The girl and the dinosaur - Hollie Hughes

A masterpiece of storytelling with evocative and stunning illustrations, destined to be read for years to come.The wishing stars burn bright tonight, the air is thick with dreams,And a deeply sleeping dinosaur is waking up, it seems . . . In a town by the seaside, Marianne is often seen foraging on the beach. But she isn't playing with children her own age. Instead Marianne is alone, and digging for dinosaur bones to build a special sort of companion. Then, one night, she goes to sleep wishing with all her heart that her dinosaur might come to life . . . A very rare and special book where the words and pictures take you on a magical journey far beyond the page.

Hollie Hughes is a hugely talented picture book author. Having three children of her own, she is perfectly tuned in to the reading habits and tastes of young children. She is the author of The Famishing Vanishing Mahoosive Mammoth, as well as the glorious Princess Swashbuckle. Hollie lives in Essex with her family.

Sarah Massini studied Graphic Design in Manchester and followed careers in corporate design and children's book design before settling down to pursue her life-long dream of illustrating books. Sarah's first picture book for Bloomsbury was Kiss It Better by Smriti Prasadam-Halls. She lives in Sussex with her husband Peter, her son Mathew and her mad terrier Tess.

Beautifully written, and enhanced by stunning illustrations from Sarah Massini, this is a delightful book
The Sun

Superb watercolour illustrations by Sarah Massini and a lively rhyming narrative all contribute to making this a classic book for keeps
Irish Examiner

It's a lovely tale, beautifully illustrated and captures the magic of children's imagination
Book Activist

Marianne - a modern Mary Anning
Storytime Books - Books of the Month

Older nursey children and reception and year 1 classes will love this book
Nursery World

With evocative and stunning illustrations, this is a special book where the words and pictures take all children on a magical journey far beyond the page
Creative Steps

A seaside adventure with a difference, to delight dreamers and dinosaur enthusiasts especially
Books For Keeps

Books like this remain an important way to challenge typical gender stereotypes. This is a dreamy, wonderful book and one that I highly recommend.
TES