How To Babysit A Dinosaur
What’s inside...
Steve is the new babysitter for Baby Rex, a tiny T-Rex with a lot of personality. Though Steve loves exploring and is great with reptiles, he quickly realizes that babysitting a dinosaur is more challenging than expected. From playing games to putting on pajamas, each task presents its own set of difficulties due to Baby Rex's unique needs. Throughout 'How To Babysit A Dinosaur', Steve learns to be mindful, manage his feelings, and bond with Baby Rex, despite the occasional temper tantrums. This charming book from Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream showcases the trials and triumphs of babysitting a dinosaur and demonstrates the power of perseverance and care.
Age
2-6
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to babysit a dinosaur? Can you imagine what challenges you might face?
How did the characters in the book show kindness and responsibility while babysitting?
What would you do if you had to solve a problem like the characters in the story?
How do you think the dinosaur felt throughout the adventure? Why do you think it felt that way?
If you could add another scene to the book, what would happen in it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to draw or describe their own dinosaur they would like to babysit.
Discuss the qualities of a good babysitter with your child, relating it to how the characters in the book handled different situations.
After reading, engage your child in a role-play where they pretend to babysit their favorite stuffed animal or toy, incorporating scenarios from the book.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued and discuss the various possibilities together.
Relate the story to personal experiences, such as a time when your child had to take care of someone or something, and discuss what they learned from it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book showcases the main character taking on the duty of babysitting a dinosaur, emphasizing the importance of being responsible and attentive.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their own pets or helping with chores around the house, learning to be reliable and dependable.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: As the character finds ways to keep the dinosaur entertained, the story highlights the value of creativity in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can use imaginative play and creative thinking in their everyday activities, from school projects to interacting with friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The character learns to understand the needs and feelings of the dinosaur, even though it is very different from them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of considering others' perspectives and emotions, fostering kindness and understanding in diverse social situations.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Babysitting a dinosaur requires a lot of patience, as seen through the character's challenges and how they handle them calmly.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to practice patience in situations like learning new skills or dealing with younger siblings.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: The book outlines specific steps the character must follow to ensure the dinosaur is well-cared for, showing the importance of following instructions.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to apply this skill at school when completing assignments or at home when engaging in activities that require following steps.