Dinosaurs Don't, Dinosaurs Do

by Steve Björkman

Summary: Colorful illustrations of dinosaurs and simple text reveal lessons of etiquette for children, encouraging sharing, and demonstrating good manners.

This is an amusing story for discussing appropriate behavior with preschool age children. The illustrations of the dinosaurs are appealing to youngsters.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Dino Pets Go to School

by Lynn Plourde

Summary: A boy brings various dinosaurs to school, but discovers that neither the loudest, nor the tallest, nor the smartest is suited for the classroom. Includes facts about dinosaurs.

This is a humorous book. I recommend it to anyone who likes dinosaurs. One of the last pages contains facts about real dinosaurs. This book could be used to discuss what is and is not appropriate to bring to show and tell!

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3

Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex

Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex

by Lisa McClatchy

Summary: Enamored of dinosaurs, Erin writes a letter inviting a real one to her sixth birthday party.

This is a very cute and humorous book about a child who invites a dinosaur from a museum to her party. This book is wonderful for discussing make-believe and reality. Also, it may be used as an introduction to museums or to prepare a child for a trip to a museum.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

How Do Dinoasaurs Eat Their Food?

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?

by Jane Yolen

Summary: Describes how a dinosaur eats; with no rude noises and while sitting very still.

This is a funny, entertaining tale that may be used to discuss table manners. Each page has the dinosaurs labeled, though you may have to search to find it!

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Dinosaur vs. the Potty

Dinosaur vs. the Potty  

by Bob Shea

Summary: Dinosaur doesn't need to use the potty. Even when he's making lemonade, running through the sprinkler, and splashing in puddles. See? He's doing his victory dance. Wait, is that a victory dance, or something else?"

This is an amusing book about a dinosaur who thinks he is strong enough to resist using the potty. This book may be used to simply entertain a young child or to discuss with a child who is having trouble learning to use the bathroom.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 1

Librarianjk recommends Dino-baseball

Dino-baseball

by Lisa Wheeler

Summary: Meat-eating dinosaurs face plant-eating dinosaurs in a baseball game.

This book is entertaining, especially for baseball and dinosaur fans. I would not recommend it for teaching dinosaurs due to the cartoonish look of the dinosaurs and that some dinosaurs have nicknames, or abbreviations for their scientific name.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Librarianjk recommends Chalk

Chalk

by Bill Thomson

Summary: A wordless picture book about three children who go to a park on a rainy day, find some chalk, and draw pictures that come to life.

This book is unique and imaginative. The illustrations are extremely life-like and beautiful. As with all wordless books, a young child can explain to an adult what is happening in the pictures or create his/her own story. Older children can write their own story from the illustrations.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3