The Birthday Dinosaur

By: Alison Larkin

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The night before his fifth birthday, a young boy who can't wait to grow up receives a visit from the Birthday Dinosaur. Together they fly off on a magical adventure, high above the earth.

Written and read by Alison Larkin Cover illustration by Charles Wynd

With music by Maurice Ravel, Gabriel Faure, Arnold Schoenberg, Claude Debussy, and Richard Wagner, performed by Sara Edelstein and arranged by Jason Brown.

What the critics say about Alison Larkin:

"Hugely entertaining" (The Times) "Unparalleled…a narrator to seek out…" (AudioFile)

Alison Larkin is the best-selling author of the novel The English American. She is also an internationally acclaimed comedienne and the award-winning narrator of over 80 audiobooks, including Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the 200th anniversary audio edition.

©2014 Allison Larkin (P)2014 British Classic Audio

A Delightfully Enchanting and Mystical Tale

THE BIRTHDAY DINOSAUR was an adorable listen. I loved everything about this story. The story itself about Tristan was magical especially with the dinosaur. It was perfection. I loved the story, the music, the sound effects, and the cover art.

Alison Larkin not only wrote this but she also read it which I think is just fabulous. When the author narrates her own work, especially a story like this, it makes it so much more special. I hope to hear more from her. A definite author to watch. Brilliant and recommended.

(Will be listening to this one again with grandkids tomorrow. And probably again and again).

“This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobookboom”

Wow! Awesome

I received this book free of charge in order to give an honest review. Well here it is wow! Loved it! Story super cute. Narration upbeat perfect in every way to keep my two little girls attention, ages 3 and 5. The back ground sound effects and music omg just made the whole experience of listening great. My little girls BEGGED for more. I'm going straight to Amazon and finding another by this author. Just loved it!! 💖

The Best Birthday Story Ever

Where does The Birthday Dinosaur rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the best Birthday Story ever because it conveys with such charm and drama the important truth of never leaving behind the creative imagination of a child.
No tale I have every heard is so powerful in keeping that precious sense of
magic in the world alive.
A young friend of mine when he heard it said: "WOW!"

And then he asked to hear it again. And again. And again!

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is the Dinosaur who speaks with such an engaging and original voice. I have never known any character in any book that has the range of emotion and cheerful wisdom.
And as usual Alison Larkin delivers every word for every character in such a unique and dramatic way..

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was the first and last--when the Dinosaur comes to share his magic to the little boy...and when he returns the Birthday Boy safely to his bed.

It is an ideal Birthday Story for anyone of any age because it reminds us all that although we might grow old--we should always be young to the magic possibilities of life!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I think is more fun to hear this original story at one time for it conveys such an emotional as well as almost a spiritual lesson of the importance of the imagination and savoring each precious moment of life--rather than rushing on to "grow up"!

Any additional comments?

In this great story Alison Larkin shows so many talents--writer, narrator, and most of all an artist with such a creative imagination to share so helpfully with the wider world.

No one but Larkin could have written or narrated such a story with more charm, clarity, variety, and dramatic impact.

I agree with my young friend on his reaction : "WOW"!

Cute story for any young child

Cute little story for any young child who is eager to grow up faster. The author and narrator combine to give us a wonderfully whimsical tale. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Magical!

Alison Larkin is an exceptional writer, narrator and her spirit is special and infectious and dances through this recording and her superb novel The English American. I wish she would write more - this is a delight from beginning to end. A charming children's audio! Bravo!

Delightful Tale for Little Listeners - Superb Narration!

The Birthday Dinosaur is a guaranteed to be a hit with your little one! Such a sweet and exciting short story... It would be perfect for listening to on a rainy, quiet, indoor day of as a bedtime story, but I'll be surprised if they aren't asking for it on repeat!

Alison Larkin is a skillful narrator, creating dynamic characters who you can't help falling in love with. She is also a very talented writer, both of which I knew from listening to her read her novel The English American. But I am pleased to report she expertly understands the genre of children's literature as an author, narrator, and producer... Working in subtle sound effects and music that enhance the listening experience.

I would highly recommend anything produced by British Classic Audio! Especially this gem of a book!

Alison Larkin's second book is FANTASTIC!

I LOVED Alison Larkin's novel The English American and I just found out about The BIrthday Dinosaur and played it to my kids and they LOVE IT! It's only 9 minutes long but it's really magical. I love this story. It makes me happy.

Original, charming, delightful!

Where does The Birthday Dinosaur rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Pretty high up there. It's beautifully written and narrated by one of the best voice talents out there. Alison Larkin is extraordinary. I loved it.

What other book might you compare The Birthday Dinosaur to and why?

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Which scene was your favorite?

The moment when the roof of Tristan's house blows off and he heads off into the sky with Pompi.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It's under ten minutes and the perfect book to play your child before sending them off to sleep.

Any additional comments?

This is a real gift. I'd not heard of it before but wanted to listen to something narrated by Alison Larkin. This one was written by her also - I loved it and so did both my kids.

My 7 year old daughter loved it

Except for the fact that she kept saying "it's a birthday DRAGON, not a DINOSAUR," (based on the cover art and descriptions) my daughter was delighted by this little tale which we listened to the night before her 7th birthday.

** This audiobook was given by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom