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In You Can’t Be a Pterodactyl, after Tommy’s teacher tell the class that they can be anything they want, Tommy says he wants to be a pterodactyl, the whole class laughs, and the teacher tells him he must pick something else. Tommy, however, holds tight to his dream despite the negative comments of others at his school and the laughter of mean kids on the bus.

At home, Tommy’s dad asks the most logical question of all: why does Tommy want to be a pterodactyl? With thought, Tommy realizes he wants to rise above problems, but come down and help when he wants. With this new understanding, Tommy’s dad supports and encourages Tommy’s dream, and Tommy grows up to fly Pterodactyl Sea Rescue!

This is a heartwarming story that tells children not to give up their dreams, even when the world sends conflicting messages. Instead, hold on and wait for those who listen and provide support. Even the dreams others think are the craziest can be realized in some way. What a wonderful message to give our youngest dreamers.

(Originally published on the Seattle Book Review and donated to The Maltby Food Bank.)