Play with your Food

Book excerpt: A prehistoric lizard must convince a hungry dimetrodon to play with its food! Comically illustrated by an animator on Disney’s 2019 The Lion King movie. The Permian Period was millions of years before the age of the dinosaurs...but it was still a eat-or-be-eaten world! When a small prehistoric lizard (a Coelurosauravus) finds itself on the menu, it must convince the predator (a Dimetrodon) to play with its food. When the carnivore balks, the tiny reptile simply won't take no for an answer! A hilarious debate and chase ensue between this odd couple. This playful pair provides classic comedic slapstick with over-the-top pratfalls and witty wordplay. Enjoy this an uniquely entertaining "dinosaur" tale with a twist! This humorous romp will resonate with children and their parents, who both know a contentious mealtime when they see it. Spirited banter will delight young readers. Dinosaur lovers can spy many different species hidden in the scenery. Vivid and energetic artwork turns the survival of the fittest into the survival of the funniest. Teachers and librarians will enjoy repeated readings of this tall tale, illustrated with naturalistic verve by a veteran animator at Disney and DreamWorks. - - - “Play with your Food is a lighthearted prehistoric romp, brought to life with vibrant full color illustrations." - Midwest Book Review “Adult readers and children alike will enjoy finding these animals hidden in the illustrations as the story progresses...and the hijinks continue. RECOMMENDED" - Library Media Connection "My boys enjoy the fun story lines that this author always seems to master, as well as the colorful and personable illustrations. As an artist myself, I aspire to create illustrations as enchanting as those within the pages of David Derricks stories. I'm sure it not easy find a balance in illustration between a dinosaur looking too ferocious and overly friendly, but the art in Play with Your Food hits the mark perfectly.... Play with Your Food will appeal to not only young dinosaur fans, but it's also sure to get any child who has been told not to play with your food giggling out loud. The story is simple and funny, and just long enough to keep the attention of even the younger readers. There's plenty of room for a child's imagination to roam in between the lines, especially if they take their time to explore the illustrated pages." - Just a Little Creativity