Official Review: Dynomike: Pay It Forward

Post by **bookowlie** » 13 Jan 2020, 15:13

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dynomike: Pay It Forward" by Frankie B. Rabbit.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Dynomike: Pay It Forward by Frankie B. Rabbit is an illustrated children’s book that focuses on the importance of helping others, without expecting anything in return. It is the latest installment in the Dynomike series about a dinosaur and his various animal friends. While on his way home, Dynomike helps his friend Spunky stop a banana cart from sliding downhill. When Spunky asks how he can repay the young dinosaur, Dynomike tells him to “pay it forward” and help someone else. This sets off a ripple effect among the various animal characters in the story.

I enjoyed this heartwarming book that highlights the concept of paying it forward in an entertaining way. It’s never too early to teach kids the importance of helping others while expecting nothing in return. Instead, you can repay someone’s kindness by helping another person in the near future.

There is a smooth flow to the storyline, with creative links between each part of the plot. For instance, after the banana cart incident, Spunky encounters a cat scrounging for food in a dumpster. Any guesses how Spunky might pay Dynomike’s assistance forward?

The story is told in rhyme and contains an ABCB rhyme scheme; basically, the second and fourth lines rhyme in each four-line stanza. The simple word choices would be easy for young children to understand. There are two exceptions - “hangry” (a slang word for “hungry”) and “schnarf” (a made-up word). I don’t think slang or made-up words are appropriate in books for the younger set, since children would get confused.

The illustrations are colorful and convey a fun, light-hearted feel to the story. There are good visual clues on each page, which also reinforce the meaning of the “pay it forward” phrase. I particularly appreciated that the characters’ facial expressions tied in well with each action. However, it’s not clear what type of animal a few of the characters are. In addition, the cat doesn’t have a proper name and is addressed only as “new friend.”

I would like to applaud the author for an excellent editing job. There are no spelling or grammatical errors, and the book is formatted well. I must say it is refreshing to read an error-free indie book.

This book has earned 3 out of 4 stars. It contains a nice blend of elements for a good children’s story – a clear plot, a relatable theme, likable characters, and appealing artwork. If not for the slang words and vague characterization in a few cases, the book would merit the highest rating. I would recommend it for children ages 3-8, due to the short sentences, simplistic plot, and basic word choices. Kids who like books featuring animal characters would surely enjoy this one. The book is a perfect choice for parents or teachers to read aloud, as it could spur a discussion about ways to help others and pay a kindness forward. This is the second book I've read about this cute dinosaur, and I highly recommend this series.

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Dynomike: Pay It Forward
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Letora · Post by **Letora** » 14 Jan 2020, 04:40

I'd like to think that paying it forward is still a new concept. I've only heard of it maybe within the past five years. It's great to be teaching children this. You never know who's day you'll make better by paying it forward. Great review! I would certainly read this to my children.

Post by **bookowlie** » 14 Jan 2020, 10:01

Letora wrote: ↑14 Jan 2020, 04:40 I'd like to think that paying it forward is still a new concept. I've only heard of it maybe within the past five years. It's great to be teaching children this. You never know who's day you'll make better by paying it forward. Great review! I would certainly read this to my children.

Thanks Letora! I think children aren't very aware of the paying it forward concept, so it's nice to see a book with this theme.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 14 Jan 2020, 10:57

I agree with your point about not including slang in children's books, but otherwise, it seems like the book won on all counts by not only being fun, but also learning more about a good value! Thanks for the lovely review, bookowlie!

Post by **bookowlie** » 14 Jan 2020, 11:05

gen_g wrote: ↑14 Jan 2020, 10:57 I agree with your point about not including slang in children's books, but otherwise, it seems like the book won on all counts by not only being fun, but also learning more about a good value! Thanks for the lovely review, bookowlie!

Thanks Gen_g! I really wanted to give this book 4 stars for the entertaining and educational aspects. Still, I couldn't overlook the slang/made-up words. Also, I found it so distracting trying, and failing, to figure out what type of animal a few of the characters were! If I couldn't figure it out, I am sure a child wouldn't be able to. I can't tell you how many times I went back to those pages to try to figure it out.

FEislandqueen13 · Post by **FEislandqueen13** » 14 Jan 2020, 13:01

my kid brother would love this book. It has animals. Plus he'll learn a valuable lesson while having fun!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 14 Jan 2020, 20:07

I think it's great for a children's book to tackle the theme of paying it forward. Dynomike sounds like a cute, fun character. I agree about the slang, though. I think there could have easily been other words used in place of those. Thanks.

Post by **bookowlie** » 16 Jan 2020, 08:37

Thanks Kandscreeley and FEislandqueen13 for the nice feedback! I think kids would want to read more books in the series because Dynomike is such a likable character. Kandscreeley - I agree the author could have found substitutes for the slang words, without too much effort.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 16 Jan 2020, 09:06

Paying it forward is a wonderful lesson to teach children in this "What's in it for me?" world. Let's start them young!

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 16 Jan 2020, 09:27

You're never too young to learn the importance of paying it forward! The characters and situations in this one are sure to be a hit with the target age range.

AvidBibliophile · Post by **AvidBibliophile** » 16 Jan 2020, 20:21

I hope this one truly can spur discussions amongst developing young minds! The cover art is darling and it seems that dinosaurs will always remain steadfast in popularity with the youngsters as they develop a love for literary storytelling. Great review!

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 17 Jan 2020, 16:53

I love that the book includes the message of paying it forward. Hopefully your insightful review will give the author the feedback he needs to further improve the execution.

Roger Glasgow · Post by **Julius_** » 19 Jan 2020, 03:44

An amazing book about dinosaurs and other animals, adequately reviewed! This was amazing! Thanks for the review.

Magnify3 · Post by **Magnify3** » 21 Jan 2020, 08:17

Paying forward is an important lesson to teach children. I like the book cover as well. Thanks for the review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 31 Jan 2020, 23:08

This is a great lesson for children. I am happy the author did a good job and you were able to award the book a high score. Hopefully, it will get into many homes, libraries, and classrooms.