The Journal

Dino Dad is a roar-some read

CBeebies presenter Andy Day tells us about his new book and his passion for these prehistori­c creatures

- DAISY FOX Family Time Correspond­ent

TIME-TRAVELLING TV star Andy Day is famous for his close encounters with dinosaurs.

In his new book, Dino Dad, Andy tells the story of Lionel Thumb, a man who can transform into a real-life dinosaur.

Lionel and his daughters Ruby and Indiana head out on the adventure of a lifetime to a secret island called Dinotropol­is which is home to lots of dinosaurs.

Which prehistori­c pals will the intrepid trio meet?

We caught up with Andy to find out about his new project.

What inspired you to write Dino Dad?

My children Ruby and Indiana inspired me when I began seeing the world through their eyes and all the adventures that we could go on together from our imaginatio­ns.

I’d love to go back in time to see the dinosaurs. Do you have any hacks to help me survive?

Yes, take plenty of meat sandwiches to feed the carnivores so they don’t eat you.

Maybe don’t have a bath for a few weeks before, so you smell bad enough that they don’t come too close.

Do you have a favourite dinosaur? Why do you like it?

Stegosauru­s is my favourite because its plates changed colour. I love the word for its spiky tail – thagomizer.

If you could have a pet dinosaur what kind would it be and what name would you call it?

I would have a pssitacosa­urus because they can camouflage themselves, meaning they were great at hide and seek.

We could play that all the time and I would call it a Peek-a-boo.

Do you prefer acting on TV or writing books?

I enjoy both equally. They are very different but both have similar outcomes as it’s all about the world around us and the people we meet.

I love that you get to play in different ways.

Which real-life adventure would you most like to go on and why? What would you pack?

I would like to travel around the world on a bike.

I would pack just one outfit, one water bottle and something soft and spongy so my bum didn’t ache all the time sitting on the seat.

Is your family adventurou­s?

Yes, my wife loves surfing and camping like me, and my kids love exploring new places and travelling in our camper van!

 ?? ?? ■ Dino Dad by Andy Day, illustrate­d by Steve Lenton, right, (Puffin, £7.99) is out now
■ Dino Dad by Andy Day, illustrate­d by Steve Lenton, right, (Puffin, £7.99) is out now
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 ?? ?? Dino fan: Andy Day Credit: Natasha Merchant
Dino fan: Andy Day Credit: Natasha Merchant

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