Attention future Paleontologists! Here is a list of outstanding dinosaur picture and chapter books suited just for you!
Let's begin with books that inform and educate about dinosaurs. Ask Dr. K. Fisher about Dinosaurs, by Claire Llewellyn, and vividly illustrated by Kate Sheppard, is a clever way to show the many unique attributes of these giant reptiles. Dr. K. Fisher is an advice columnist replying to questions posed by reptiles as they ponder about their different characteristics. One question asked is about why a young female diplodocus is gaining so much weight and so quickly. The doctor responds with factual information about that type of dinosaur.
Dinosaurs in the Round presents various facts in an entertaining way and there's a glossary and pronunciation key located in the back. Random House Publishers recently published this extraordinary, over-sized book that displays three different pop-up periods when dinosaurs lived. The dioramas explode off the page and exhibit the foliage and terrain of each time period. There's also a book within this book giving more details, facts and insight into these beasts.
I love the title of this next book: Unerversasurus: Change the Way You Look at Dinosaurs Forever! This ingenious book, by Aidan Potts, poses questions that kids will become engaged in and read through as they investigate to discover answers. What was the color of their skin? What was the world like when they lived? As you read through this brightly illustrated book, you'll come to your own conclusions to these and many more questions. The hologram on the cover will surely grab your youngster's attention!
The Most Dinosaur Fun Ever!, by Bernard Most, contains “If the Dinosaurs Came Back,” “Whatever Happened to the Dinosaurs?”, “How Big Were the Dinosaurs? and “Dinosaur Questions.” This set of 4 smallish books also includes dinosaur stickers and a foldout growth chart.
The Magic School Bus Flies with the Dinosaurs, by Martin Schwabacher, and illustrated by Carolyn Brachen, is a level 2 reader that takes the students in Ms. Frizzle's class back in time as they strive to discover if a bird is considered a dinosaur.
The rest of the books are fun and funny and will delight the reader on this subject. Tadpole Rex, by Kurt Cyrus, is a fascinating blend of current tadpoles all the way to prehistoric dinosaurs. As you'll discover in the back of the book, these little green frogs lived back then and the author blends ancient predators with current amphibians of today. The rhyming rhythm throughout the book will keep you hopping along with Tadpole Rex! This book is a nice blend of science and humor.
Dinosaur Vs. Bedtime, by Bob Shea, will undoubtedly force the invincible dinosaur, as with youngsters everywhere, that they too have to go to bed. The rhyming scheme is laughable as Dinosaur meets each challenge, like eating dinner or brushing his teeth. But when bedtime finally arrives who will win? Dinosaur or bedtime? This book is hilarious and skillful and adept with bold illustrations!
A Dinosaur Called Tiny: The Pint-sized Prehistoric Hero!, by Alan Durant, and illustrated by Jo Simpson, is a great and tiny story about how your uniqueness can become your strength. In this case, Tiny is the smallest young dinosaur and is easily made fun of until the time he helps save the day because of this tiny size.
When Dinosaurs Came with Everything, by Elise Broach, and illustrated by David Small, is a dream come true for one young boy. When his mom orders a dozen donuts, it's discovered it must be a special day because the boy spots a sign that says “Buy a Dozen, Get a Dinosaur.” After a doctor's appointment, the boy gets another dinosaur instead of a sticker. What a day! You may find yourself begging for more free dinosaurs.
Get ready to set sail on an ocean rollicking ride when the Dinosailors, by Deb Lund, and illustrated by Howard Fine, are adrift at sea. This is the perfect read-aloud that kids will beg to have read to them again and again!
And get your foot tapping with Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp, by Carol Diggory Shields, and illustrated by Scott Nash. The dinosaurs are heading to the dance floor to shake their reptilian tails.
And for some great chapter books on the subject, check out the “Dinosaur Cove” series full of adventure and dinosaurs. Some books include Attack of the Tyrannosaurus, Ankylosaurus Rescue and Charge of the Triceratops.
And where does a youngster go to buy a dinosaur pet? In Dino Pets, by Lynn Plourde, and illustrated by Gideon Kendall, a young boy goes to the “Dino Pets” store where he can get all kinds of sizes and types of these reptilian beasts. The facts at the back are just as fascinating as the brilliant book. So bring out your inner dinosaur and enjoy these great books!
