Dexter T. Rexter thinks he is the toughest, strongest, coolest dinosaur there has ever been, or at least that's what he tells himself after he is left behind by his best friend Jack at the doctor's office. Scared that he will never see Jack again, Dexter does everything he can think to get back to his friend. In a bit of meta-fiction and a state of panic, Dexter turns to the most available person for help - the reader, explaining that he and Jack were coloring and then Jack was gone. But when the picture of Jack that Dexter colors doesn't help, he turns to the office fish, then the receptionist, but they aren't helpful, either.
What can a scared dinosaur do to bring his best friend back? Of course, sing their favorite song, over and over, louder and louder. but...still no Jack. Then, Dexter has the scariest thought of all - what is he were left behind on purpose. replaced by a new best friend.
Could that be possible? Will Dexter's story have a happy ending?
Dexter is a wonderful "every toy" character and I loved reading his story, remembering a certain day I almost had to dumpster dive to find a beloved lost toy. Dexter's panic and desperate search for a way to be reunited with Jack should ring true to any parent whose child has lost their favorite toy.
Young readers will also find this pretty funny, perhaps seeing themselves in Dexter's anxiety and insecurity, recognizing his despair and the sadness he feels that he may never get to do the things he loves doing with Jack ever again - no more fun, no more Jack.
Ward's colorful illustrations, created using printmaking ink, colored pencil, and cut paper, reflect the story well, adding to the fear and tension of being lost and emphasizing Dexter's smallness in relation to the world abound him.
According to her, she was inspired to write this book after her husband texted her a photo of a toy dinosaur abandoned at a doctor’s office. The caption read: “Well, they left me here.” Lindsay thought it was so funny that she sat down to write Dexter’s story immediately. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians, Henry Finds His Word, and When Blue Met Egg. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play.
Most days you can find Lindsay writing and sketching at her home in Peninsula, Ohio, where she lives with her family. Learn more about her online at www.LindsayMWard.com or on Twitter: @lindsayward
Don't Forget Dexter! is the first book in a new series for Lindsay Ward. You can expect to see the next Dexter story, It's Show and Tell, Dexter! later this year:
Be sure to visit the other stops on the Don't Forget Dexter! Blog Tour:
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