Dad and the Dinosaur
What’s inside...
A heartwarming father-son story about bravery and facing fears. Nicholas is afraid of the dark, giant bugs, and manhole covers, while his dad is fearless. Nicholas wishes to be brave like his dad and finds comfort in his toy dinosaur, which helps him overcome various challenges. However, when the dinosaur goes missing, Nicholas feels scared again. His dad teaches him that even the bravest people can feel scared and that it's okay to ask for help. This story, crafted by Newbery Honor-winner Gennifer Choldenko and Caldecott Medal-winner Dan Santat, is a family classic that addresses children's fears and the importance of support.
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicholas
Dad
Discussion points
How do you think Nick feels when he has his dinosaur with him? Can you think of something that gives you courage like the dinosaur does for Nick?
Why do you think Dad is important to Nick in the story? How does your family help you when you feel scared?
What changes do you notice in Nick by the end of the book? Have you ever overcome a fear and felt different afterward?
How do you think the dinosaur helps Nick face his fear? What helps you when you're faced with something scary?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing the book, spend some time understanding what your child perceives as scary or challenging. This empathetic approach can make the conversation more relatable.
Use encouraging language to help your child express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Phrases like 'That’s an interesting point!' or 'I hadn’t thought of it that way!' validate their feelings.
Relate circumstances in the book to your child's life. Connecting Nick's adventures and feelings to their experiences will make the themes more tangible.
Discuss your own experiences with overcoming fears, as sharing your personal stories can further deepen the bond and encourage open communication.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: In 'Dad and the Dinosaur,' the young protagonist relies on his dinosaur toy to feel brave. This depiction illustrates the use of comfort objects to face fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own sources of comfort and resilience, using them to confront their everyday fears and challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of parental support
Explanation: The father's understanding and empathy towards his son's fears in the story highlight the importance of parental support in building a child’s confidence.
Real-World Application: Encourages parents to actively recognize and nurture their child’s emotional needs, fostering a reassuring environment where the child feels understood and supported.
Example Lesson: Bravery is personal
Explanation: The protagonist's journey shows that bravery does not look the same for everyone, as he finds courage through his dinosaur, unlike his peer group.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that personal bravery can manifest in different ways and that they should be proud of their unique methods of facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The story highlights the moment the protagonist loses his dinosaur and feels the need to communicate his fears to his dad, reinforcing the significance of expressing feelings.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to openly communicate their fears or concerns with trusted adults, allowing for emotional support and problem-solving together.