Such a delightful book! I let my 5th grade class help me decide whether this was a good book for Kindergarten and first grade. Most of them said "yes!" Several students commented that the story was too long for Kindergarten. Another student said that they loved the graphics. I can't wait to read it to the new class of first graders this year. I think it will be a hit!

Cooper is having a great summer. He goes exploring in the cornfield near his house. He has everything he needs and is ready for an adventure. A great fun story. ( )

A fun story about an impulsive adventurous little boy out in the country during summer break. He does learn not to wander outdoors without asking his mom but the lesson is learned in a gentle caring way. A nice story to read to children. ( )

I loved this book so much! I think it's definitely a great book for a toddler who's starting to produce more complex sentences! I also love the ending and how it can teach kids to ask their parents for permission before doing things, just to make sure they're safe! The illustrations are phenomenal and easy to grasp while you're reading. :) I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has toddlers for kids in kindergarten or older! Amazing book!

Diana LeGere’s first children’s book, Mommy, There’s a Dinosaur in the Cornfield!, captures a young boy’s excitement on the first day of summer break. Six-year-old Cooper has plans and he does not have time to get dressed before he runs by his mother and heads out the door, barefoot and still wearing his pajamas. Cooper stops by his treehouse to gather everything he needs for his adventure including his special binoculars that let him see things that others cannot. His destination is the cornfield where he bravely overcomes his fear of getting lost among the giant cornstalks. With the help of his special binoculars, he soon discovers a dinosaur in the cornfield! Cooper shares his find with his mother who is waiting impatiently for him at the edge of the cornfield.

This book combines children’s fascination with dinosaurs with the thrill of exploring the unknown. LeGere’s description of Cooper’s early morning escape is quite humorous. She depicts Cooper’s approach to the cornfield with the right mix of fear and bravery. Gustyawan’s pictures help set the tone for the book. His simple drawings illustrate the details of a young boy’s life: the toys on his bedroom floor, the drawings of dinosaurs on his wall, and the treasured keepsakes in his treehouse. Cooper looks a little worried in the cornfield without seeming to be too scared. The dinosaur looks friendly, not ferocious, the kind of dinosaur you might want to bring home to your mother.

Although this is a picture book for ages 3-8, the illustrations are often accompanied by a large amount of text which could present a challenge to keeping a young child’s attention. The overall message of LeGere’s story is one that should appeal to parents and children alike. ( )