Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct

Edwina is a dinosaur who lives among people in a modern town, spreading joy through her cookie-baking and helpful nature. The townspeople accept her presence without question, treating her as a valued community member. The story centers on a conflict between Edwina and a determined young student named Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie, who insists on proving that dinosaurs are extinct. His mission to convince everyone of this scientific fact becomes increasingly challenging as he faces the community's indifference to his arguments. Through its simple narrative and illustrations, the book explores themes of acceptance, kindness, and the value of looking beyond facts to embrace what brings joy to a community. The story raises questions about whether being right matters more than being kind.

Readers describe this book as a humorous take on imagination and acceptance. Parents report their children request multiple readings and laugh at Edwina's obliviousness. Liked: - Simple illustrations that convey emotion - Message about being kind despite differences - Dinosaur character appeals to both boys and girls - Subtle humor that works for various age groups Disliked: - Some parents felt uncomfortable with the "extinct" concept - A few mentioned it's too short for the price - Complaint that the ending lacks resolution Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (240+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect for teaching kids about accepting others" - Goodreads reviewer "My 4-year-old giggles every time Edwina bakes cookies" - Amazon parent "Helped my child deal with a classroom bully" - Barnes & Noble review "The artwork is basic but expressive" - School Library Journal reader

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🦖 Mo Willems started his career as a writer for Sesame Street, where he won six Emmy Awards for his work 🍪 The chocolate chip cookie, featured prominently in the story, was invented by accident in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn 🎨 The book's distinctive art style was influenced by Willems' background as an animator for Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon 🦕 The last dinosaurs went extinct approximately 65 million years ago, except for modern birds which are considered living dinosaurs 📚 "Edwina" is part of Mo Willems' extensive bibliography of over 60 children's books, including the popular "Elephant and Piggie" series