Splat the Dinosaur
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
A heartwarming tale of one dinosaur's journey and the struggles he faces with being born different. Splat's journey will help him overcome those struggles to find self-acceptance, friendship and teach him the importance of being kind.
Age
0-12
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Splat the Dinosaur felt when he couldn’t find his way home?
What would you have done if you were in Splat’s place during his adventure?
Why is it important to help others, like when Splat’s friends helped him?
How did Splat change from the beginning of the story to the end?
Can you think of a time when you were brave like Splat?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and enthusiastic tones to mirror the emotions in the story, making the reading experience more immersive for your child.
Encourage your child to think about the story by pausing at key moments and asking them to guess what might happen next.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences, such as discussing a time when they were brave or helped someone.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book to deepen their connection with the story and its characters.
Praise your child for their thoughts and responses, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their ideas and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Splat the Dinosaur', the main character, Splat, learns to understand and share the feelings of his new friend, a tiny caterpillar. This is demonstrated when Splat listens and responds to the caterpillar’s worries about growth and change.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and respond kindly to their friends' feelings, helping them develop deeper social connections and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Splat shows courage when he decides to protect his friend, the caterpillar, from larger animals. The story models brave behavior despite fears, especially when helping others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and stand up for others, reinforcing the values of bravery and protection in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the story, Splat encounters various challenges that require him to adapt, such as changing weather and new environments.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being flexible and adjusting to new situations is a valuable skill, helping them navigate changes in school, friendships, and home life.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of friendship as Splat and the caterpillar support each other through various adventures and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson underlines the importance of building and maintaining friendships, teaching children about loyalty, support, and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Growth
Explanation: Splat the Dinosaur helps children understand and accept the natural changes and growth they experience. As the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, it symbolizes personal development.
Real-World Application: This can help children embrace their own growth, understanding that change is a natural and positive part of life.