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Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?
The tale of a child’s special friend who goes missing after a bath—or does he?
Help! This little girl has lost her best friend. He’s a dinosaur (not the extinct kind). He’s enormous (bigger than a panda!). He was last seen before she gave him a bath and washed off all the mud (maybe that wasn’t a good idea?). She’s tried to lure him with snacks and put up Lost Dinosaur posters, but nothing has helped. If only it weren’t such a clear day—if only it were raining, or snowing, or the leaves were falling, or . . . something. Would it help if she drew a picture? With delicate visual sleights of hand and an underlying sweetness, author-illustrator Helen Yoon invites us to see through a child’s eyes.
Help! This little girl has lost her best friend. He’s a dinosaur (not the extinct kind). He’s enormous (bigger than a panda!). He was last seen before she gave him a bath and washed off all the mud (maybe that wasn’t a good idea?). She’s tried to lure him with snacks and put up Lost Dinosaur posters, but nothing has helped. If only it weren’t such a clear day—if only it were raining, or snowing, or the leaves were falling, or . . . something. Would it help if she drew a picture? With delicate visual sleights of hand and an underlying sweetness, author-illustrator Helen Yoon invites us to see through a child’s eyes.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2023
About the author
Helen Yoon
11 books22 followersHelen Yoon is a freelance illustrator and creative consultant operating in the greater Los Angeles area. Sheepish is her first picture book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 3, 2023
After reading, “Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?” I have to say that it my opinion, it was lacking. Written and illustrated by Helen Yoon, this PB lacked pizzaz.
Not everyone can both write AND illustrate, so I congratulate the author for doing so, but there were problems with both the text and the illustrations in this book.
The story focuses on a little girl is who is trying to find her imaginary dinosaur. One would think that at the end of the book, children would see an actual manifestation of the dinosaur. And while there appeared to be **something** (it looked like a blob maybe coming out of a book), it was disappointing.
The entire book seemed to lack any real purpose. Sure, a little girl lost her imaginary dinosaur, but so what? I lose my socks and I have more fun looking for them than I did reading this book.
The images were too bland, and the little girl was pictured in too small of scale. The colors weren’t bright. And although there was obviously color in the book, for some reason it all appeared too monochromatic.
I would not buy this book for a young child. And given the content, I wouldn’t bother checking it out at a library either.
Not everyone can both write AND illustrate, so I congratulate the author for doing so, but there were problems with both the text and the illustrations in this book.
The story focuses on a little girl is who is trying to find her imaginary dinosaur. One would think that at the end of the book, children would see an actual manifestation of the dinosaur. And while there appeared to be **something** (it looked like a blob maybe coming out of a book), it was disappointing.
The entire book seemed to lack any real purpose. Sure, a little girl lost her imaginary dinosaur, but so what? I lose my socks and I have more fun looking for them than I did reading this book.
The images were too bland, and the little girl was pictured in too small of scale. The colors weren’t bright. And although there was obviously color in the book, for some reason it all appeared too monochromatic.
I would not buy this book for a young child. And given the content, I wouldn’t bother checking it out at a library either.
June 17, 2023
Basically what you're expecting from the title. Kind of cute. Doesn't go beyond the initial concept.
June 5, 2024
A child loses their invisible dinosaur and asks for the reader's help to find him. Everything was fine until the child gave the dinosaur a bath, and then they lost track of the dino. "If only it were raining," they say. Or if there were mud or leaves or snow or something to show the dinosaur's whereabouts, then we could see their outline. The child walks dejectedly up a hill, and notices that the hill is mostly invisible! It's their dinosaur!
This is such a fun and clever story! It's really adorable how the child tries all these different things to find their dinosaur, including putting up "Missing" posters with no photo, because, you know... invisible. haha! Hilarious!
I love how the illustrations are partly drawings from the child themselves as they tell us the story. The art work is really cute! I love how there is an outline of the dinosaur on the cover that is a very faint sheen. You can't see it unless the light hits the cover just right, then you can see the glint of it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This is such a fun and clever story! It's really adorable how the child tries all these different things to find their dinosaur, including putting up "Missing" posters with no photo, because, you know... invisible. haha! Hilarious!
I love how the illustrations are partly drawings from the child themselves as they tell us the story. The art work is really cute! I love how there is an outline of the dinosaur on the cover that is a very faint sheen. You can't see it unless the light hits the cover just right, then you can see the glint of it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
January 7, 2024
New Year's Day family picture book read-aloud celebration! (Book 5 of 5)
This story of a missing pet didn't really do much for me, even though the missing pet was an invisible dinosaur. It's not bad, but it did instantly evaporate from my mind as soon as the back cover was closed.
This story of a missing pet didn't really do much for me, even though the missing pet was an invisible dinosaur. It's not bad, but it did instantly evaporate from my mind as soon as the back cover was closed.
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March 28, 2024Was confusing for a 2 year old cause he couldn’t really see the dinosaur on the last page
May 11, 2023
A little on the short side but would be fun if a shorter book was needed.
June 21, 2023
Simple but fun and with some cool design elements in the illustrations and book itself.
September 13, 2023
A very funny and cute book about a child missing their invisible dinosaur. This would make a great storytime book!
May 15, 2023
Our protagonist gave their invisible pet dinosaur a bath and now the dinosaur is lost! Can you help find it?
This picture book is darling, starting immediately with the cover with the shiny invisible dinosaur shape on the matte surface of the dust jacket. The author cleverly used crayon illustrations to draw what the invisible dinosaur “looks” like. It’s an adorable story of imagination and problem-solving, with really engaging illustrations.
This picture book is darling, starting immediately with the cover with the shiny invisible dinosaur shape on the matte surface of the dust jacket. The author cleverly used crayon illustrations to draw what the invisible dinosaur “looks” like. It’s an adorable story of imagination and problem-solving, with really engaging illustrations.
February 21, 2024
Fun children’s book!
October 8, 2023
Clever, but not much of a story about this young artist in search of their imaginary friend. The tale is missing all the action involved showing how Dino got so muddy to need a bath in the first place. Painterly illustrations feature Yoon’s distinctive, whimsical style.
August 4, 2023
This is a super cute simple book about an invisible dinosaur and how one clever child finds it again. Kids will enjoy pointing out how to find the dinosaur on each page!
August 1, 2023
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2023/08/01... THANK YOU!
Where O Where has My Dinosaur Gone?
Come join a little girl’s search for her favorite playmate, her invisible dinosaur. He has been missing ever since she gave him a bath. She tries making him his favorite snack, and putting missing posters everywhere to find him. But no luck.
She wishes that it would rain or snow so his shape would show up. But those things won’t happen on a sunny day. No worries because a reunion does happen.
Little ones will love hunting for the dinosaur. It would be fun to ask them for suggestions for finding the him. Ask what they think the dinosaur really looks like. Find out if they can spot him on any of the pages.
This is a lovely over-sized picture book that is hardbacked. The many illustrations—done by the author--will bring smiles to the faces of children through seven years old. Have fun with this five-star book!
Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
Where O Where has My Dinosaur Gone?
Come join a little girl’s search for her favorite playmate, her invisible dinosaur. He has been missing ever since she gave him a bath. She tries making him his favorite snack, and putting missing posters everywhere to find him. But no luck.
She wishes that it would rain or snow so his shape would show up. But those things won’t happen on a sunny day. No worries because a reunion does happen.
Little ones will love hunting for the dinosaur. It would be fun to ask them for suggestions for finding the him. Ask what they think the dinosaur really looks like. Find out if they can spot him on any of the pages.
This is a lovely over-sized picture book that is hardbacked. The many illustrations—done by the author--will bring smiles to the faces of children through seven years old. Have fun with this five-star book!
Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
July 29, 2023
The dust jacket has a glossy dino which can be seen in the right light at the right angle. Pretty cool. The story itself isn't anything special, but paired with the unique artwork, this is a title with potential to be a read aloud/along favorite. The MC is hoping for rain to fall and reveal the dinosaur -- rain is blue crayon arrows. They make the dino's favorite sandwiches which are promptly eaten by adorable creatures (panda, raccoon, runaway mouse on the very edge of the page) OTHER than the lost animal friend. Spoiler: dino is finally revealed thanks to colorful dandelion-ish flower sprinkles plus its pink nose thanks to the few jelly sandwiches it apparently eventually found. Super sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2023
🦕 Attention all dino-lovers! 🦖
Have you heard about the new children's book, "Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur" by Helen Yoon? 📚
🎉 This delightful tale takes readers on a fun-filled adventure as they search for a playful invisible dinosaur. 🌟
I want to give a huge thank you to Candlewick Press and Helen Yoon for my gifted copy of this charming book! Happy publication day!
🙌🏻 It's perfect for young readers and parents alike, and will spark the imagination of anyone who has ever wished for an invisible friend. 🤩
So grab your copy today and let the search for the invisible dinosaur begin! 🌈🦕
Have you heard about the new children's book, "Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur" by Helen Yoon? 📚
🎉 This delightful tale takes readers on a fun-filled adventure as they search for a playful invisible dinosaur. 🌟
I want to give a huge thank you to Candlewick Press and Helen Yoon for my gifted copy of this charming book! Happy publication day!
🙌🏻 It's perfect for young readers and parents alike, and will spark the imagination of anyone who has ever wished for an invisible friend. 🤩
So grab your copy today and let the search for the invisible dinosaur begin! 🌈🦕
July 3, 2023
After giving her invisible dinosaur a bath, a little girl loses him and starts to search everywhere to find him. She hopes for it to rain or snow so she can find him a bit easier. She draws pictures to try to explain what he looks like and even makes lost dinosaur signs, but still no luck. Where could he have gone?
HAVE YOU SEEN MY INVISIBLE DINOSAUR highlights a child's imagination and how active their minds are. The illustrations are simple and bold using elements to outline the dinosaur's shape, like leaves and snow. It encourages children to have imaginary friends and uses humor to engage a younger audience.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to children aged four and up who have a vivid imagination or who are also dinosaur fans.
HAVE YOU SEEN MY INVISIBLE DINOSAUR highlights a child's imagination and how active their minds are. The illustrations are simple and bold using elements to outline the dinosaur's shape, like leaves and snow. It encourages children to have imaginary friends and uses humor to engage a younger audience.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to children aged four and up who have a vivid imagination or who are also dinosaur fans.
July 13, 2023
If you've ever tried finding something that's invisible, you'll know what a gargantuan chore it can be. (I'm forever losing those clear plastic earring backs, so I can certainly sympathize.)
This youngster in this book did perhaps too good a job bathing a dino, and now he's too squeaky clean to see.
A cute story with adorable illustrations by the author.
This youngster in this book did perhaps too good a job bathing a dino, and now he's too squeaky clean to see.
A cute story with adorable illustrations by the author.
December 5, 2023
After giving her invisible dinosaur a bath, she loses the dinosaur because he is so clean. Throughout the beginning of the story, I was somewhat doubting the existence of this invisible dinosaur. I scoured each page searching for the dinosaur as the little person looked too. Through the environment and the dinosaur's favorite snack, the invisible dinosaur is revealed. The artwork of the dinosaur is perfect for an invisible dinosaur...there, but not really. Perfect for dinosaur-loving kids.
April 22, 2024
After giving their invisible dinosaur a bath - it disappears! The child tries several different strategies to find their friend (lost posters, setting out the dino's favorite food, etc) all to no avail. Slowly however, the dinosaur begins to reappear as it becomes apparent it needs another bath.
The artist uses negative space to suggest the appearance of the dinosaur.
There aren't many pictures books (that I know of) that address imaginary friends and this one does a cute job.
The artist uses negative space to suggest the appearance of the dinosaur.
There aren't many pictures books (that I know of) that address imaginary friends and this one does a cute job.
April 26, 2024
I give "Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?" a rating of three out of five stars. The artwork and story are appealing, but they lack depth and involvement. The idea of a kid looking for their invisible dinosaur friend is intriguing, but the storyline seems a little cheesy, and the conclusion is obvious. Overall, this is a good option for a lighthearted story because young readers will probably adore the colorful illustrations, but personally, I would not include this in my classroom.
April 21, 2023
A little girl has lost her best friend, an enormous dinosaur last seen before she gave him a bath and washed off all the mud. She’s tried to lure him with snacks and put up Lost Dinosaur posters, but nothing has helped. If only it weren’t such a clear day—if only it were raining, or snowing, or the leaves were falling, or . . . something. A sweet, whimsical premise.
July 28, 2023
A delightful picture book about a small child hunting for her invisible dinosaur. The story begins when she gives the dinosaur a bath that washes all the mud off. She makes several attempts to find him but because it's a beautiful day with no rain, snow or leaves, he will be hard to locate. A clever story with soft illustrations and a gently humorous text. A sweet book to share!
August 6, 2023
Such an adorable children's book and so much fun too. All my kids love this one, it's become a fast favorite that they've been reading over and over so much that they have it memorized now. I love it too and it's such a funny story too about the little kid looking for their invisible dinosaur.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for sending this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for sending this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 6, 2023
I'm not sure why I slept on this book earlier in the year because it was really delightful. The illustrations are muted but very sweet and I loved that there actually was an invisible dinosaur in the end. This is a fun idea for a story time read aloud, although the illustrations might be hard to see with a big group.
December 12, 2023
Well, one of my groups understood the humor in the title right away, while the other group didn't really know what invisible meant and also didn't catch on at the end. So that may have lessened my enjoyment of this book. The crayon illustrations drawn by the narrator that show up throughout the book are fun.
December 22, 2023
3.5 stars
This might be fun for storytime. I read this with Mister last night and we both loved it. My favorite part was the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the horde of animals. The bright illustrations are whimsical and the crayon drawings are fun. After reading this, Mister wanted an invisible dinosaur (oh, help!).
This might be fun for storytime. I read this with Mister last night and we both loved it. My favorite part was the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the horde of animals. The bright illustrations are whimsical and the crayon drawings are fun. After reading this, Mister wanted an invisible dinosaur (oh, help!).
April 16, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. The cover is not super colorful or eye-catching. The illustrations are the exact same way. The story is short and not very fun for the reader. Some of the "invisible" things are hard for the kids to "get" unless pointed out. Overall, not super in love with it.
May 9, 2023
I feel like childhood imagination is so well captured on these pages. This little kid is searching for his imaginary dinosaur that he can spot so easily in a pile of snow or splashing rain. Today is sunny though and he needs your help. Adorable text and illustrations.
June 6, 2023
Amusing story about searching for this child's missing dinosaur. They gave it a bath as it was filthy and now it's invisible. Readers watch as they search for and finally locate it. Look closely at the illustrations to see if you can see parts of it along the way.
June 11, 2023
A little boy washed his dinosaur and without the dirt, it is invisible. He looked everywhere, set out the dinosaurs favorite snack of PB&J sandwiches until the dinosaur found him!
Cute and silly. Great as a read aloud.
Cute and silly. Great as a read aloud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews