Dinosaur Up a Tree
What’s inside...
In 'Dinosaur Up a Tree,' a young child's imagination comes to life when they discover a dinosaur named Susy perched high in the branches of their backyard tree. Susy, no ordinary dinosaur, loves exploring and often feels alone among other dinosaurs. After a scary snake attack, she climbs up the tree and discovers her unique talent for climbing. As the first tree-climbing dinosaur, Susy embarks on a treetop quest for adventure, gaining confidence and making new friends who appreciate her one-of-a-kind abilities. The story teaches lessons in courage, problem-solving, and embracing what makes one unique.
Age
6-8
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the dinosaur was feeling when it was stuck up the tree?
How do you think the dinosaur ended up in the tree, and what would you do if you were there?
What are some ways the other characters tried to help the dinosaur, and what would you have done differently?
How did the story change your thoughts about helping others in tough situations?
If you were to write the next adventure for the dinosaur, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the dinosaur's place and imagine their feelings and reactions.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and empathy as demonstrated by other characters in the book.
Ask your child to predict what could happen next and encourage them to think creatively.
Link the story's themes to real-life situations, prompting your child to consider how they might help others in need around them.
Praise your child’s insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'Dinosaur Up a Tree', the protagonist encounters a dinosaur stuck in a tree and must brainstorm and execute different strategies to help the dinosaur come down safely.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques to overcome challenges they face in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As the protagonist figures out how to help the dinosaur, they display empathy by understanding the fear and discomfort the dinosaur feels while being stuck.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards their friends and classmates who may be in distress or facing difficulties, fostering a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of working together as the protagonist gathers other characters to aid in the dinosaur's rescue, showcasing how teamwork can accomplish tasks that might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be translated into group activities at school or collaborative games, teaching children the value of cooperation and joint effort.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Approaching a dinosaur, even a friendly one, requires courage. The protagonist's brave actions to save the dinosaur teach children about facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own fears and anxieties, be it trying out for a school play, participating in a new activity, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Creative thinking
Explanation: The solutions the protagonist devises are unconventional and creative, emphasizing that sometimes thinking 'outside the box' is necessary to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative thinking during play or academic pursuits, enhancing their ability to think innovatively in various aspects of life.