That's Not My Dinosaur is a wonderful little touch and feel sensory book from the Usborne series. Written by Fiona Watt and illustrated by Rachel Wells, these books build into a vast collection, though all following the same popular format.

Anyone who's child has one or more of these books will be aware of the storyline that runs through them. Each book focuses on a particular animal or theme and we are faced with many colourful characters until we find the one which is ours.

That's Not My Dinosaur certainly stands out in this particular series for me. Though the format is the same, the illustrations and textured areas are simply fantastic.

As with each of these books we actually begin on the front cover where we are told "That's not my dinosaur... its body is too squishy". Featured on the cover, sitting nicely between the text is a rather appealing purple dinosaur with a long neck and textured spots. These spots are made from a quilted metallic material which emits various shades of blue and green and has the texture of a reptile's skin. The cover is very attractive indeed thanks to the fabulous choice of colours and materials.

Throughout the book we are shown a wonderful array of dinosaurs. Each is vividly coloured with the textured areas creating depth and drawing in the young reader. The colourful backgrounds in these illustrations make the characters stand out against each page.

We have an orange dinosaur with a fuzzy red tail, a green dinosaur with bumpy white teeth, a pink dinosaur with slippery flippers created using pink sequined material. We then have a bright red dinosaur with rough yellow horns, but we haven't found our dinosaur yet! Finally we meet the dinosaur that is ours, a rather endearing blue dinosaur with purple spots and soft spines created with pink fur.

On each page a little white mouse appears, making a lovely addition to the storyline as we try to find him in each illustration.

This particular book to me appears to be of a higher quality than some others in the series in terms of illustrations and texture, though my son, who has quite a few of these, loves each and every one.

That's Not My Dinosaur is suitably 'boyish' in its theme and design, though of course it may appeal to little girls too. I have recently purchased this book again as a stocking filler for my nephew as books like this one are a valuable addition to any young child's book shelf.

I love reading this series of books to my little boy and despite the seemingly simple format, he never seems to tire of them.

That's Not My Dinosaur from Usborne Books has a retail price of £5.99, however it is currently available from Amazon at just £3.49. This makes a great idea for a stocking filler at such a bargain price!

ISBN: 978074604814-6