I have not read the other books in this series, but I definitely enjoyed this one! I was one of those kids who loved Dinosaurs, so I completely get the charm and know that kids would love a series like this one. There were some real themes mixed in with this cute story, like being left to fend for yourself and making tough choices to try and help others. I wish that these two had been able to talk and be friends at the end, but this way was cute in it's own right! The art is very stylized and sometimes busy but I think it is very fitting. ( )

A young Pteranodon is warned by his father about the dangers of the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex, but instructed by his mother to be kind to all, aiding those who need help. When a T-Rex is injured while trying to climb up and eat the Pteranodon, the flying reptile decides to take care of the predator, despite his terrifying appearance. Pretending to be a Tyrannosaurus as well, he feeds the injured dinosaur. But when his patient gets back on his feet, and appears with a fish in his mouth, the Pteranodon flees, unaware that the Tyrannosaurus is attempting to thank him...

Originally published in Japan in 2004, and translated into English this past year (2018), I Am a Tyrannosaurus is the fifth in celebrated author/illustrator Tatsuya Miyanishi's "Tyrannosaurus" series to be made available here in the states. Like its predecessors, it explores some very human issues through its story of prehistoric dinosaur and reptile life. The story here is poignant, with a bittersweet ending, while the bright, colorful illustrations grab the reader's attention. I'm not sure how they print these books, but there is a shiny quality to the ink used that makes the artwork look particularly vibrant. As mentioned in my review of the last entry in the series, I Will Love You Forever, I find these books unexpectedly moving, and always read them with a feeling of emotional involvement. This is, at this writing, the last of the books to be translated, but I understand that a sixth is due out in May. I will definitely be tracking I Really Love You down! ( )

Dinosaurs are a favourite for a lot of children, so having this series use dinosaurs to teach about friendship, kindness, accepting others' differences is a nice idea. I read this book to my grandson (age 4.5), who loves dinosaurs and he liked it, but when I asked him questions about it, he couldn't answer them. He asked me to read it again though and we talked about the pteranodon and the tyrannosaurus along the way. He was able to understand that even though they should have been enemies, by helping, the pteranodon had a new friend. He kept asking why he flew away at the end if they were friends though. It was a good message, but depending on the age of the child, they may or may not understand it. A good story to use in primary grades when teaching about kindness, giving chances, not judging based on what others say etc. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via netgalley. ( )