Dinosaur Pox

A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing a sudden bout of self-consciousness, feeling 'ugly', or struggling with the physical awkwardness of growing up. It is a perfect choice for the seven to nine year old who feels like they do not fit into their own skin or is dreading a transition like starting a new school year or facing a doctor's visit. The story follows Jodie, a young girl who wakes up to find she has literally turned into a stegosaurus. What follows is a fast-paced, absurdist adventure where Jodie must navigate the embarrassment of her new body while evading a villainous consultant who wants to exploit her. It uses high-concept humor to normalize feelings of bodily insecurity and the fear of being 'different'. Parents will appreciate how it takes a child's internal anxiety and makes it external and silly, ultimately teaching resilience and self-acceptance through a lens of pure fun.