Dinosaurs, dinosaurs everywhere! Books with dinosaurs in them will surely spark interest from young readers, and more than likely they will be read aloud over and over. Here are some of the best picture books on the subject as well as other interests that boys seem especially keen on. All of the picture books are good for ages three to seven.
Dinotrux, by Chris Gall, is a combination of huge trucks and dinosaurs of long ago making this a unique and fun tale. Even the names are combined to make these life-like constructions seem believable. There’s the Garbageadon that has the uncanny appearance of a garbage truck as it eats everything it sees. The Tyrannosaurus Trux is the ultimate mega truck you probably want to avoid. These inventions are so clever and inventive that I wouldn’t be surprised if they became the next series on Saturday morning TV.
Dinosaur,by Stephanie Stansbie, is an over-large book full of interesting facts, envelopes and flaps to open, letters to be read, removable cards and even a map depicting the regions where these prehistoric animals once roamed. There’s even an over-sized poster that shows the life-size footprints of various dinosaurs. This book is loaded with information that is sure to enlighten even the most informed dinosaurologist!
Dinosaur Questions,by Bernard Most, addresses many pertinent questions that have to do with these beasts. Some of these questions ask about the colors, the food and the agility of dinosaurs. The answers, as well as the illustrations, are easy to understand and kid-friendly. The brightly colored pictures are sure to lure even the most informed into more enlightenment.
Dinothesaurus, by Douglas Florian, is full of the most entertaining poems about these extinct animals as well as collages, stencils and drawings that make the author/illustrator so outstanding! His great play on words continues as with all of Mr. Florian’s other outstanding poetry books. Take the short poem about the Minmi: “What’s Minmi’s BIGGEST claim to fame? / It has the smallest dinosaur name.”
Dinosaur Woods, by George McClements, is a humorous story about a dilemma. When several forest animals are about to be uprooted from their homes, they decide that it’s time to take matters into their own hands. They build an extra-large dinosaur to scare off the developers. But what the land-owners are about to realize will be a lesson to all. This would be a fun read-aloud.
Candlewick Publishing has a series of paperback picture books called Read Listen & Wonder. These books have an accompanying CD making these perfect for trips, evening or bed-time reading. T. Rex,by Vivian French, and illustrated by Alison Bartlett, is in this series with vivid colors and music included in the CD. The text follows with many questions and answers as a young boy goes to a museum with his grandfather.
Stuck on Dinosaurs! A Mega Sticker Book,by Siobhan Ciminera and Maggie Testa, is filled with over 700 dinosaur stickers along with many activities to attach them to. Some include constructing several different dinosaurs. There are also sections of plant, meat-eating and the largest dinosaurs that roamed the earth long ago.
This next book is a beginning reader written by a well-known author. Dinosaur Hunt, by David Catrow, is one of a series of new readers that features Max Spaniel, a funny hound dog. He decides to go on a dinosaur dig and as he begins his search, kids will smile all of the way to the end.
Here is an extraordinary pop-up book that will likely be enjoyed again and again. Predators,by Lucio & Meera Santoro, showcases some pretty terrifying animals beginning with a large water spider as it spins its web. There are also this couple’s trademark depiction of “swing cards” with the endangered tiger. The book is masterly written with six different types of predators as well as smaller pages inside the larger pages that also pop-up. All ages will enjoy this book!
The last three books are specifically geared for boys, but can be enjoyed by girls just as well. Secrets of a Lab Rat: No Girls Allowed (Dogs Okay), by Trudi Trueit, and illustrated by Jim Paillot, is a humorous story geared for ages 8 to 11 about fourth grader Scab who loves to experiment in his basement with his lab kit. He thinks he’s just invented a “sister-repellent” spray, but this is just the start of his trouble.
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever, by Marla Frazee, is a picture book that celebrates turning off the TV and video games and getting kids to go outside and play. Two friends go to one of the friend’s houses where they eventually begin to enjoy nature. The illustrations are great fun as well as the engaging story that is likely to draw kids to the great outdoors!
And while talking about outdoor activities, here’s a book full of them: The Boys’ Book of Greatness: Even More Ways to be The Best At Everything, by Martin Oliver, and illustrated by David Shephard. This book has the appearance of books 50 years ago but is full of activities that boys enjoy – such as learning how to pitch a tent to riding in a kayak. Even scouts and parents of scouts will enjoy the ideas in this book.
