Introduction

 

Welcome to

 

Danger: Dinosaur Alert!!!

Picture books for 3 to 7 year olds

Here is a list of 20 delightful stories about dinosaurs who behave a lot like young children.

 

These friendly dinosaurs face situations that many children encounter, such as, starting school, caring for a pet and playing with friends.

Parents and youngsters alike will enjoy these beautifully presented picture books that are available at Sutherland Shire Libraries.







Dini Dinosaur

 

Beaumont, Karen & Roode, Daniel. Dini Dinosaur, New York, N.Y. : HarperCollins, 2012.
 

It is a warm, sunny day and Dini has enjoyed playing in the mud and sand.  His mother says, "It is time for a bath" and as Dini is so dirty, he is placed into the bathtub fully clothed.  One piece of clothing at a time is gently removed with mother singing "Silly Dini Dinosaur!  Don't you know?  You have to take your shoes off ... Back you go!"  finally, Dini is tucked into bed.  Karen Beaumont's rhyming text is leisurely paced and has a gentle tone.  Daniel Roode's illustrations complement the text.  He provides large, simple pictures coloured with soft greens, blues, pinks and yellows.  The combination of rhyming text and illustrations work well and allow young readers to predict the outcome of the story.  (Age 3-5 years, Theme - Bath time)

T-rex's terrible tooth

 

    

 

England, Kathryn & Redlich, Ben.  T-rex's terrible tooth, Mascot, N.S.W. : Koala books, 2010.

Tyrone is a young T-rex with a problem - a touchy, tender tooth - he finds chewing meat very painful.  So, Tyrone stops eating!  He becomes famished and extremely distressed; however, a friendly brontosaurus suggests a change of diet.  Will Tyrone live happily ever after as a vegetarian?  Kathryn England sustains rhyming couplets throughout the narrative which provides a rhythmical pace while the tone is ironic.  Ben Redlich's illustrations are bold, cartoon-like drawings that are colourful and reminiscent of great animation.  This book has an ending with a twist that is suitable for school-age children. (Age 5-7 years, Theme - Dental hygiene and diet)

Brontorina



Howe, James & Cecil, Randy. Brontorina, Somerville, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2010.

James Howe and Randy Cecil's Brontorina is a delightful account of a youthful dinosaur's pursuit of a dream - she desires to be a ballerina.   Brontorina is not deterred by Madame Lucille's initial resistance and joins in the lessons with the other dancers.  She works hard and achieves graceful arabesques and elegant jetes without squashing any of her classmates.  However, Madame Lucille's studio is too small.  Will Brontorina have to give up her dream?  Not if Madame Lucille can help it!  Cecil's striking oil paintings perfectly enhance the text by providing soft hues and gentle characterisation.  His Brontorina is a lovely orange colour with big eyes; she makes an endearing heroine.  (Age 5-7 years, Themes - Acceptance and the pursuit of one's dream)

Tinysaurus



Webster, Sheryl & Fearnley, Jan. Tinysaurus, London : Andersen Press, 2010.

Tinysaurus is the youngest in his family and has tried to grow bigger by jumping, stretching and tying blocks of wood to his legs.  One day while Daddysaurus and Mummysaurus are out hunting he is left at home to protect the eggs.  A Nastysaurus arrives but Tinysaurus picks up the eggs and runs.  Will he escape?  Will the eggs be protected and hatch?  Sheryl Webster's third person narrative is leisurely paced and enhanced by the illustrations.  Jan Fearnley is an award winning illustrator and presents whimsical drawings bursting with colour and humour.  (Age 3-5 years, Themes - Bravery and responsibility)