Grannysaurus
What’s inside...
Grannysaurus is a delightful tale that follows the adventures of a young protagonist and their dinosaur-loving granny. When Granny reveals a secret that she is a 'Grannysaurus,' the grandchild is whisked away on an incredible journey filled with prehistoric creatures and thrilling escapades. A boisterously funny new picture book from David Walliams and Adam Stower, perfect for young dinosaur fans! One night, Spike creeps downstairs in his pyjamas to find that his granny has turned into a dinosaur – GRANNYSAURUS! There are dinosaurs BOOGYING in the living room. With Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus and Giganotosaurus, it’s a DINO DISCO! Spike wants to stay up and party too! How will Grannysaurus ever get him back to bed? Perhaps her next guest, Tyrannosaurus Rex, can help? Children will love to dance their way to bedtime with this exciting story full of spectacular surprises!
Age
2-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is special about Grannysaurus compared to other grandmas?
How do you think the main character feels when they meet Grannysaurus for the first time?
Can you think of a time when something surprised you just like Grannysaurus surprised the characters in the book?
What would you do if you had a Grannysaurus as your grandma?
What’s your favorite part of the adventure in the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace according to the scenes to make the story come alive.
Encourage imagination: Ask your child to draw what they think a Grannysaurus looks like based on the description in the book.
Connect to personal experiences: Relate the surprising elements of the story to real-life surprises your child might have experienced.
Discuss emotions: Talk about the different emotions the characters might feel, and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Focus on fun: Highlight the fun and humor in having a dinosaur as a grandma, and ask your child about the funniest parts they enjoyed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for elders
Explanation: In 'Grannysaurus', children learn the importance of respecting and valuing their grandparents through the adventurous and humorous interactions between the characters and their dinosaur granny.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing more appreciation and listening to their own grandparents or elderly family members, understanding their wisdom and experience.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The concept of a dinosaur granny sparks imagination. The book encourages children to think creatively and enjoy the playful and absurd elements of the story.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to engage in imaginative play, create stories, and explore the limitless possibilities of their creative minds in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: The characters in the book often face unusual and scary situations due to Grannysaurus's antics, teaching children how to confront and manage their fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it's okay to be afraid and that facing their fears, whether it's trying new activities or dealing with changes, is part of growing up.
Example Lesson: The value of humor
Explanation: Humor is a central theme in 'Grannysaurus', showing children how laughter can be a powerful tool for dealing with life's challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to incorporate humor into their daily lives as a way to connect with others and find joy in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of family
Explanation: Through the adventures with Grannysaurus, the story emphasizes the importance of family bonds and support, regardless of the quirky and unexpected situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to cherish and rely on their family members, fostering strong familial relationships and support systems in their own lives.