Girl and the Dinosaur

A young girl named Marianne forages on the beach for dinosaur bones to build a companion. She wishes with all her heart for her dinosaur to come to life, and it magically happens. This is a rare and special book that takes readers on a magical journey beyond the page.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A masterpiece of storytelling, adorned with evocative and stunning illustrations, destined to be cherished and read for years to come.

Superb watercolour illustrations by Sarah Massini, coupled with a lively rhyming narrative, make this a timeless classic that will be treasured by generations.

The Irish Examiner has praised this book, stating, "The wishing stars burn bright tonight, the air is thick with dreams, and a deeply sleeping dinosaur is waking up, it seems."

In a quaint town by the seaside, Marianne is often spotted foraging on the beach. However, she is not playing with children her own age. Instead, Marianne is alone, and diligently digging for dinosaur bones to create a special kind of companion.

One night, as Marianne goes to sleep, she wishes with all her heart that her dinosaur might come to life. Little did she know that her wish would be granted.

This is a very rare and special book, where the words and pictures transport you on a magical journey far beyond the confines of the page. The combination of Sarah Massini's exquisite illustrations and the enchanting narrative by Emma Chichester Clark creates a truly immersive experience that will leave readers of all ages enchanted.

The story follows Marianne, a young girl with a passion for dinosaurs. She spends her days exploring the beach, searching for any remnants of these ancient creatures. One night, as she lies in bed, she wishes with all her heart that her dinosaur might come to life.

To her surprise, the next morning, she finds a small, furry creature lying on the beach. It is not a dinosaur, but it is something just as extraordinary. The creature is a pterodactyl, a flying reptile that has been extinct for millions of years.

Marianne is overjoyed and decides to name her new friend Ptera. She spends every moment with Ptera, teaching her how to fly and how to hunt for food. Ptera is a quick learner and soon becomes a skilled flyer.

Together, Marianne and Ptera embark on many adventures. They fly over the sea, exploring new lands and meeting new creatures. They even encounter a group of pirates, who are amazed by the sight of a flying pterodactyl.

As time goes by, Marianne and Ptera become inseparable. They travel the world, encountering all sorts of challenges and obstacles. But they never give up, and their friendship grows stronger with each passing day.

The book is filled with beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life. Sarah Massini's watercolour paintings are vibrant and detailed, capturing the essence of the characters and the magical world they inhabit.

The rhyming narrative is also delightful, making the book easy to read and enjoyable for children and adults alike. The words flow smoothly, and the story is paced just right.

In conclusion, "The Wishing Star" is a masterpiece of storytelling that will captivate readers of all ages. With its evocative illustrations, lively rhyming narrative, and captivating characters, this book is destined to be a classic for years to come.

Whether you are a fan of dinosaurs, adventure, or just looking for a beautiful and engaging story, this book is a must-read. It is a testament to the power of imagination and the magic that can be created when words and pictures come together.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 299 x 237 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408880548