Lizard Walinsky    by Roberta Baker & Debbie Tilley Order:  USA  Can Little, Brown & Co., 2004 (2004) Hardcover     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Elizabeth Ann 'Lizard' Walinsky doesn't like dolls or dresses ... she's a 'dinosaur girl' whose entire room is 'prehistoric', and who saves her allowance to buy a 'Nanotyrannus'. She feels sad when she can't find a friend to share her dinopassion. That summer, Lizard meets Spider at T-ball practice - Spider loves dinosaurs and Lizard admires his six-legged 'Nectarine'. They build a terrarium for their creatures, become best friends, and vow 'We'll never become extinct!' Lizard is devastated when Spider doesn't show up in her school for first grade, and she cries 'hot lava tears'. But Lizard sees Spider after school and she befriends Samantha, whose salamander soon finds a home in the terrarium. Kids have passions just like those portrayed here, and need to share them. Lizard Walinsky reminds us just how important those early interests and friendships are, and how much they deserve our support. Debbie Tilley's illustrations add humor to the tale. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews