Pup and Dragon: How to Catch a Dinosaur / How to Catch a Unicorn

This duo is part of the popular How to Catch series that features best friends Pup and Dragon. Pup has lots of energy and a 'can do!' attitude and wee Dragon is patient and thoughtful as he allows Pup to explore his harebrained ideas about how to catch the latest creature.

The series shows how it's okay to try new ideas, make mistakes and forgive each other's blunders. Kids will enjoy the 'how to draw' activity at the back of each book and adults will enjoy tidbits of humour.

These books, with bright and colourful illustrations, are a good pick for young readers who aren't quite ready to transition from picture books to chapter books. They're a nice intro into graphic novels which provide visual cues that will help kids build reading confidence.

How to Catch a Dinosaur: This book will put a smile on many small faces with the antics of Pup and Dragon as the duo, upon seeing a poster for a science fair, decide to catch a dinosaur to help their friends with their science project. 

What could go wrong? Umm, everything! Pup has many zany ideas that end in disaster and incidentally mess up their friends' plans. Dragon, the more levelheaded of the two, tries to guide Pup to better choices. After a few accidents and run-ins with slime, cages, pits and chicken suits, they figure things out. Young readers will enjoy pointing out glimpses of the dino before each page turn and the learn to draw the robot character in the back of the book.

How to Catch a Unicorn: The two friends are back at it! In this adventure set in the zoo, Pup and Dragon try to help their friends catch a unicorn. How hard can that be? Despite some unicorn almost-sightings, it turns out, it's pretty hard. But they get to meet a gaggle of beasties in the zoo, as they try wacky new plans to capture the magical unicorn that keeps eluding them (but won't elude young readers!). Will their plans work? Probably not but they will learn the importance of helping others in need and the power of friendship.

Disclaimer: Sincere thanks to Sourcebooks Wonderland for the complimentary copies of these book which were provided in exchange for my honest review.

My Ratings: 4 stars

Authors: Alice Walstead and Paul Gill

Genre: Junior Graphic Novel, Canadian, Humour

Type and Source: Hardcovers from publisher

Series: How to Catch series

Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland

First Published: Dino - April 2, 2024 / Unicorn - May 7, 2024 

Recommended Ages: 6-9 years

Book Descriptions from GoodReads: 

How to Catch a Dinosaur: Pup has boundless energy and endless optimism; Dragon is cool and thoughtful but always up for adventure...together, they are best friends who are always there for one another. It's time for the science fair, and Pup and Dragon have hatched a plan to help the kids win the first They'll catch a REAL dinosaur! Bursting with colorful art and hilarious text, Pup and How to Catch a Dinosaur is sure to appeal to How to Catch lovers and new young readers alike. 

How to Catch a Unicorn: Pup has boundless energy and endless optimism; Dragon is cool and thoughtful but always up for adventure...together, they are best friends who are always there for one another. This time, Pup and Dragon are trying to catch the rare unicorn hiding in the zoo! Can THEY find her? Bursting with colorful art and hilarious text, Pup and Dragon: How to Catch a Unicorn is sure to appeal to How to Catch lovers and new young readers alike.