There's a Dinosaur in Your Book
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
In 'There's a Dinosaur in Your Book,' a playful and interactive picture book by Tom Fletcher, a young reader discovers a cute and mischievous little dinosaur hatching from an egg right inside their book. As the story unfolds, the reader is invited to engage with the dinosaur through a series of fun instructions, such as tickling its nose to make it sneeze, which causes a mess of colorful splotches across the pages. The reader then helps the dinosaur by blowing the splotches away, shaking the book, and more. The book encourages children to use their imagination, follow directions, and participate in the dinosaur's antics. Ultimately, the reader helps the dinosaur return to its own world, saying goodbye before it goes back into the egg, leaving the book just as it was at the beginning. The story is a delightful and interactive experience that combines reading with play, making it a favorite for young children and parents alike.
Why read this book
- Interactive story sparks creativity and imagination in kids.
- Encourages playful engagement and physical activity while reading.
- Enhances emotional understanding and empathy through character interaction.
- Vibrant illustrations captivate and maintain young readers’ attention.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you found a dinosaur in one of your books? What would you do first?
What did you like most about the dinosaur's behavior? Why?
If you could talk to the dinosaur, what questions would you ask it?
How can we help the dinosaur feel welcome if it came to visit us?
What are some ways you would play with the dinosaur?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine having their own dinosaur friend by asking them to describe what kind of dinosaur it would be and what fun activities they would do together.
Use expressive gestures and sounds when discussing the dinosaur’s antics to make the conversation more animated and engaging.
Relate the dinosaur’s playful mishaps in the book to real-life situations, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills in your child.
Encourage your child to draw or create their version of the dinosaur from the book, providing a visual basis for deeper discussion about the story and its themes.
After reading, spend time reflecting with your child on the story's lessons about friendship and curiosity, reinforcing these positive traits.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The story encourages children to help the dinosaur blow a sneeze away, teaching them to care for others in distress.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize when someone else is in need and offer help, fostering a sense of empathy and kindness in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Interactive reading
Explanation: The book requires children to interact by tilting the book or saying loud phrases, which makes reading a dynamic activity.
Real-World Application: This prepares children for active participation in classroom activities and enhances their engagement in learning environments.
Example Lesson: Cause and effect
Explanation: By following instructions to remove the sneeze, children see the direct results of their actions within the story.
Real-World Application: Understanding cause and effect helps children grasp the concept of consequences of actions, aiding in decision-making processes in real life.
Example Lesson: Following directions
Explanation: The book has interactive sections where children must follow specific instructions to help the dinosaur, promoting attentive listening and comprehension skills.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of following directions in school tasks, at home, or in public places for safety and effective results.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The playful and imaginative scenarios of interacting with a dinosaur in a book encourage creative thinking.
Real-World Application: It stimulates children to use their imagination not only in play but also in problem-solving and expressing their ideas and emotions.