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An illustrated account of Earth’s prehistory, Dinosaurs dives deep into geological time, with art in Rachel Ignotofsky’s notable style, to spark wonder and engage young scientists at every turn. Learn about Earth’s inhospitable origins, see how dinosaurs grew from scrappy forest dwellers to mythically large, and gaze at the Phiomia, the modern-day elephant’s primitive relative. Dinosaurs are one piece of this vast, complex puzzle that readers will marvel at, as they piece together connections to life today—a present that’s sure to spark new conversations this holiday season.
Is there a small dinosaur fan living in your house? Kids and dinosaurs go together like chocolate and peanut butter or… anything else that goes together really well. Littlefoot and tree stars? Dinosaur-based parks and chaos? (Am I showing my age here?)
Lately I’ve started wondering: where does all of that dinosaur knowledge go when we grow up? Ihad a collection of tiny dinosaurs but now they’re just assorted plastic lumps in my memory. I remember that I loved them but I do not remember anything about them. Has your child recently corrected you that that’s not a brontosaurus? Or that the tyrannosaurus rex was not the biggest dinosaur? Maybe it’s time to bring in the experts with these great dinosaur books for kids.
While the books included here skew both collectively written and anonymous, I encourage you to also teach your kids about paleontologists of color like Dr. Lisa White in addition to other women paleontologists like Riley Black, who advises the Jurassic Park franchise. There are also historic figures like Louis R. Purnell, the first Black director of the Smithsonian who was a paleontologist among other things, or Mary Anning, who has been called the first paleontologist.
The Amazing World of Dinosaurs by Lodi Publishing
This book is recommended for children ages 7 to 13 and features fully illustrated visuals and detailed headings. The language is age-appropriate and it styles itself as more of an encyclopedia than a picture book, so there’s something in it for experts.
Our World in Pictures: The Dinosaur Book by DK
DK and The Smithsonian Institute collaborated on this guide, which features over a thousand illustrations and facts about all forms of prehistoric creatures. Kids ages nine through 12 will learn about the latest scientific discoveries and will be able to correct their parents in all new ways!
Big Words for Little Paleontologists: The Dino Dictionary Every Little Explorer Needs by Lisa M. Gerry, illustrated by Franco Tempesta
This guide features impressive words like the longest dinosaur name (Micropachycephalosaurus) and the names of tools to bring to an excavation site. It is an essential read for the budding paleontologist who wants to know everything from Mammuthus to Megalodon!
Twenty Dinosaurs at Bedtime by Mark Sperring, illustrated by Tim Budgen
This rhyming bedtime story introduces kids to all different kinds of dinosaurs and to numbers from one to 20. With its colorful illustrations and its journey back in time, it’s sure to be a hit in toddler homes!
Kid Paleontologist: Explore the Remarkable Dinosaurs, Fossils Finds, and Discoveries of the Prehistoric Era by Thomas Nelson, illustrated by Julius Csotonyi
Featuring profiles of the adaptations, diet, and habitat of many dinosaur species, Kid Paleontologist also introduces children to facts about fossils and famous paleontologists. Travel through millions of years of prehistory and learn about everything from sauropods to ornithopods.
Emma Ren Junior Paleontologist by by Jenny Lu, illustrated by George Sweetland
Emma is afraid of dinosaurs but when she is paired with Jake, who loves dinosaurs, to find a fossil, will she be brave enough to become a paleontologist for the day? This book teaches kids about the history of paleontology and the importance of bravery and curiosity.
Dinosaurs in Trucks Because Hey, Why Not? by Sandra Boynton
While it feels a little bit like Ms. Boynton has entered her SEO era, this book combines two enduring toddler loves. It is guaranteed to have catchy rhymes and a bit of humor for the adult reader.
I hope this collection of dinosaur books sparks a whole new set of “hey, did you know?” questions in your home. I, for one, really must know where those dinosaurs are going in those trucks…
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