinosaurs running in alarm from the steaming Gorgonzola will bring belly laughs to children and inspiration to the grown-ups who have to wrestle them into the bathtub or dentist's chair. Witty dialogue and an effective layout get the personal hygiene message across without being preachy or didactic.