Books About Dinosaurs

Children's book list about dinosaurs, with reviews. Choices for toddlers, preschoolers, and older children. Fiction and non-fiction.

There are SO many great Books About Dinosaurs! We selected several from the library to go along with our home preschool dinosaur theme week, and enjoyed reading several that we already owned. Here's what we thought of them!

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Children's book review list about dinosaurs

Dinos To Go: 7 Nifty Dinosaurs In 1 Swell Book by Sandra Boynton

This little book is still a favorite in our bedtime story rotation after several years. Each page spread is about a single dinosaur who has a unique characteristic. It is done in classic Boynton style, with clever rhymes and cadence. The pictures are funny, and the whole book is the perfect length to feel substantial but not take too long to read. This book makes a great gift, as well, for toddlers or young preschoolers.

Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! by Sandra Boynton

This little Boynton book is great for introducing little ones to opposites. Each page spread features dinosaurs experiencing opposites- "Dinosaurs happy, dinosaurs sad," for example. The illustrations help children understand the opposites. We love Boynton!

The Mine-O-Saur by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

We were lucky enough to receive this book from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library several years ago and it is another one of our favorites. The Mine-O-Saur doesn't like to share-- everything is, "Mine, Mine Mine!" As a result, none of the other dinosaurs want to play with him. I love that the lesson in this book involves natural consequences, and that it addresses an issue that is so common for young children. We occasionally use this book to remind our girls to share nicely! The story is told as a rhyme, and the pictures are cartoonish and funny. This book is suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary aged children.

"How Do Dinosaurs" series by Jane Yolen

This is a tremendously popular series that I just can't get behind. In each book, a young dinosaur exhibits terrible behavior before deciding to do things the right way. Unlike the previous book, The Mine-O-Saur, there is no lesson here, other than the narrator explicitly telling kids what they should do. While the message in the end is positive and these books sure can be funny, I don't like to give my girls ideas about bad behavior that they might want to try. There are better choices out there.

First Dinosaur Encyclopedia by DK Publishing

Another fantastic children's reference book from DK! This book has tons of bright, clear, colorful pictures and plenty information about anything and everything related to dinosaurs. We love this First Encyclopedia series. They are appropriate for older preschoolers or elementary aged students, or any child who shows a particular interest in dinosaurs.

"Dinosaur vs." series by Bob Shea

I'm not crazy about this series of books, but they are very popular. A little dinosaur likes to roar at things until he meets his match in one way or another. There is almost no story, and I'd say it is a stretch to say they're funny. Younger preschoolers or toddlers may enjoy these books, especially all the 'roars' that they'll get to do. The pictures are simple, bright and crisp.

Brontorina by James Howe

This book is just so darn cute! Brontorina wants to be a ballerina, but runs in to some problems along the way. Her friends in dance class work hard to accommodate her. This book is about going for your dreams, even if they may not be considered normal. This book is suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, and is an especially good choice for girls who may otherwise have trouble finding dinosaur books that they can relate to.

Gus, the Dinosaur Bus by Julia Liu

This book is darling! Gus walks around the city picking up children to take them to school. Everyone loves him! But his size causes some problems so he eventually has to stop acting as a bus. After Gus gets very sad, school officials find a new use for him, as different pieces of playground equipment. This book is simple and sweet, and the illustrations are pleasantly charming. I recommend Gus, the Dinosaur Bus for toddlers and preschoolers.

Bus-a-saurus Bop by Diane Z. Shore

This is a funny little book about a dinosaur that acts as a school bus (just like the previous book on my list!). This dinosaur, however, lets the kids come inside his body for the ride and then he sort of...burps them out when they arrive at school. This book is full of clever rhymes and funny little bits. My girls requested this one over and over again during our dinosaur theme week. The illustrations are done by the same artist who did The Mine-O-Saur, and they are a huge part of the book's appeal.

Dinosaur Countdown by Nicholas Oldland

This is a simple counting book for the youngest dinosaur lovers. It counts down from 10 (which I think is not ideal), naming some dinosaurs, and providing descriptions for others (herbivores). I liked the simple and clear illustrations as well.

Dinosaur Zoom! by Penny Dale

Dinosaur Zoom is the perfect book for the dinosaur and car lover. Different colored dinosaurs drive fun and interesting vehicles to a surprise party. There are lots of fun car sounds that you can make for and with your little one. While there's not much story, this is a good choice for toddlers or younger preschoolers.

How Big Were Dinosaurs? by Lita Judge

This book compares the sizes of different dinosaurs to other animals and objects that we're familiar with today. It describes some dinosaurs that were as small as a chicken, and others that were as large as 4 school buses! How Big Were Dinosaurs? is great for preschoolers and elementary aged children, and is written on a level that they can genuinely understand. The illustrations are top-notch, and add a little bit of humor while still providing great visuals for kids exploring this topic.