Running from Rex: A Dinosaur Story about Being Brave
A Dinosaur Story Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'Running from Rex: A Dinosaur Story about Being Brave,' a young protagonist faces their fears in a prehistoric setting. The story follows their journey as they encounter a fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex and must find the courage within themselves to overcome their terror. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about bravery, friendship, and the importance of facing challenges head-on. This engaging tale is designed to teach children the power of courage and the rewards that come with confronting one's fears.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character when they first saw Rex?
How do you think the main character felt when they decided to be brave? Can you think of a time you felt the same way?
What do you think makes someone brave?
How did the main character's actions change the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to emulate the suspense and resolution in the story, helping your child grasp the emotional arc.
Pause after dramatic moments to ask your child what they think might happen next, fostering prediction skills.
Relate the theme of bravery in the book to real-life scenarios your child may face, such as trying something new or standing up for a friend.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, helping them process and remember the story’s message.
Discuss the different characters’ reactions and encourage your child to think about how understanding multiple perspectives can help solve problems.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Running from Rex,' the main character faces their fear of dinosaurs by confronting Rex, ultimately teaching that bravery can overcome fear.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by tackling their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the characters use clever thinking to avoid dangers, showing the importance of quick thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges, from completing a difficult homework assignment to resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The characters work together to navigate the challenges posed by Rex, highlighting the value of cooperation and friendship.
Real-World Application: This promotes the importance of teamwork in group projects at school or in team sports, emphasizing how collaboration can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters persist in their quest, demonstrating the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it's mastering a new skill or completing a complex puzzle.