Even if we are aware that dinosaurs did once wander the world, it’s amusing to mix the realistic and imaginative. After all, dinosaurs are already very fantastical by nature.
Check Amazon- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 2 through 5.
- Part of a series of children's books called Dinosaurs on the Go.
Check Amazon- 40 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 3 through 5.
- The 12th book in the How Do Dinosaurs series, currently comprised of 23 books.
Check Amazon- 40 pages.
- Reading level of kindergarten through third grade.
- Recommended for children ages 5 through 8.
Check Amazon- 224 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 8 through 12.
- The first book in a series of two.
Check Amazon- 128 pages.
- Customers recommend the book for children ages 3 through 5.
- Part of the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, which comprises 21 books currently.
Check Amazon- 128 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 9 through 13.
- Part of the Science Comics series, comprised of 26 books.
Check Amazon- 304 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 9.
- Reading level suitable for 4th through 7th grades.
Check Amazon- 40 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 2 through 5.
- The first book in a series of three.
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Children’s Books About Dinosaurs
1. Dinosaurs on the Go series by Penny Dale
This intrepid team of dinosaurs has built, rushed, rescued, flown into space, and even battled pirates. Currently, they are hard at work on a farm. Join them as they harvest wheat, feed sheep, and plow the hard soil. But for what are they getting all of their livestock and crops ready?
To where are they driving their tractor, exactly? Surely, an agricultural show! But will they take home the big prize? You and your little one aged two to five will love the story of this book and the illustrations pair fantastically.
Pros and Cons of Dinosaurs on the Go series by Penny Dale
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book follows a team of dinosaurs that is working on a farm. | None |
| They’re preparing their crops and livestock for the agricultural show! Will they win the prize? | |
| This illustrated book is geared toward kids two to five. |
- 32 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 2 through 5.
- Part of a series of children's books called Dinosaurs on the Go.
2. How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read by Jane Yolen
America’s favorite dinosaurs scream and romp as they dunk books in the tub, toss them around, and eventually figure out how to carefully read them at night with Mama and Papa. Prepare to chuckle at this jovial, heartfelt, and humorous approach to books! Here, the rhyme and images work brilliantly together to deliver the topic in a lighthearted, interesting, and nonjudgmental manner.
As families discuss reading dos and don’ts, the contrast of huge dinosaurs in kid-sized beds (with human parents) adds humor. Each volume in the enduringly popular How Do Dinosaurs series alternates between silly antics and a kind lesson. The final pages of this book — the 12th in the series — are intended to excite your own little dinosaur.
This book is intended for kids ages three to five. A couple of reviewers said that the book was only a few pages long, though it actually has 40 pages.
Pros and Cons of How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read by Jane Yolen
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is about a family of dinosaurs and is the 12th in a series. | A couple of reviewers said that the book was only a few pages long, though it actually has 40 pages. |
| It combines rhyme and illustrations to deliver the message of how dinosaurs learn to read in a lighthearted, nonjudgmental way. | |
| It combines humor with the message. | |
| This illustrated book is intended for kids ages three to five. |
- 40 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 3 through 5.
- The 12th book in the How Do Dinosaurs series, currently comprised of 23 books.
3. Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko (Author), Dan Santat (Illustrator)
The collaboration of Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat and Newbery Honor winner Gennifer Choldenko has created a future family classic. A touching father-son tale about bravery and overcoming anxieties. The darkness outside of his door, the shrubs where bugs lurk, and the underside of the manhole cover terrify Nicholas. His father fears none of those.
Nicholas needs assistance, yet he wants to be as brave as his father. He needs a dinosaur as a result. After all, dinosaurs enjoy the darkness, see insects as nothing, and regularly consume manhole covers for lunch. Nicholas can climb over large walls, swim in deep water, and even score a goal against the enormous goalie everyone refers to as Gorilla, with the help of his toy dinosaur.
But as the dinosaur vanishes, everything becomes ominous once more. Fortunately, his father is aware that even the most courageous individuals have dreaded and that it is acceptable to seek support while facing your anxieties. This book, which is appropriate for kids ages five to eight, is fantastic to open up the conversation with your children about mental health.
A few reviewers said that the book was sexist, favoring the boy’s father over his mother in every way.
Pros and Cons of Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A prize-winning author teamed up with a prize-winning illustrator to create this book. | A few reviewers said that the book was sexist, favoring the boy’s father over his mother in every way. |
| This is a father-son tale about bravery and overcoming anxieties. | |
| Nicholas enlists the help of his toy dinosaur to take on his fears. With his dinosaur, he can face anything. But what will happen when he loses his toy? | |
| This book is appropriate for kids ages five to eight. |
- 40 pages.
- Reading level of kindergarten through third grade.
- Recommended for children ages 5 through 8.
4. Dinosaur Boy by Cory Putman Oakesa
This is a hilarious, weird new middle-school series that approaches bullying in a completely original and creative manner. The dinosaur gene is known to skip a generation. Thus, when Sawyer grows spikes and a tail before the beginning of fifth grade, it is not entirely unexpected. Considering that his grandfather had stegosaurus ancestry.
Despite having a strong desire for vegetables, being a dinosaur is actually pretty great. However, despite the fact that he drapes them with tennis balls, some of the schoolchildren aren’t too fond of his spikes. When a few of the bullies inexplicably quit showing up at school, Sawyer feels relieved — until he learns a revelation more astounding than dino DNA! Only Sawyer, with the aid of his pals Elliot and Sylvia, can save the missing children from a colossally terrible fate.
This book is appropriate for kids ages eight to 12.
Pros and Cons of Dinosaur Boy by Cory Putman Oakesa
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This humorous book is about Sawyer, a boy who, thanks to his grandfather’s DNA, grows spikes and a tail before starting fifth grade! | None |
| Aside from being driven to eat vegetables, Sawyer enjoys being a dinosaur, even though some of his classmates are afraid of his spikes. | |
| But wait! There’s a revelation even more astounding than dinosaur DNA in this tale — one that will allow Sawyer, with some help from his friends, save missing children from a horrible fate! | |
| This book is appropriate for kids ages eight to 12. |
- 224 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 8 through 12.
- The first book in a series of two.
5. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes
Who better to teach kids about dinosaurs than National Geographic? The third title in National Geographic’s Little Kids First Big Book series, this book is for kids four to eight who love dinos! The prehistoric world comes alive with dinosaurs small, big, giant, and gigantic, with stunning illustrations by Franco Tempesta, who illustrated National Geographic Kids: The Ultimate Dinopedia.
Bursting with fun facts and age-appropriate information, each spread features a different dinosaur, along with simple text in large font that is perfect for little kids. Young dino fans will love the interactivity included in every chapter, and parents will appreciate tips to help carry readers’ experience beyond the page.
Several reviewers said that there were printing quality issues that caused this book to fall apart.
Pros and Cons of National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes (Author) and Franco Tempesta (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book for kids ages four to eight was created by | Several reviewers said that there were printing quality issues that caused this book to fall apart. |
| This is the third title in National Geographic’s Little Kids First Big Book series. | |
| It features stunning illustrations by Franco Tempesta and is packed with fun facts and age-appropriate info on dinos. | |
| It is printed in a large font that’s easier for little kids to read. | |
| Each chapter includes interactive elements. |
- 128 pages.
- Customers recommend the book for children ages 3 through 5.
- Part of the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, which comprises 21 books currently.
6. In the Past by David Elliott (Author), Matthew Trueman (Illustrator)
Travel back to the prehistoric age to find a variety of new and well-known creatures, including the enigmatic trilobite and the renowned Tyrannosaurus rex. Does your kiddo wish to meet a dunkleosteus? Perhaps a psittacosaurus. How about the meganaura, which was like a dragonfly?
David Elliott and Matthew Trueman shed light on some of the most fascinating species that have ever evolved on the earth in a collection that is arranged chronologically by period and is sure to fascinate everyone from armchair dino fans to aspiring paleontologists. This book guarantees exciting journeys back to a period as fascinating and changeable as any in the evolutionary history of our planet by combining poems that are both educational and artistic with visuals that are great for gazing over.
This book was written for kids ages three through seven.
Pros and Cons of In the Past by David Elliott (Author), Matthew Trueman (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book, which is appropriate for kids ages three through seven, features some of the most fascinating dinosaur species. | None |
| The species are presented in chronological order by period. | |
| It combines educational poems with visuals that will captivate your child. |
- 48 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 3 through 7.
7. Science Comics: Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers by MK Reed (Author), Joe Flood (Illustrator)
Each edition of Science Comics provides a thorough overview of a specific subject, including information on dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, and airplanes, among other things. These exquisitely drawn graphic novels provide wildly fascinating perspectives on various subjects. These books are for everyone, whether you’re a fourth grader studying natural science in class or a 30-year-old secretly obsessed with aviation!
In this book, discover the evolution of the paleontology of dinosaurs! An intriguing examination of dinosaur research spans the past 150 years of dinosaur hunts and shows how our perceptions of dinosaurs have evolved through time. We love this option for children who are a bit older (ages nine to 13), who prefer to read by themselves, or who love graphic novels!
One reviewer said that this comic wasn’t “kid friendly,” referring to a scene where a scientist said that he gained “a lot of experience in…dissection” when he was a prison doctor.”
Pros and Cons Science Comics: Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers by MK Reed (Author), Joe Flood (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Each edition of Science Comics provides a complete overview of a single subject. | One reviewer said that this comic wasn’t “kid friendly,” referring to a scene where a scientist said that he gained “a lot of experience in…dissection” when he was a prison doctor.” |
| These graphic novels are exquisitely illustrated and engage young minds with fascinating perspectives on topics. | |
| This book focuses on the evolution of paleontology. | |
| It’s best for kids ages nine to 13, but some adults may enjoy it as well. |
- 128 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 9 through 13.
- Part of the Science Comics series, comprised of 26 books.
8. Dinosaurs: A Visual Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition by DK
Travel through time to a remarkable lost world. The Smithsonian is well-versed in these prehistoric species. Witness a staggering array of dinosaurs and other prehistoric species come to life. This is the greatest dinosaur visual encyclopedia! They are all here, whether they are feathered, hairy, or scaly. The ideal dinosaur book for kids aged nine to 12 is this one.
You’ll discover inside unreleased photos of the best and most complete dinosaur fossils ever discovered, taken on-site in North America and Europe. Key science, geography, and biology curricular areas are covered in the material. This dinosaur instructive book for kids is crammed with amazing facts about dinosaurs, magnificent lifelike reconstructions of dinosaurs, and extra details about habitat, food, and behavior.
A few reviewers said that the book didn’t include enough details and explanations about each dinosaur.
Pros and Cons of Dinosaurs: A Visual Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition by DK
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This visual encyclopedia of dinosaurs and other prehistoric species includes previously unreleased photos of the best, most complete fossils. | A few reviewers said that the book didn’t include enough details and explanations about each dinosaur. |
| The book, which is geared toward kids ages nine through 12, covers key science, geography, and biology material. | |
| It’s packed with amazing facts about dinosaurs, realistic reconstructions of dinosaurs, and details about habitat, food, and behavior. |
- 304 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 9.
- Reading level suitable for 4th through 7th grades.
9. There’s a Dinosaur on the 13th Floor by Wade Bradford (Author), Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator)
A funny story that plays with preconceptions and discoveries, as well as reveals a shockingly thought-provoking ending twist, is the work of author and playwright Wade Bradford and award-winning illustrator Kevin Hawkes. In this family-friendly adventure packed with visual humor, the conclusion is anything but predictable as a sleepy hotel guest sets out in pursuit of sleep.
Will the bustling Sharemore Hotel ever allow Mr. Snore to get some rest? The first-floor room is very noisy. It’s too cramped in the room on the second floor. The third-floor room is far too wet.
Mr. Snore is sure to run across something that will keep him up at night wherever he goes, with an obedient bellhop guiding the way. Why is it so difficult to get some quiet time? The thirteenth floor might be a better option for Mr. Snore. Find out why in this adventure book, which is appropriate for kids ages four to eight!
Pros and Cons of There’s a Dinosaur on the 13th Floor by Wade Bradford (Author), Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This humorous story plays with preconceptions and discoveries. | None |
| The author, Wade Bradford, is an author and playwright and the book was illustrated by award-winning illustrator Kevin Hawkes. | |
| In this family-friendly adventure, filled with visual humor, it’s unclear whether sleepy hotel guests will get any sleep since there’s a problem with every room. | |
| It’s appropriate for kids ages four to eight. |
- 40 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
10. What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma
Has your child ever wondered what toys get up to when the rest of the home is asleep from the inventive parents who made “Dinovember,” the web craze that became a worldwide sensation? While Rex from Toy Story can paint one picture of the happenings, this book takes your children on an overnight adventure.
Possibly, strange things have been occurring in your home. Unfathomable messes — even the kitchen floor is covered with food. Who might be the offenders? Dinosaurs! Refe and Susan Tuma’s book depicts a very messy adventure that reveals what the dinosaurs did last night. It includes vivid and humorous photos as well as a narrative written from the perspective of an older, wiser sibling.
A few reviewers said that the font was too small to read comfortably.
Pros and Cons of What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night: A Very Messy Adventure by Refe and Susan Tuma
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is from the creators of the web craze “Dinovember.” | A few reviewers said that the font was too small to read comfortably. |
| It takes readers on a very messy adventure that reveals what the dinosaurs did last night. | |
| It includes vivid, humorous photographic evidence of the dinosaurs’ messes. |
- 40 pages.
- Recommended for children ages 2 through 5.
- The first book in a series of three.
How to Choose the Right Children’s Book
Do you remember your favorite dog-eared book about a neighborhood adventure or a distant empire? Or perhaps the first time you snuck a flashlight beneath the covers to see how a story ended? Choosing excellent books for your young child will start him or her on the path to learning, help develop language and object identification abilities, pique interest in the outside world, and help make lovely memories.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a book about dinos for your kiddo!
- Relatability
- Learning Lessons
- Easy to Read
- Beautiful Illustrations
Relatable
Pick books about dinosaurs that let your child experience many places and ways of life while remaining familiar enough for them to identify with the characters. Your youngster will be more motivated to finish reading the book if the characters have easy-to-relate-to hopes and desires, even if the book takes place in an imaginative world of dinos!
Learning Lessons
The best books frequently teach things without us even recognizing it, whether it’s a timeless moral in The Tortoise and the Hare or information about numbers, fruit, and days of the week in The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Pick books that convey a powerful message or discreetly impart fundamental knowledge, such as counting, the alphabet, colors, or seasons.
Easy to Read
If your youngster will be reading on their own, apply the five-finger rule. If the book contains a few challenging words, read it out loud to your kid. It’s okay to expose them to more sophisticated words in context. But if you are aware that the vocabulary and themes will be too challenging for them to appreciate the story, pick a book that is easier for them to read instead of discouraging them from reading at all.
Beautiful Illustrations
For young readers between the ages of 4 and 8, the story is powerfully supported by vivid and clear images. Pick novels with engaging pictures that complement the plot. The linguistic abilities of your child can also be developed by reading wordless novels, which challenge readers to understand the visuals as the plot develops.
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