Stop That Dinosaur!
What’s inside...
A child is visiting their Granny's house and eating delicious cake when suddenly, a dinosaur shows up and kidnaps Granny. The child embarks on an adventurous journey to chase down the dinosaur and rescue their Granny before their Mum comes home at six o'clock. The story is a fun and exciting rhyming romp with lively illustrations that will captivate children and make them want to read it repeatedly.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Child Narrator
The Dinosaur
Discussion points
How would you feel if a dinosaur came to your town? What would you do?
What do you think makes the dinosaur sad or happy in the story?
Why do you think the dinosaur took the grandma? What does it teach us about understanding others’ actions?
If you could ask the dinosaur one question, what would it be?
How can we help someone who seems scary but might actually be nice or need help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters while reading to make the story come alive and enhance engagement.
Pause at key moments to let your child predict what might happen next, fostering their analytical thinking and anticipation skills.
After reading, connect the story to your child's experiences by asking if they’ve ever misunderstood someone's actions, discussing the importance of empathy.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story.
Discuss the importance of making new friends and helping others, focusing on how the characters in the book interact with the dinosaur.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resourcefulness
Explanation: In 'Stop That Dinosaur!', the protagonist bravely chases after the dinosaur that has taken her grandma’s house. Throughout her journey, she uses resourcefulness to navigate challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply courage and resourcefulness when facing their own challenges, whether it's solving problems at school or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence
Explanation: The protagonist does not give up despite the obstacles she faces while chasing the dinosaur, showcasing persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting with their goals or tasks, even when they encounter difficulties, thereby building resilience.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The story explores the consequences of the dinosaur’s actions and the protagonist’s responses.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the effects of their actions on their surroundings and the importance of thinking through decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and helping others
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is not just about chasing the dinosaur, but also about her concern for her grandma’s well-being.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, and to help others in need.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses creative methods to track and attempt to stop the dinosaur, showing innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think creatively when faced with problems, finding unique solutions rather than feeling stuck.