Review: EDWINA, THE DINOSAUR WHO DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS EXTINCT by Mo Willems

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2006. Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0786837489

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Willems tells the delightful story of Edwina, a friendly dinosaur loved by all the people in town, except one. Even though she plays with the children, helps the citizens, and bakes chocolate-chip cookies for everyone, Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie, the town know-it-all, did not like Edwina. He decided to make it his mission to prove that all dinosaurs, including Edwina, were extinct. In the end, the only one who will listen to him is Edwina herself. The story ends with Edwina realizing that she is extinct and both Edwina and Reginald decide they just don’t care.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The characters in the book are drawn in cartoon format in pastel colors. Willems also throws in some smaller cartoon drawings in black and white to illustrate intermediate actions that are taking place throughout the story. Edwina is drawn as an especially lovable dinosaur complete with a straw hat with a flowing pink ribbon, pearls, a handbag, and perfectly-polished, pink nails.

Willems inclusion of the pigeons adds to the humor of the illustrations especially when everyone has left the park except Reginald and one lonely pigeon. The simplicity in the drawings appeals to young children and the expressiveness of the characters adds enjoyment to the story. When Reginald finally gives up and joins Edwina for chocolate-chip cookies, it is the classic “if you can’t beat ‘em, then you may as well join ‘em” ending.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Willems’s expressive cartoon style makes the most of his fabled ability with line.”
BOOKLIST review: “Consider this an enjoyable visit to a happy community that has no room for curmudgeons.”

5. CONNECTIONS
Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct could be used as part of a dinosaur unit. It provides a fun way to talk about the meaning of extinct.

Other books illustrated by Mo Willems:
Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy. ISBN 1423109600
Willems, Mo. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. ISBN 0786818700
Willems, Mo. I Will Surprise My Friend. ISBN 1423109627