I'm Sure I Saw a Dinosaur
What’s inside...
Another Willis-Reynolds collaboration which will delight readers of all ages. One foggy, groggy morning by the salty, splashy sea, a person encounters what they believe to be a dinosaur. Excitement ensues as they attempt to alert others about the dinosaur's appearance. However, there may be more to this story than initially perceived, prompting readers to question if there truly is a dinosaur at Sandy Bottom End or if someone is orchestrating a deceptive plan.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you saw a dinosaur just like the boy in the book?
How do you think the boy felt when he thought he saw a dinosaur? Can you describe those feelings?
Why is it important to use our imagination sometimes, like the boy did?
What would you tell your friends if you saw something unbelievable like a dinosaur?
How can we find out if something we see is real or imagined?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination while discussing the book. Ask them to draw their version of a dinosaur or to describe it in vivid detail. Validate their feelings and thoughts, and compare them to the boy’s experiences in the story. Use this opportunity to explain the difference between reality and imagination, reinforcing creative thinking while grounding them in reality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The story revolves around a child who believes they've seen a dinosaur, fostering a narrative driven by creativity and imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and use their imagination in play and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: As the child tries to convince others about the dinosaur, readers learn to assess situations and form their own opinions.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop the ability to evaluate information and make reasoned decisions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Sharing Stories
Explanation: The child shares their dinosaur sighting with others, demonstrating the joy and community that comes with sharing stories.
Real-World Application: Promotes social skills and verbal communication as children learn to share their own experiences and stories with peers and family.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite skepticism from others, the child persists in their belief about the dinosaur, showing determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of standing by their beliefs and persisting in the face of doubt.
Example Lesson: Understanding Perspectives
Explanation: The story presents a scenario where different characters have varying beliefs about the dinosaur, illustrating diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to understand and respect differing viewpoints, fostering empathy and social awareness.