Dinosaur Olympics
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
When a Stegosaurus family, Mr. and Mrs. Stigson and their son Darwin, throw a party for Uncle Loop's 150th birthday, it is gate-crashed by Flint Beastwood, the gangster-like T-rex, his thuggish sidekicks Mr. Cretaceous (a terrifying Dinoscuchus) and Terry O'Dactyl (a psychotic Pteranodon). War seems to be on the horizon for the carnivores and the herbivores as kidnaps and thefts follow. Mayor Boris (a Triceratops) proposes Olympic Games to bring peace and stop the fighting. But can the dinosaurs settle their differences through sports, or will it only make things worse? Jeanne Willis's madcap characters and story, with Arthur Robins' inspired illustration, are certain to tickle anyone's funny-bone!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which dinosaur athlete did you enjoy the most and why?
If you were in the Dinosaur Olympics, which event would you choose to compete in?
How do you think teamwork is important in sports, based on the story?
What does this book teach us about winning and losing?
How would you encourage a friend if they felt disappointed about losing a game?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive reading techniques such as different voices for each dinosaur character to enhance the storytelling experience.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe an additional Olympic game that could be included in the story.
Discuss the values of sportsmanship, effort, and persistence featured in the book, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
After reading, engage in a playful debate about which dinosaur would be best suited for different modern Olympic sports.
Relate the characters' experiences in the book to personal experiences, which can help your child connect more deeply with the themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Dinosaur Olympics,' various dinosaur teams collaborate to compete in Olympic-style events, demonstrating the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and achieve together with their peers.
Example Lesson: Practicing Fair Play
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of fair competition, as the dinosaur characters are encouraged to compete honestly and respect the rules of the games.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of honesty and integrity in real-life situations such as playing games or sports with friends, promoting a fair and respectful environment.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: Each dinosaur showcases different strengths and abilities in the Olympics, celebrating the diversity among the participants.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace diverse abilities and backgrounds in their classmates and friends, fostering an inclusive community mindset.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: The competing dinosaurs face challenges but continue to try their best, illustrating the virtues of persistence and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of perseverance in their academic and personal endeavors, encouraging them not to give up easily despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Joy in Participation
Explanation: Despite the competitive nature of the Olympics, the story highlights the joy and fun in participation, regardless of winning or losing.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded to enjoy and find fulfillment in the process of any activity, be it in sports, academics, or other extracurricular engagements, focusing on personal growth and enjoyment over merely winning.