T-Veg: the story of a carrot-crunching dinosaur
What’s inside...
Reginald is a T-rex who stands out from the rest because he prefers carrot cake over steak. Feeling like an outcast, he sets out to find a new life, but things go awry. When his friends and family face danger, Reginald becomes their only hope for rescue. Through a series of adventures in the jungle, this humorous story highlights the importance of being true to oneself and demonstrates that real strength comes from within.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Reg
Discussion points
Why do you think Reginald the T-Rex chooses to eat carrots instead of meat like the other dinosaurs?
How do the other dinosaurs react to Reginald's unique diet, and what does this teach us about being different?
What are some ways that Reginald tries to fit in with his friends? Have you ever felt like you needed to change to fit in?
How does Reginald feel when he embraces his true self, and why is it important to be true to who you are?
Can you think of a time when you did something different from others? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones while recounting the experiences of Reginald to make the story come alive for your child.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to deepen their understanding of the story’s themes.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or examples where your child stood out for being different, and discuss the outcomes.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences regarding conformity and individuality, reinforcing the positive aspects of being unique.
Link discussions from the book to real-world examples of successful people who thrived by embracing their uniqueness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, Reginald the T-rex, defies the carnivorous norm of his species by preferring vegetables. The story portrays Reginald's journey of self-acceptance and embracing his unique dietary choice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of accepting themselves as they are and understanding that it’s okay to be different from others around them. This can boost self-confidence and encourage them to pursue their true interests or talents despite societal norms.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Reginald faces mockery from his peers for his unique diet, yet he remains steadfast and eventually gains acceptance. This demonstrates the strength it takes to stand by one’s personal choices and values.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through challenges and teasing they might face due to their differences, reinforcing that resilience can lead to acceptance and self-respect.
Example Lesson: Importance of a healthy diet
Explanation: Through Reginald's choice of a plant-based diet, the book introduces the concept of healthy eating habits and the benefits of including vegetables in one’s diet.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to make healthier food choices and understand that nutritious foods can be enjoyable, promoting long-term well-being.
Example Lesson: Empathy and inclusiveness
Explanation: As the other dinosaurs eventually understand and accept Reginald’s dietary preference, they learn to empathize with his unique perspective and accept him for who he is.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of empathy and inclusiveness, showing them how understanding and accepting others' differences can lead to harmonious relationships.