The Christmasaurus and the Night Before Christmas
The Christmasaurus Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Christmasaurus and the Night Before Christmas' by Tom Fletcher, the story continues the magical adventure of a young boy named William Trundle and his dinosaur friend, the Christmasaurus. On Christmas Eve, William and the Christmasaurus embark on a journey to the North Pole, where they encounter Santa Claus and a host of other festive characters. As they prepare for the big night, they must overcome obstacles and challenges that threaten to disrupt Christmas. The book is filled with themes of friendship, the magic of Christmas, and the importance of believing in the impossible. It's a heartwarming tale that celebrates the holiday spirit and the bond between a boy and his unique dinosaur companion.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
William Trundle
Bob Trundle
The Christmasaurus
Santa Claus
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Christmasaurus such a special dinosaur?
How do the characters in the story show kindness and courage?
What would you do if you met the Christmasaurus on Christmas Eve?
How does the friendship in the book change the characters? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you change?
What is your favorite part of the Christmas Eve celebration described in the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to convey the excitement of the story, making the storytelling session interactive and lively.
Ask your child to imagine their own magical creature like the Christmasaurus and describe what special powers it would have.
Relate themes of the book, like friendship and bravery, to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their connection to the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss why they chose that particular scene or character.
Create a tradition by reading this book every Christmas Eve, fostering a sense of anticipation and joy around the holiday that mirrors the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and empathy
Explanation: In the story, the Christmasaurus demonstrates acts of kindness, which helps in forming friendships and resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values by showing empathy and understanding towards their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at both school and home.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters face various challenges but by persevering, they manage to overcome obstacles, teaching children the rewards of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying, even when things are difficult, whether it’s in completing a school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The joy of adventure and exploring the unknown
Explanation: The magical journey of the Christmasaurus emphasizes the excitement and growth that comes from embracing new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious and explore new activities or ideas, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The significance of cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to achieve common goals, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaborating with others and shows how collective efforts can lead to greater achievements.