Dinotopia: The World Beneath
#2 of 6 in Dinotopia: Complete Series
on Goodreads (4,183)
What’s inside...
Four years after being shipwrecked on the lost island of Dinotopia, sixteen-year-old Will Denison, now a fully trained Skybax Corps pilot, explores the skies over the island while his scientist father leads an expedition into the forgotten caverns of the legendary World Beneath. The voyage of discovery that Arthur Denison and his son, Will, began continues to unfold as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the island. The adventures of Arthur and Will Denison continue when Professor Denison travels to the ancient caves beneath Dinotopia, discovering a civilization older and more advanced than any other known.
Character compass
Arthur Denison
Bix
Oriana Nascava
Lee Crabb
Sylvia Romano
William Denison
Cirrus
Nimbus
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like if you lived in Dinotopia? How would it be different from our world?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Can you imagine a society where humans and dinosaurs live together? What kind of rules do you think would be important?
What lessons did the characters learn during their journey to the World Beneath?
If you could have any dinosaur as a companion, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the setting of Dinotopia and the World Beneath, honing their descriptive and observational skills.
Discuss the different types of dinosaurs and their traits in the book, which can stimulate an interest in natural history and paleontology.
Explore the themes of cooperation and community in the story, asking your child how these themes play out in their own life.
Allow your child to express what they found surprising or exciting about the plot, supporting their ability to analyze and articulate their thoughts.
Use the vibrant illustrations in the book as a basis for a discussion on art and creativity, encouraging your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Dinotopia: The World Beneath', characters like Arthur and Bix work together with dinosaurs to solve problems and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers in group projects or team sports, learning that combined efforts often achieve greater results.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of dinosaur species living harmoniously with humans, emphasizing acceptance and respect for different cultures and creatures.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the diversity in their own communities and encourage inclusivity and respect towards people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's journey into the mysterious underground world sparks curiosity and leads to significant discoveries about Dinotopia.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, explore new activities, and pursue knowledge, just as the characters in the book do.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving through innovation
Explanation: Characters use inventive solutions and creative thinking to navigate challenges in the underground world.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of thinking outside the box and using innovation to resolve conflicts or answer questions in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Preservation of nature and heritage
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of preserving ancient ruins and respecting the natural environment of Dinotopia.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of conserving natural and cultural heritage, inspiring them to participate in environmental protection and respect historical monuments in their areas.