Mo Willems likes to write books about people and creatures that crave attention. Leonardo the Terrible Monster is a fine example of such tomfoolery. Just look at this monster. Isn’t he amazing?
But, this post is not about Leonardo, but Edwina. She’s a matronly T-rex that loves helping her community by doing helpful things. The book opens with:
“Everyone in town knew Edwina. She was the dinosaur who played with the neighborhood kids. She was the dinosaur who did favors for anyone who asked. Edwina helped little old ladies cross the street. And she baked chocolate chip cookies for everyone. Everyone in Edwina’s community loves her, everyone except for one little boy.” (Willems, 2006)
Enter Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie, an intelligent boy who can’t comprehend why no one in town is bothered by the fact that Edwina is a dinosaur.
And dinosaurs are what? Extinct – exactly!
Reginald prepares reports to give in class that talk about things that no longer exist, and he makes a point to highlight dinosaurs. But, as often happens, no one cares. The other students listen to the report and then leave to enjoy Edwina’s cookies. What is a boy who loves to debate do? He sulks a little, complaining that no one will listen, but Edwina wants to listen. And Reginald let’s her have it in a series of amazing illustrations showing just how over-the-top and passionate Reginald is about his report, but none of that really mattered. The entire point is that Reginald wanted someone to listen to him and he got the kindest, most rapt audience he could have hoped for.
And that is part of the lesson of this story. That sometimes we just need someone to listen. It might be us that needs to share something, something that bothers us or something that we’re passionate about like a favorite book or television show. And sometimes we might be the one that needs to listen to a friend or someone we barely know to be a compassionate ear. Listening puts us under no obligation to change our minds, but all children need to learn that listening is just as important as being heard. And I think that is what Williems is highlighting in this book.
This simple lesson is backed by simplistic art in catchy colors that remind me of pages from a coloring book. Edwina strikes quiet a picture with her sea-foam green skin, her stylized hat, and the lavender purse hanging from her clawed hands. The over dramatic reactions of Reginald when he’s delivering his speech spotlight how much this child needed to be heard and add little dashes of humor to the scene.
Awards:
Child Magazine Best Book 2006
NAPPA Gold Medal Award Winner
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Book Platinum Award Winner
Book Sense 76 Pick
“Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct”. Penguin Presents. http://www.pigeonpresents.com/book-info.aspx?bid=15. Accessed 7 Sept. 2017.
Willems, Mo. Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct”. (2006). New York: Hyperion Books.
Ramblings of Jhenry 