Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts
not part of a series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Explore the thrilling world of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures in 'Dinopedia.' This comprehensive guide, perfect for young readers, features detailed illustrations and fascinating facts about a variety of dinosaurs, from the fierce Tyrannosaurus Rex to the massive Brachiosaurus. Discover how experts figured out that chickens are actually descendants of dinosaurs, and delve into the big questions about dinosaur sounds, movements, and colors. Illustrated by the renowned duo behind 'Mythopedia' and 'Return of the Wild,' this book presents dinosaurs in a unique and captivating way, sparking children's imagination and inspiring them to learn about Earth's ancient past.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to meet a dinosaur in real life? Which dinosaur would you want to meet and why?
Can you imagine being a paleontologist? What kind of tools do you think you would need to study dinosaurs?
How do you think dinosaurs communicated with each other? Can you try to make a sound you think a dinosaur might have made?
If you could create your own dinosaur, what would it look like and what would you name it?
Why do you think dinosaurs aren't around anymore? What can we learn from their extinction?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine curiosity in your child's responses, and encourage them to think deeper by asking follow-up questions.
Relate the conversation to the child’s experiences or favorite activities to make the discussion more relatable and engaging.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to guide the conversation, pointing to different dinosaurs and discussing their unique features.
Encourage creative thinking by inviting your child to draw their favorite dinosaur or even one they invent.
Validate your child's thoughts and feelings about what they're learning to reinforce their interest in the subject.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts sparks curiosity in young readers as they explore various species of dinosaurs and their habitats through vivid illustrations and engaging facts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this curiosity to their everyday learning by asking questions and seeking answers about the world around them, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of nature.
Example Lesson: Understanding of Natural History
Explanation: The book educates children about the evolution, extinction, and the environmental changes that affected dinosaurs, providing a foundational knowledge of Earth’s biological history.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children grasp the concept of change over time and the impact of environmental factors on living organisms, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature conservation.
Example Lesson: Development of Research Skills
Explanation: By presenting information in an encyclopedic format, the book encourages children to develop research skills as they learn to navigate through sections and find information relevant to their interests.
Real-World Application: These skills can be translated into better information gathering and analysis in their academic work and daily life, promoting lifelong learning and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book often discusses how paleontologists work together to uncover fossils and study prehistoric life, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which is applicable in group activities at school, sports teams, and family projects.