This is a thoroughly delightful book by Jane Yolen with the artistry of Mark Teague. Similar to other books in this series, the book uses dinosaurs to illustrate a point to our children.
The book starts: How does a dinosaur say good night when Papa comes in to turn off the light? Does a dinosaur slam his tail and pout?…. No, dinosaurs don’t. they don’t even try. They give a big kiss.
Like the other books in the series, the dinos have their names included somewhere on the page. And, the parents are real people. Kids learn best with one degree of separation. Seeing how the dinosaur says goodnight to his real human parents will reinforce appropriate bedtime routines to your child.
But, more than that, the book opens the doors to other learning moments. "Where's the dinosaur's name on this page?" "Can you find me the T-rex?" "How many socks are on the floor?" You can use the book to help identify colors, numbers and even shapes.
And, when it is time for your little dino to go to sleep, you just have to ask, "so, how did the dino say goodnight again? Let's try that!"
The book is a perfect read aloud book for toddlers and preschools but also appropriate for early readers. If you have multiple age children in your home, the older kids can read this to the younger kids. The book comes in board style and page style.
This book is brilliant in how it captures the real struggles of parents and kids and puts it in a perspective both parent and child can understand. Plus, it is cute and fun! The book has the tone of Goodnight Moon but with an everyday message kids of all ages can understand.
My final 2cents: |