Review Detail

Dino Mode Activated returns with the children from Dinosaur Pie and this time they are on a new adventure. Oleg is going on a camping trip with his friends, Rory and Daria, along with Rory’s cat, Burp, who still turns into a dinosaur at times. Oleg’s mom has just got him a new camera that he’s excited to use and when taking pictures of Burp as a dinosaur, he discovers the camera’s special features, Dino Mode. Unfortunately for Oleg and his friends, dinosaurs are now running rampant around the campsite and there’s a nosy professor trying to catch them. Oleg and his friend have to come up with a new plan which commences Operation Hide the Dinos.

What I Liked: This book continues where Dinosaur Pie left us and gives you a brief overview into the last adventure we went on with Rory, Oleg, and Daria. This time the story is centered around Oleg who loves filming videos for his future channel yet doesn’t have his own phone. Oleg’s mom buys a camera from the same market that the dinosaur pie comes from so we are aware that something ridiculous is about to take place.

The illustrations throughout the book will have you laughing as you see Burp playing dress up, and tiny dinosaurs that used to be moths. These illustrations doa great job of breaking up some of the denser chapters in the books so that young readers will remain engaged. The illustrations also aide in bringing this story to life for those who can’t form images in their mind while reading. It helps to be able to see what these new dinosaurs look like and its fun to see what the humans look like when they are transformed into dinos.

The action never stops once Oleg is out on his adventure as Burp keeps escaping from his carrier and it seems that the medicine to turn him back into a cat didn’t make it to the campsite. These moments add humor when there are moments of tension. The action scenes help quicken the pacing of the book and ensure that you are on the edge of your seat while reading this story.

Final Verdict: Dino Mode Activated is a fun and silly adventure that children who enjoyed Dinosaur Pie will enjoy. Children ages 6 and up will enjoy following along with Oleg, Rory, and Daria to see just how they are going to get out of the new mess that has been created. There will be plenty of laughs while reading this book as well as moments to ponder about what will happen next.