The genius of children’s dinosaur books is no secret. fictional stories about dinosaurs capture children’s imaginations and are ideal for reading aloud. Dinosaur information books naturally inspire future scientists. Check out this list of our favorites from both genres.
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You are reading: Best dinosaur books for kids
fantastic fiction dinosaur books for children
1. dinosaurs in motion series by penny dale (pre-k-1)
This series fuses dinosaurs and other topics of great interest. think farming vehicles, space exploration, construction, emergency rescue vehicles, pirate treasure and more. we love them for working on concepts of print and phonological awareness. They’re also perfect for practicing making inferences using pictures.
2. we love dinosaurs by lucy volpin (pre-k-1)
This rhyming text professes his love for dinosaurs of all shapes, sizes, and habits. we love all the descriptive vocabulary!
3. how dinosaurs do… jane yolen series (pre-k-1)
This classic series has stood the test of time. we love these titles for modeling viewing, reading with expression, and paying attention to punctuation. plus, they’re full of important topics!
4. the girl and the dinosaur by hollie hughes (pre-k-1)
excavating a dinosaur skeleton is an incredible possibility to imagine. make that skeleton come to life and become your pet dinosaur? magical. this is one of our favorite new dinosaur books for kids, hands down.
5. how to catch a dinosaur by adam wallace (pre-k-1)
This installment in a popular series mixes imaginative fiction with a few facts. a light and fun read aloud.
6. bronthorine by james howe (pre-k-2)
brontorina apatosaurus is desperate to dance. but, its size, and the doubts of others, make it seem impossible. Perseverance and the kindness of others help your wish come true.
7. little t rex and the impossible hug by jonathan stutzman (pre-k-2)
tiny t. rex just wants to find a way to give his sad friend a hug, despite his short arms. this story of persistence, acceptance, and friendship could spark many important classroom discussions.
8. there’s a dinosaur on the 13th floor by wade bradford (pre-k-2)
This hilarious story follows mr. she snores in pursuit of him floor by floor to a quiet room at the sharemore hotel. We don’t meet the dino from title to end, but she exemplifies everything the hotel’s name suggests.
9. what the dinosaurs did last night: a very messy adventure by refe and susan tuma (pre-k-2)
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What kind of mischief would toy dinosaurs get into if they came to life at night? the photos in this book show the havoc they could wreak. maybe even bring authors’ November, a month-long tribute to the wonder of childhood, to your classroom.
10. lisa wheeler dino sports series (pre-k-2)
carnivores and herbivores compete in a wide variety of sports. kids love these rhyming titles. Review your dinosaur names and sports terminology before reading aloud!
11. dino vacation series by lisa wheeler (pre-k-2)
If you love dinosaur sports books, you’ll also love sharing some of the holiday-themed titles.
12. crunch the shy dinosaur by cirocco dunlap (pre-k-2)
crunch wants a new friend, but he’s not the easiest brontosaurus to meet. Start a class discussion about meeting new friends wherever they are.
13. dinosaurs can’t roar! by layla beason (pre-k-3)
when a t. rex meets a modern day paleontologist, he is shocked to hear the latest in dinosaur science. she loves this title to talk to kids about myths versus new scientific learning.
14. daddy and the dinosaur by gennifer choldenko (pre-k-3)
Nicholas’s favorite dinosaur is much more than a toy. It helps him be fearless and strong, just like he imagines real dinosaurs to be. when he goes missing, his father knows exactly what he needs. this is a moving story about what it means to be brave.
15. margaret mcnamara’s dinosaur expert (k-3)
superstar teacher mr. tiffin is back! (Should we introduce Mrs. Frizzle?) This time she is taking her class to the natural history museum. Kimmy, a budding paleontologist, is dismayed by the male-dominated examples at the museum. when mr. tiffin points to a profile of dr. brandoni de gasparini, his perspective changes. The material above includes information on prominent female paleontologists.
16. mad scientist academy: dinosaur disaster by matthew mcelligott (2-4)
dr. cosmic is not the average teacher! Students must make their way through an exhibit of realistic dinosaurs to find the class pet, Oscar the “dinosaur.”
17. dinosaur empire (the land before us #1): journey through the mesozoic era by abby howard (3-5)
This exciting opening to the graphic novel series stars Ronnie, a reluctant science student. she embarks on an illuminating journey back in time with her retired paleontologist neighbor, mrs. learning.
18. dinosaur boy by cory putman oakes (3-6)
ouch! Fifth grade Sawyer Bronson grows spikes and a stegosaurus tail during summer break. With themes of bullying, integrity, and identity (plus dinosaur facts), this novel is for kids who like fast-paced, twisted plots. Also check out the companion title, Dinosaur Boy Saves Mars.
nonfiction dinosaur books for kids to “explore”
19. dinosaur a to z by roger priddy (pre-k-1)
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In addition to over 26 pages of fascinating information about dinosaurs, this is a fantastic guide for writing informative alphabets. features a dinosaur for each letter of the alphabet. it also has informative text features like labels, size comparisons, pronunciation guides, and bold text scattered throughout.
20. National Geographic’s First Great Dinosaur Book for Young Children by Catherine D. hughes (pre-k-2)
In this title, the dinosaurs are organized by size, which leads to many interesting conversations about comparisons. this is the perfect series to introduce informative text features as well.
21. dinosaur feathers by dennis nolan (pre-k-3)
This rhyming book has a great idea: dinosaurs and birds are related! It is perfect for working with children to generate questions and determine the author’s message in an informational text. (Plus, you’ll get phonetics training pronouncing all those species names!)
22. fly guy presents: tedd arnold’s dinosaurs (k-3)
The popular duo of early reader characters will appeal to kids, and this spin-off series packs plenty of memorable information. we like how it dispels some common myths about dinosaurs.
23. life size prehistoric by steve jenkins (k-4)
We love this title and its life-size, non-paleontological companion. Realistic illustrations of dinosaur parts, and a complete dinosaur, make a memorable impression. It’s also good for helping kids understand that dinosaurs weren’t the only prehistoric creatures.
24. dinosaurs (national geographic kids reader) by kathleen weidner zoehfeld (k-2)
standard non-fiction features combined with jokes and other extras. a conversational tone guides new readers through key questions.
25. in the past by david elliott (1-5)
Take a trip through the ages with these witty creature poems. there are familiar players, like you. rex, and many lesser-known species as well. the illustrations are impressive.
26. science comics: dinosaurs: fossils and feathers by mk reed (3-6)
This graphic non-fiction book covers the history of paleontology like never before. fascinating!
27. Dinosaurs: A Visual Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition by dk (ages 3 and up)
This is not your dusty Encyclopedia Britannica. Learn about prehistoric life from dinosaurs and birds to early mammals, invertebrates, and vertebrates.
28. the age of dinosaurs: the rise and fall of the world’s most remarkable animals by steve brusatte (3 and up)
for serious dinosaur enthusiasts who want the real scoop on the latest discoveries. this is an up-to-date resource from an expert in the field.
can’t wait to share these dinosaur books for kids? Also check out our favorite books about dogs and books about space.
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