This is Not a Dinosaur
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
Prepare for a hilarious adventure with the funniest dinosaur you've EVER seen! This book is NOT about a dinosaur! Well, not an any old dinosaur. THIS dinosaur can become the most amazing things - a footballer, pirate, deep-sea diver, knight, magician and even a hairdresser! Having a dinosaur for a friend is one BIG adventure. This fabulously funny story has stacks of appeal for both girls and boys. Look out for spooky houses, prehistoric creatures, silly fish, sparkling teeth and LOTS of fun and friendship. With wonderful wordplay and a sweet relationship at its heart, this is NOT a dinosaur book to be missed! Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free 'Stories Aloud' audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!
Discussion points
Why do you think the book says this is not a dinosaur? What clues can you find?
How do the characters in the story feel when they discover the creature? What makes you think that?
If you could create a creature, what would it look like and what would you name it?
What similarities and differences do you see between the creature in the book and real dinosaurs you know about?
How do you think the story would change if the creature was a real dinosaur?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about dinosaurs and what they expect to see in the book.
Encourage your child to describe the creatures and settings in the book, using their imagination to add details.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at various points in the story, asking your child how they would feel in similar situations.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their version of the 'not a dinosaur' or write a short story about an adventure with it.
Use the book as a starting point to explore more about dinosaurs, comparing facts vs. fiction in a fun and educational way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity leads to discovery
Explanation: The story follows a child exploring a museum, questioning and learning about the exhibits, particularly about dinosaurs. This demonstrates the value of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers, cultivating a love for learning and exploration in daily life.
Example Lesson: Imagination fuels creativity
Explanation: As the protagonist imagines the displays coming to life, the story showcases the power of a child's imagination.
Real-World Application: Supports creative thinking and problem solving, which can be applied in artistic endeavors and adaptive thinking in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: When the child misidentifies an exhibit, they are corrected and learn the right information. This shows that making mistakes is a part of the learning process.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace errors as learning opportunities, promoting resilience and a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Collaboration enhances understanding
Explanation: The child interacts with museum guides and other visitors, which enriches their experience and understanding.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of teamwork and communicating with others to gain diverse perspectives and new knowledge, useful in school projects and daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and nature
Explanation: By learning about dinosaurs and natural history, the child gains respect for the past and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and protect natural and historical heritage, fostering responsible behavior towards the environment and cultural sites.