Some Dinosaurs are Small
What’s inside...
The concept of size is relative — and takes on prehistoric proportions — in a funny and reassuring tale from a maven of children’s books. Some dinosaurs are small and slow. They take their time in the prehistoric jungle, collecting fruits and leaves and using their tiny teeth to munch them. Some dinosaurs are big and fast. With huge teeth and claws, they steal food from small dinosaurs, and they’re always hungry for more. So when three big dinosaurs come across one small one, what — or who — can save the little plant-eater? Beautifully drawn and brightly colored, Charlotte Voake’s imaginative introduction to the concept of size brims with visual humor and culminates in a sweet surprise ending.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if dinosaurs were still around today?
How are the small dinosaurs different from the big ones in the book? What unique qualities do they have?
Why do you think the author chose to focus on small dinosaurs instead of the big ones we usually hear about?
How do the dinosaurs interact with each other? What can we learn from their interactions?
If you could be friends with one of the dinosaurs from the book, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the illustrations of different sized dinosaurs and discuss the variety of dinosaurs with your child, asking them to describe their favorite.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe a world where both small and big dinosaurs exist together. Ask them how they would interact with these dinosaurs.
Discuss the themes of diversity and uniqueness among the dinosaurs, relating it to real life scenarios of people’s differences.
Emphasize on the creative aspect by asking your child to draw their favorite scene or dinosaur from the book and explain their choice.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about dinosaurs, perhaps watching documentaries or visiting a museum, to deepen their understanding and interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of diversity
Explanation: The book showcases various types of dinosaurs, highlighting their different sizes and characteristics, teaching children to appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: By exploring the different dinosaurs, the story emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the joy of learning new things.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge in all areas of life, enhancing their educational experience.
Example Lesson: Importance of perspective
Explanation: The varying sizes of dinosaurs introduce children to the concept of perspective, showing that size and importance are relative.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand that everyone's views and experiences are valid, promoting empathy and better communication skills.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The whimsical illustrations and scenarios in the book spark imagination and creativity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative play, enhancing their cognitive development and problem-solving skills.