Rex the Big Dinosaur
Ladybird I'm Ready for Phonics Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Rex the Big Dinosaur tells the story of a young dinosaur and his adventures as he explores his world, learning about friendship, courage, and the environment. This Level 1 book is perfect for young readers who are just starting to read on their own. Rex may be a big dinosaur, but he is also kind. The little dinosaurs find him too big and scary to play with, so how can Rex show them he's a good friend to have around? Rex the Big Dinosaur is from Early Reader Level 1 and is perfect for children aged from 4+ who are taking their first steps beyond phonics. Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading. With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, Read It Yourself helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Rex feel when he couldn't find his friends? Can you think of a time when you felt the same?
What did Rex learn about being different from his friends? Why do you think that's important?
Rex helped his friends even when he felt sad. What are some ways we can help our friends?
How did the other dinosaurs help Rex feel better? What does this teach us about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings by relating to Rex's experiences.
Discuss the importance of diversity and acceptance, highlighting how Rex's differences eventually brought his friends closer.
Highlight examples of empathy and kindness from the story, asking your child how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Rex and his friends, making the story more relatable and engaging for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Rex learns to understand and share the feelings of his tiny dinosaur friends, despite their size differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by acknowledging feelings of others around them, fostering kindness and compassion in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the adventures, Rex faces various challenges that he overcomes, teaching him bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids can reflect this courage by facing their own fears whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Rex collaborates with other dinosaurs to solve problems, emphasizing the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with friends and siblings in group tasks or play, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial failures, Rex continually tries to succeed in his endeavors, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to persist in their goals, such as learning a new skill or improving in their academics.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: Rex learns to value the unique qualities of each dinosaur friend, celebrating diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the differences in others and understand that everyone has something special to contribute.