In the Dinosaur's Paw
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1982

In the Dinosaur's Paw

Written by Patricia Reilly Giff · Illustrated by Blanche Sims

Part of the The Kids of the Polk Street School series

A magic ruler grants wishes, but when it vanishes, can Richard fix his troubles?

3.7/5 Goodreads · 118 ratings
80 pages
$6.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Richard Best's school day takes a magical turn when he discovers a ruler with mysterious powers. Snow falls, homework is remembered, and the school bully falls ill. But when the ruler disappears, Richard faces a dilemma. Can he navigate the chaos without his enchanted tool, or will his wishes unravel? Dive into a world where magic and responsibility collide, and discover if Richard can find a solution before it's too late.

From the publisher

It’s the first day back to school after winter vacation, and Richard Best is off to a bad start. Who ever heard of a January without any snow? And as usual, he has already forgotten something–the ruler Ms. Rooney had told him to bring for dinosaur day. Luckily Richard finds a ruler in his desk–with a dinosaur’s initials–and he’s sure the ruler is special. And then he finds out it has magic powers.All his wishes begin to come true: Snow stars falling, he remembers to do his homework, and the bully Drake Evans gets sick. But now with Drake sick in bed, Richard begins to worry. His only hope is the magic ruler–but it’s gone.What will help him?

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
80
Reading age
6–9
Audience
Juvenile Reader
Lexile
490L
Themes & topics
Books about wishesBooks about magicBooks about school
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Patricia Reilly Giff

Explore Patricia's bookshelf
Pictures of Hollis Woods
Sale price
$799

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Ages 8–12 · 2002
#1 in Series
Sale price
$799

Nory Ryan's Song

Ages 8–12 · 2000

All the Way Home

Ages 8–12 · 2001
A House of Tailors
Sale price
$699

A House of Tailors

Ages 9–13 · 2004
The series

The The Kids of the Polk Street School series

See the whole series

The Candy Corn Contest

Ages 7–9 · 1982
Sale price
$799

December Secrets

Ages 7–9 · 1982

The Valentine Star

Ages 4–8 · 1982

Snaggle Doodles

Ages 7–9 · 1982
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy #1: Rory and the Magical MixUps

Ages 6–10 · 2022

The Silver Balloon

Ages 7–9 · 1997

Magic Tree House Boxed Set: #1-4

Ages 6–9 · 1996

Dazzle's First Day

Ages 4–8 · 2008

Lexi the Firefly Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Season of the Witch

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Jeremy

Ages 8–12 · 1999

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey

Ages 5–9 · 2014
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.3
F&P level
~M
Publication
Published
November 2, 1987
First published
September 1, 1982
Publisher
Yearling
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780440441502

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Literary Leslie

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo