How to Catch a Mamasaurus

by Alice Walstead, Andy Elkerton (Illustrator)

Overview

The newest adventure in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series and the perfect Christmas gift—do YOU have what it takes to catch the most special creature yet?

The How to Catch Kids are at it again! This time, they're trying to trap the Mamasaurus—a wonderful creature like no other with strong spirit and a kind heart! On their quest to catch her, the kids think about all the amazing ways in which Mamasaurus is there for them, always ready to share her love and support. The perfect Christmas gift for children ages 4-10 to share with Mom during the holidays and beyond, this fun dinosaur picture book is filled with silly rhymes and illustrations sure to delight young readers and educators alike with STEAM concepts and classic hilarity and chaos.

We've heard of a creature like no other, and if the great tales about her are true— 

Her strong spirit and soft heart are magical, and to catch this Mamasaurus we need YOU! 

Also in the How to Catch Series:

• How to Catch a Daddysaurus
• How to Catch a Loveosaurus
• How to Catch a Dinosaur
• How to Catch a Unicorn
• How to Catch a Leprechaun
• How to Catch a Mermaid
• and more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728274300
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	03/05/2024
Series:	How to Catch...
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	43,889
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 10 Years

About the Author

Alice Walstead is a children’s book author who loves to make kids smile with her stories.

Andy Elkerton is a children’s book illustrator who loves to create creatures that are impossible to catch! He is known for his work on the New York Times bestselling How to Catch series and is based in the United Kingdom.

Editorial Reviews

"[An] appreciation for mothers and all that they may do." — Kirkus Reviews

"Fun... A good fit for readers celebrating moms and the maternal figures in their lives." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

03/01/2024

PreS-Gr 2—Perfect for Mother's Day, the newest title in the popular "How to Catch" series features a group of kids trying to catch a Mamasaurus. On each page, the kids describe what a Mamasaurus means to them as they build traps and make special treats and crafts, while showing all the jobs a mother does for a family. The traps are generally depicted in the illustrations, as the text focuses on how Mamasaurus shares her love and support. The rhyme sequence feels clunky at times, but readers can build vocabulary—one word is highlighted on each page. Sketched and digitally painted illustrations add to the story, depicting the fun the kids are having as they get ready to celebrate a special person. VERDICT A good fit for readers celebrating moms and the maternal figures in their lives.—Sarah Polace

School Library Journal

2023-12-06
Another creature is on the loose.

The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews