The Best Books About Dinosaurs: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: March 30, 2023
© iStock.com/Orla

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Dinosaurs have captured the imagination of just about everyone at some point. These prehistoric giants seem like something out of a fairy tale, but the amazing thing is that they actually lived and walked (or stomped or ran) right where we do today. With fossil evidence taking center stage at many museums, it’s no wonder that people can’t get enough of learning about dinosaurs.

Books about dinosaurs are available for everyone from the youngest babies to adults interested in the science and exploration that led to these monumental discoveries. Many include illustrations, pop-up displays, and photos that both educate and entertain. Some are even written by paleontologists about their own journeys of exploration and the discoveries that they have made.

If you want to find the best book about dinosaurs for a young reader, interested museum visitor, or anyone who wants to learn more about the fascinating world of paleontology, here is our roundup of the top choices.

  1. The Dinosaur Book
    • 208 pages.
    • Customers recommend this for readers ages 3 through 8.
    • Features over 1,000 images of fossil fragments, full skeletons, and CGI renderings of dinosaurs.
    Check Amazon
  2. Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs : The Definitive Pop-Up
    • 12 pop-up pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 3 through 7.
    • From renowned masters in the world of pop-up books, Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart.
    Check Amazon
  3. Dinosaur Dance!
    • 16 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 1 through 3.
    • A humorous book about dinosaurs doing quivery quakes, shimmy shimmy shakes, and cha-cha-chas.
    Check Amazon
  4. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs
    • 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
  5. Official Guide To The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
    • 168 pages.
    • An illustrated guidebook offering a tour through the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
    Check Amazon
  6. The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World
    • 533 pages.
    • Authored by a young paleontologist proving to be at the forefront of the paleontology world today, Steve Brusatte.
    • Washington Post calls it, "A masterpiece of science writing."
    Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Books About Dinosaurs

#1 Best Overall: The Dinosaur Book by DK Smithsonian

In our review, the overall best book about dinosaurs is The Dinosaur Book by DK Smithsonian.

This is a stunning book with life-like illustrations that kids will enjoy. These illustrations also show older children and adults what these prehistoric animals would have really looked like. Each page is full of illustrations and facts that show everything from the inside of a dinosaur egg to what different species ate. It includes photos of actual fossils, connecting what we think about dinosaurs with the scientific evidence that has been collected.

The various spreads show not just individual species of dinosaurs but also how they lived together and interacted with their environment. It also compares the sizes and shapes of different dinosaur teeth. The book also details the plant life that flourished during the time of the dinosaurs and how it was an important source of food for many.

It goes into detail about what came before the dinosaurs and how life evolved and developed after the dinosaurs. After all, the dinosaurs were one part of a long history of evolution. For a book that teaches much more than just the names of some popular animals seen in Jurassic Park, this is the best choice. As you read, be ready for your child to announce that they want to be a paleontologist and find their own fossils.

Pros and Cons of The Dinosaur Book by DK Smithsonian

ProsCons
This book features life-like illustrations that show what dinosaurs really looked like.None
It includes photos of actual fossils.
It explores how dinosaurs lived together and interacted with the environment.
It compares the sizes and shapes of different dinosaur teeth.
This book explores and identifies the plant life that was around during the time of the dinosaurs.
Best Overall
The Dinosaur Book
  • 208 pages.
  • Customers recommend this for readers ages 3 through 8.
  • Features over 1,000 images of fossil fragments, full skeletons, and CGI renderings of dinosaurs.
Check Amazon

2. Best Pop-Up Book: Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda

Kids love pop-up books as they are interesting and engaging. That’s why we recommend Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda.

The dinosaurs actually leap from the page in this pop-up book written for elementary-aged kids. Each page centers on a large figure in the middle that pops up out of the book when it is opened. These include long-necked sauropods and, of course, the fearsome predator Tyrannosaurus rex. There are 35 pop-ups in total. They depict not just dinosaurs but other prehistoric animals as well.

Elements of each dinosaur are highlighted in both the text explanations and the pop-ups themselves. Club tails, spikey backs, and sharp teeth are just a few of the details that you’ll see illustrated in this book. It’s easy to imagine the dinosaurs in fierce combat or chomping down on a tasty leaf with the level of detail that has gone into these depictions.

Unfortunately, some customers reported that their book was damaged when they received it.

Pros and Cons of Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda

ProsCons
Each page of this book centers around a large pop-up dinosaur.Some customers received a damaged book.
There are 35 pop-up dinosaurs in total.
This book depicts prehistoric animals as well as dinosaurs.
There are text explanations that highlight important elements of each dinosaur.
Best Pop-Up Book
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs : The Definitive Pop-Up
  • 12 pop-up pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 3 through 7.
  • From renowned masters in the world of pop-up books, Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart.
Check Amazon

3. Best Board Book: Dinosaur Dance! by Sandra Boynton

If you love cute illustrations and imaginative scenes, you’ll love Dinosaur Dance! by Sandra Boynton.

In this adorable board book, dinosaurs dance across the page to entertain your little one. They also teach a bit about body movement and dinosaurs’ characteristics. For example, Triceratopses go “tappety tap,” reinforcing the letter T sound. Pterodactyls, on the other hand, go “flap, flap, flap” with their giant wings.

You can invite your child to dance along and move their own bodies. It is also a great book to use when they need to get energy out. They’ll love dancing around like the dinosaurs. Just be ready for it to evolve into some stomping and maybe some dinosaur battles if you have siblings.

This book is 16 pages long and is suitable for children aged one to five years. Unfortunately, some reviewers have reported that this book is not as fun to read as the author’s other books.

Pros and Cons of Dinosaur Dance! by Sandra Boynton

ProsCons
This board book features dancing dinosaurs on every page.Some reviewers reported that this book is not as fun as the author’s other books.
It teaches about the movement and characteristics of the dinosaurs.
You can invite your child to dance along.
It is suitable for children aged one to five years old.
Best Board Book
Dinosaur Dance!
  • 16 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 1 through 3.
  • A humorous book about dinosaurs doing quivery quakes, shimmy shimmy shakes, and cha-cha-chas.
Check Amazon

4. Best for Kids: National Geographic: Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes

When it comes to a dinosaur book for kids you can’t go wrong with National Geographic: Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes.

This book has colorful illustrations of dinosaurs in their most fearsome poses. Each page has facts about that species of dinosaur as well as a short paragraph about the animal. It even has a comparison of the dinosaur’s size to a person’s. In addition to the informational pages about each species, there is also a prehistoric map that shows where they lived.

It’s written for ages four to eight but adult readers should expect to spend time helping with the words even if your child is a reader. The book uses scientific vocabulary but it does make deciphering and sounding out the words a bit tricky for early readers. Fortunately, there is a guide to pronouncing the dinosaur’s name on each page.

Pros and Cons of National Geographic: Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes

ProsCons
This book features colorful illustrations of dinosaurs in their most fearsome poses.It uses scientific vocabulary which is difficult for some children to understand and pronounce.
Each page also includes facts about that species of dinosaur.
It has a comparison image of the dinosaur’s size compared to a human.
There is a prehistoric map that shows where each dinosaur lived.
Best for Kids
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs
  • 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

5. Best Museum Companion: Official Guide to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History by Smithsonian Institution

Before you visit the National Museum of Natural History on the Washington, D.C. mall, pick up a copy of the Official Guide to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History by Smithsonian Institution.

This book is published by the Smithsonian Institution and offers insight into navigating the museum. The book also covers the history of the Smithsonian and some of its most beloved exhibits. It doesn’t focus exclusively on dinosaurs. But as one of the most-visited exhibits in the museum, the fossil section is very comprehensive.

You can also find other information about Smithsonian opportunities in the guide, including how to get to the IMAX theater, cafe, and other activities. There is also a naturalist center in nearby Leesburg, Virginia where visitors can participate in some of the research that is going on. This book goes into detail about how to get there and what to expect. Just be sure to check online for the most up-to-date hours, events, and closures as you plan your visit.

Pros and Cons of Official Guide to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History by Smithsonian Institution

ProsCons
This book offers an insight into navigating the Smithsonian National Museum.None
It explores the history of the Smithsonian and several of its exhibits.
It features a comprehensive fossil section.
It identifies other Smithsonian opportunities — including how to get there and what to expect.
Best Museum Companion
Official Guide To The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  • 168 pages.
  • An illustrated guidebook offering a tour through the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
Check Amazon

6. Best for Adults: The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte

Let’s not forget about the adults! For anyone interested in dinosaurs we recommend The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte.

Some kids actually live out their dream of becoming a paleontologist. Steven Brusatte was one such kid and now he’s written a book about it. This was voted one of the “Best Books of the Year” by many organizations, including the Smithsonian, NPR Science Friday, Science News, The Times (London), Popular Mechanics, Library Journal, the Chicago Public Library, and Booklist.

Brusatte tells the story of the dinosaurs, including how they evolved, what their lives were like, and what caused their eventual extinction. While it is full of science and facts, it reads more like a narrative biography than a textbook. There are also plenty of harrowing tales about paleontology and exploration all over the world from Brusatte’s own experience.

Unfortunately, some reviewers reported that this book lacks the scientific evidence regarding the extinction of the dinosaurs and focuses more on the author’s own thoughts.

Pros and Cons of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Steve Brusatte

ProsCons
This book was voted one of the “Best Books of the Year” by numerous organizations.Some reviewers reported that this book lacks the scientific evidence regarding the extinction of the dinosaurs and focuses more on the author’s own thoughts.
It explores how dinosaurs evolved, what their lives were like, and what caused their extinction.
It includes tales of paleontology from the author’s own experience.
Best for Adults
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World
  • 533 pages.
  • Authored by a young paleontologist proving to be at the forefront of the paleontology world today, Steve Brusatte.
  • Washington Post calls it, "A masterpiece of science writing."
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When deciding on your next read about dinosaurs, consider these factors.

  • Reading level
  • Illustrations
  • Scientific Data

Let’s look at each one to determine which book is right for you. It’s important to consider the reading level of the person that the book is for when purchasing a book about dinosaurs.

Reading Level

Books about dinosaurs can be written for children, teens, and adults. Kids’ books tend to have simpler words and phrasing, as well as plenty of illustrations and photos to give context. Books for teens and adults include more of the scientific method and research that goes into making discoveries about dinosaurs.

If you are buying a book for a child in your life, consider the reading level to make sure that the book is accessible and will hold their interest. A book that is too simple may bore them quickly. They may have trouble getting through a book that is too challenging. If you aren’t sure, you can always pick a book and read it together to see how your child does with the reading level.

Illustrations

Some of the best books about dinosaurs, especially for younger audiences, include fearsome pictures of these prehistoric giants. If you want to see what dinosaurs may have looked like, look for a book that includes illustrations based on fossils and evidence. Some also have pictures of actual fossils so that you can learn more about the research process and how scientists study old bones and dirt to determine what dinosaurs looked like when they were alive.

Scientific Data

Almost all dinosaur books include interesting facts but the ones for older teens and adults dig deeper into the methodology behind research and paleontology. You can read about what is involved in a dig, what elements of fossils are examined, and how researchers piece together the complex puzzle of the past to determine what life may have been like for the dinosaurs.

These books can also have an interesting storytelling component as they map the history of the dinosaurs. Some even detail the beginnings of paleontology as a field and the developments that it has seen over the years.

The Different Types of Books About Dinosaurs

Different types of books are geared toward different ages and interests. Here are some of the most common kinds.

  • Board books: These books are ideal for babies and toddlers because they can hold up to pulling hands, teething gums, and spilled snacks. The pages are made of thicker cardboard and often have a glossy finish that is wipeable. They also feature fun illustrations and simple words that your young child will love.
  • Picture books: Kids of all ages will enjoy picture books due to their detailed illustrations and stories. Pop-up books fall into this category and have 3D interactive features, such as pull tabs and flaps that open to reveal more interesting facts.
  • Informational books: These tend to be more science-based, with diagrams and tables to teach you all about dinosaurs. Books geared for kids have more illustrations and simpler language while adult books can get pretty detailed about the methodology behind data collection and research.
  • Museum guides: If you are visiting a museum that has a great dinosaur exhibit, consider picking up a museum guide beforehand to give you even more insight as you walk around. Some are available at the museum gift shop or online while others are written by authors, researchers, and enthusiastic visitors to the museum.
  • Historical books: These tend to be more common in adult books and focus on the larger historical context of the period during which dinosaurs roamed the earth. They can be a mix of science and history as well as provide information about the research that is happening today.

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best Books About Dinosaurs: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the best encyclopedia of dinosaurs?

Encyclopedias about dinosaurs written for children are actually some of the most comprehensive and easy to read. They include a wide variety of dinosaurs, go into detail about their features, and show what they may have looked like. You can also look into academic papers and journals if you want to get more into the research and science behind the species.

What is the study of dinosaurs called?

Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life, including dinosaurs. Some paleontologists focus on dinosaurs while others study plant life, early mammals, microscopic organisms, and even fungi.

Why does my kid like dinosaurs so much?

Just about every child goes through a dinosaur-loving phase, which is one reason why there are so many dinosaur books written for children. The sheer physical size and structure of dinosaurs can be fascinating for children. Many also like the idea of discovery and want to learn more about what paleontologists do. For some children it is all about digging in the dirt and mud.

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