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) 

The littlest dinosaur's big adventure



Foreman, Michael. The littlest dinosaur's big adventure, New York, N.Y. : Walker & Company, 2009.

Author/illustrator Michael Foreman presents readers with a heart warming story about a little dinosaur who finds himself lost in a deep forest.  It is a sunny day and the gentle little dinosaur frolics with frogs and then chases butterflies until he notices the sunlight has disappeared, and he finds himself in a dark forest.  Frightened, alone and at the point of tears he desperately tries to find his way out of the forest but he soon hears someone else sobbing.  Together the new friends find their way home.  This emotionally complicated story ends well with the littlest dinosaur having made a new friend.  Foreman's sunlit palette of watercolours and ink quickly turn shadowy and cold which enhances the emotional complexity of the  narrative.  (Ages 3-5 years, Themes - Bravery and self-acceptance)

Millie's special something



Cox, Tania & Miller, David. Millie's special something, Adelaide, S.a. : Working Title Press, 2012.

Tania Cox's picture book is an enchanting tale of a young dinosaur's quest for courage and self-esteem.  Millie is a pretty, feathered dinosaur blessed with good dinosaur friends.  The story opens with them all happily playing hide and seek but big, bad Reggie loves to scare Millie and the game is soon forgotten as Millie's friends defend her with their individual "special something" that makes them feel brave.  Will Millie find her "special something"?  Will she ever feel brave?  The author's voice is kind and caring and although set in the distant past the subject matter and themes are contemporary.  The pacing is slow allowing young readers to examine the beautiful illustrations.  David Miller's 3D paper sculptures greatly enhance the story providing colour, pathos and humour.  (Age 5-7 years, Themes - Courage and self esteem.)

Dancing with the dinosaurs



Clarke, Jane & Wildish, Lee. Dancing with the dinosaurs, Watertown, Mass. : Charlsesbridge, 2012.

Jane Clarke and Lee Wildish present readers with a very funny story based on a popular TV show.  Dancing with the Dinosaurs is set in a theatre where the emcee (Master of Ceremonies) is a toothy T-rex and the judges are small, unassuming dinosaurs.  Dressed in glorious costumes the contestants present their favourite dance moves, side-stepping piles of poo and ignoring the gradual disappearance of the judges.  Finally, the emcee makes his real intentions known.  Clarke's rhyming text is kept to a minimum making the pacing quick and lively while the tone is exuberatnt.  Wildish provides cartoon-like illustrations bursting with colour and movement. (Age 3-7 years, Themes - Creative play and dancing)   

I speak dinosaur



Henry, Jed. I speak dinosaur!, New York, N.Y. : Abrams, 2012.

Author/illustrator Jed Henry delivers an energetic account of a boisterous small boy who chooses to "speak dinosaur".  This results in a series of impolite social encounters and the boy finds himself all alone.  The boy is then introduced to politeness and manners learning that creative play needs to be tempered with kindness.  The author's voice is conversational, the pacing varies between swift and leisurely complementing the main character's actions, and the tone is friendly.  Henry's pen-and-ink on water colour paper provide colour, detail and ironic humour.  This book would be enjoyable as a read-aloud.  (Age 3-6 years, Themes - Creative play should be encouraged but moderated with manners)

Stomp!: a dinosaur follow-the-leader story



Paul, Ruth. Stomp!: a dinosaur follow-the-leader story, Auckland, N.Z. : Scholastic, 2011.

Author/illustrator Ruth Paul offers a delightful account of dinosaurs at play.  A group of young dinosaurs enjoy playing "follow the leader" as they stomp, jump and roar! through the jungle.  The baby of the group imitates his elder playmates and works hard at keeping up; eventually he becomes the leader, and finally finds rest safe with Mum.  Paul's text is minimal and effortlessly describes the rough and tumbles involved in youngsters' play.  Her illustrations are a combination of bright colours and soft shades which add ironic humour and detail, thus perfectly complementing the text. (Age 3-5 years, Theme - Creative play) 

Dinosaur sleepover



Edwards, Pamela Duncan & Allwright, Deborah.  Dinosaur sleepover, London : Macmillan, 2010.

Pamela Duncan Edwards' picture book is  a heart-warming account of a young dinosaur's first sleepover party.  Gripped with anxiety about spending the night away from home Dinosaur thinks of reasons why he can't go:  his family will be worried, he needs his toothbrush and fresh pyjamas, and how can he fall asleep without his teddy?  But Dinosaur is gently reassured by his little boy and together they find that sleepovers are exciting and enjoyable.  The author's voice is warm and friendly which matches the story and suburban setting.  The illustrations are an important element and Deborah Allwright presents humorous illustations full of colour and movement.  (Age 5 to 7 years, Themes - Overcoming anxiety and facing fears)

Dinosaur starts school



Edwards, Pamela Duncan & Allwright, Deborah.  Dinosaur starts school, Park Ridge, Ill. : Albert Whitman, 2009.

Pamela Duncan Edwards presents another charming story about a young dinosaur who overcomes his fears with the help of his little boy.  Dinosaur feels daunted about his first day at school and loses his big, toothy dinosaur smile.  He doesn't understand why he has to go to school, he is unsure about speaking up and saying his name, and what if he doesn't like what they serve for lunch!  Dinosaur is comforted by his little boy's answers.  At the end of his first day Dinosaur has made a new friend and loves school.  Deborah Allwright's illustrations complement the measured tone of the text with an exciting visual style.  Her brightly coloured illustrations create movement with sweeping pathways and groups of happy ragamuffin children.  (Age  4-7 years , Theme - Facing our fears)

Harry and the dinosaurs go on holiday!



Whybrow, Ian & Reynolds, Adrain. Harry and the dinosaurs go on holiday!, Mascot, N.S.W. : Koala Books, 2012.

 

Ian Whybrow presents readers with a 'Raah-terrific' story about Harry and his imaginary dinosaurs.  This time they are all on holiday in Australia.  Nan cures Harry and his little friend's initial homesickness by giving them a camera to record all their adventures.  Harry and his tiny dinosaurs enjoy the beach,  a barbie and visit some wonderful landmarks.  Adrain Reynolds provides colourful illustrations that enrich the text with ironic humour and detail.  (Age 3-5 years, Theme - Facing our fears and enjoying life) 

 

 

Harry and the dinosaurs make a splash



Whybrow, Ian & Reynolds, Adrian.  Harry and the dinosaurs make a splash, Mascot, N.S.W. : Koala Books, 2007.

In Harry and the dinosaurs make a splash Ian Whybrow places Harry and his bucketful of dinosaurs at Water World.  Jumping over the waves is fun until a big wave knocks them all over.  Harry and his miniature dinosaurs run back to Nan for safety.  To encourage Harry, Nan faces her own fear of "sinking like a stone" and joins Harry on the water slide.  Together they go down the giant slide and make a big splash.  The author's voice is warm and friendly.  The pace is moderate and the tone light-hearted.  Adrian Reynolds' colourful cartoon-like illustrations enhance the text providing movement and background information about the tiny dinosaurs.  (Age 3-5 years, Theme - Facing our fears with the help of others) 

Dinosaur vs. the library

 

Shea, Bob. Dinosaur vs. the library, New York, N.Y. : Hyperion Books, 2011.

In Dinosaur vs. the library Bob Shea places his roaring red dinosaur in an unusual setting (a library) and assigns him a difficult task (being quiet).  On his way to the library Dinosaur encourages a cow, a group of baby chicks, a shy turtle and a sad owl to play in his roaring game:  all join in and everyone wins!  But as soon as he enters the library Dinosaur is asked to use his "inside roar".  Dinosaur happily conforms but can he "not roar" for all of story time?  Bob Shea's writing style is fast; his pacing is lively, his tone is energetic.  His illustrations almost leap off the page with vivid colour and strong, black strokes.  This book is suited to reading aloud and group participation.  (Age 3-5 years,  Theme - Appropriate behaviour in the library)  

Dinosaur vs. bedtime

   

Shea, Bob. Dinosaur vs. bedtime, New York, N.Y. : Hyperion Books, 2010.

Bob Shea offers readers another fun story about his irrespressible red roaring dinosaur.  During the day we see Dinosaur:  pounce on a pile of leaves, traverse a large slide, devour a plate of spaghetti and tolerate talking grown-ups.  He ends each encounter with a victorious "Dinosaur wins again!"  However, bedtime presents a more difficult challenge and we find Dinosaur surrendering - his roar becomes a whisper and finally we read "Bedtime wins.  Good night, Dinosaur."  Shea combines mixed-media illustations that combine photo collage with dynamic cartoon-like drawings bursting with colour and energy.  This book is suitable as an interactive read-aloud.  (Age 3-5 years, Themes - Appropriate behaviour at bedtime and creative play) 


How do dinosaurs eat their food?

 

Yolen, Jane & Teague, Mark.  How do dinosaurs eat their food?, London : HarperCollins, 2006.

Jane Yolen's picture book How do dinosaurs eat their food? is a humorous account of young dinosaurs at meal time. The book begins by describing unaceptable mealtime behaviour, such as, making rude noises, throwing or spitting food, fussing at the table, and putting food in improper places.  The book concludes by revealing well-mannered dinosaur behaviour.  Mark Teague's colourful and life-like illustrations enrich the text.  His emphasis on the huge size of the dinosaurs serves to diminish the parents who obviously feel overwhelmed by their youngsters.  Yolen has chosen to tell her story with rhyming verse which creates its own relaxed pace while the tone is tongue in cheek. Children not yet able to read will enjoy Teague's illustrations while older children will enjoy the text.  (Age 3-5 years, Theme - Appropriate eating behaviour)  

Dinosnore!

 

Bendall-Brunello, John. Dinosnore!, London : Andersen Press, 2009.

 

Author/illustrator John Bendall-Brunello offers readers a humorous, heart warming story about three unruly, young dinosaurs who try to awaken their mother from her sleep.  When she wakes up she rises to her full height, roars and light-heartedly chases her little ones.  Bendall-Brunello is an award winning illustrator and in this area he shines.  The watercolour cartoons are colourful and bursting with movement and humour.  The text is sparse consisting of three-word phrases punctuated by the occasional exclamation mark.  Emerging readers will enjoy the repetition and easy to read words.  (Age 3-5 years, Theme - Mother's love for her youngsters)

How do dinosaurs say I love you?

 

Yolen, Jane & Teague, Mark. How do dinosaurs say I love you?, New York, N.Y. : Scholastic, 2009.

Jane Yolen offers readers another enjoyable story about young dinosaurs and how they express their love.  The book recounts one day in the life of a wide variety of dinosaurs who behave a lot like young children.  From bad moods in the morning, to playground shenanigans, and car seat tomfoolery; it's necessary to remind little ones that they are always loved.  Finally, at bedtime the young dinosaur smiles sweetly, and gives his parents kisses and hugs.  Mark Teague's gouache-and-ink illustrations provide detail and humour.  Older children will be interested in the scientific names of the dinosaurs which Teague has covertly labelled.  Yolen's rhyming text is moderately paced with a gentle tone making this book ideal for bedtime. (Age 3-5 years, Theme - Parent's love for their youngsters) 

Troubletops and the New Baby

 

Halligan, Katherine & Julian, Sean.  Troubletops and the new baby, London : Scholastic, 2011.

Katherine Halligan's picture book is an appealing narrative about an unruly young dinosaur who finds that when his parents have a new baby - his whole world changes.  Troubletops is a happy little dinosaur that's full of energy and mischief.  When his young sister arrives his parents devote a great deal of time to her needs and Troubletops begins to feel left out.  Then Troubletops runs away.  Will his parents find him?  The author's voice is conversational and although the characters are dinosaurs the setting is contemporary.  The pace is leisurely and the tone is warm and humorous.  Sean Julian provides colourful illustrations that add to the story bringing a depth of characterisation and wit.  (Age 3-7 years, Theme - Facing the challenge of new siblings)

Buying, training & caring for your dinosaur

 

Rennert, Laura Joy & Brown, Marc. Buying, training and caring for your dinosaur, New York, N.Y. : alfred A. Knopf, 2009.

Laura Joy Rennert's picture book is an ironic and humorous description of dinosaur pet care.  The book begins by explaining the physical appearance and significant attributes of five fashionable dinosaurs.  The author then presents guidelines on how to care and manage your dinosaur.  There are many useful tips which include: how to teach your "dino" new tricks; how to feed, bathe and exercise them; plus invaluable information on how to take them to the vet without them becoming distressed.  The author's voice is measured and instructive which complements the suburban setting and leisurely pace of the book.  The illustrations are an important feature and Marc Brown provides clear, colourful and friendly gouache artwork that complements the text.  A competent grasp of English is required to read this book; making it a great read for children and parents.  (Age 5-7 years, Theme - Responsible pet care)