If Dinosaurs Had Hair
What’s inside...
If Dinosaurs Had Hair by Dan Marvin and illustrated by Lesley Vamos is a picture book that imagines dinosaurs with a variety of hair styles and textures, including curled, crimped, feathered, and permed. The book humorously explores the concept of epic hair warfare among the dinosaurs, with one ultimate hairstyle emerging as the winner. The vibrant and dynamic illustrations bring the dinosaurs to life in a colorful and humorous way, making it a book that encourages multiple readings.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think a dinosaur with hair would look like?
Can you imagine how a hairy dinosaur might act differently than the ones we see in pictures?
If you could give any dinosaur a hairstyle, which dinosaur would you choose and what style would you give them?
Why do you think the author chose to imagine dinosaurs with hair?
How do you think having hair would have helped dinosaurs in their daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw their version of a hairy dinosaur after reading the book.
Use a playful tone to make imaginations run wild, asking questions like 'Would a T-rex look good in a mohawk?'
Relate the discussion to the child’s own experiences with hair, such as haircuts or styling, to deepen the personal connection.
Suggest creating a story together about a day in the life of their imagined hairy dinosaur.
Reinforce creativity by asking the child to think about other animals and how they might look or behave differently with hair.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The book showcases various dinosaurs with different types of hair, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of each one.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diversity among peers, promoting inclusiveness and understanding in social settings.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: As the dinosaurs are illustrated with fanciful hairstyles, it encourages children to think creatively and imagine beyond the ordinary.
Real-World Application: This fosters creative thinking and problem-solving skills which can be applied in artistic expressions or day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Learning about Prehistoric Life
Explanation: By incorporating factual elements about dinosaurs with fun, fictional hair, the book provides basic knowledge about these ancient creatures.
Real-World Application: It sparks curiosity about science and history, encouraging children to explore more about other prehistoric facts and figures.
Example Lesson: Confidence in Self-expression
Explanation: The dinosaurs proudly display their unique hairstyles, teaching the importance of self-expression and confidence.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to be confident in their own choices and to express themselves freely through their appearance, hobbies, and opinions.