Oliver and His Egg    by Paul Schmid Order:  USA  Can Hyperion, 2014 (2014) Hardcover     Reviewed by Bob Walch Sometimes we make a little too much of what is perhaps just an exceedingly simple children's story without any hidden or underlying meaning or message. Having read a few of the reviews of this book, I have to think this is one of those instances. This is the follow-up to Oliver and His Alligator and this time the little fellow decked out in an oversized sweater is fascinated by what appears to be an egg, although I can make an equally good case for a rock or potato. But, no matter. Oliver's rock apparently contains an imaginary friend. And when the dinosaur with large tangerine spots pops out of the egg, the little boy has a new buddy. Oliver imagines a few of the exciting activities he and the dino can do together, but then reality intrudes when some other children ask, 'Why are you sitting on that rock?' Good question! That's pretty much the end of the story, but there is a final gate-fold that shows Oliver with his now rather large dino buddy and human friends. You could miss it entirely, so consider yourself forewarned. Also, be sure to fold it back carefully or it won't last very long! Young children will love the simple illustrations that this book features. Let's not belabor what the author's intent is and just accept this as a book featuring a little kid and his egg/rock/potato ... you decide what works for you! 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