Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson? by Lois G. Grambling, illustrated by Judith Dufour Love Ages 4-8 32 pages Charlesbridge February 2006 Paperback     I love children’s books that combine pure fun with big, bold colorful illustrations. Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson? does just that, with a delightfully bouncy story about a boy on a mission: to solve all the typical school problems, including bullies, broken classroom heaters and lack of transportation, by bringing a huge pterodactyl to school. First, though, our hero must convince his teacher that his big, winged pet pal is really kid-friendly! Author Lois G. Grambling’s creative and unique story appeals to older children in school who often wish they could have their own special friend along with them to help them through the ups and downs of classroom life. In this case, that special friend is a gigantic prehistoric bird with a silly grin. Judy Love’s vibrant illustrations bring the beast and his human ally to life, with plenty of details mixed into the bright and bold and truly lively colorscapes. This book appeals to both boys, with their love of all things prehistoric, and to girls, who also dream of having that one best pal they can count on, even if it isn’t human. Kids will cheer for the little boy who doesn’t give up as he tries to persuade his teacher of all the wonderful reasons why a pterodactyl in the classroom would be a good idea. And if that doesn’t work, he can always bring his wooly mammoth!       web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2006 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)