Our Favorite Dinosaur Books and Fun

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Before we had kids I could not have named three carnivorous dinosaurs if my life depended on it. Now, thanks to Jacob (8) our little paleontologist, I would never think to confuse a theropod with a sauropod! An error of such magnitude will get you expelled from our house in an instant! We practically live in a traveling dinosaur exhibit and have for the past five years. Jacob has a list of favorite dinosaur books and fun toys. 

We have triceratops stuffed animals, carnivore books, herbivore shirts and an endless array of stickers, LEGO sets and craft projects that all revolve around these prehistoric giants. Ever since Jacob (8) was old enough to pick his own shirts, books and entertainment he has always gone straight for anything dinosaur-related. It probably then goes without saying that he counted down the days until the new Jurassic World movie was released. We were at the book store recently to stock up for the summer and his picks were all dinosaur related. This kid lives, breathes and LOVES dinosaurs.

If you live with a budding dinosaur lover, of any age, this list is for you! Our favorite dinosaur books and fun – for kids of all ages! 

For the independent readers:

Jacob LOVED these chapter books when he was in 1st and 2nd grade. We bought him the entire Dinosaur Cove series and he plowed through them within two weeks.

These books were a HUGE turning point in his love for reading. All of a sudden I didn’t have to nag him to read!

Dinosaur Cove: Attack of the Tyrannosaurus

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart: The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur

For the inquisitive ones:

Jacob just read the entire Field Guide and was quoting all the different dinosaurs, most of which I had never heard of. This book is so educational, above and beyond the basic reference books.

Jurassic World Dinosaur Field Guide

I can’t even count how many times Jacob brought this book to show-and-tell. He managed to get through the entire alphabet by presenting a dinosaur every time!

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia

This book got Jacob’s love for dinosaurs kicked up a few notches. The book is separated by the different prehistoric time periods and then the dinosaurs are presented by size. It is such a great introduction into all things dinosaurs.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs

For the little ones:

You might just hear me wake up in the middle of the night and quote a line from any of these three books. They were Jacob’s go-to night time stories FOR A LONG TIME! (A little too long!) Now his younger brothers love them… just as much as he did!

Thomas and the Dinosaur

The Berenstain Bears’ Dinosaur Dig

Curious George’s Dinosaur Discovery

For the LEGO Lovers:

We are a LEGO family, through and through. The kids actually just finished building these sets today, and they are so incredibly detailed. The dinosaurs that come in these sets are going to be treasured items for a long time to come. These sets kept our kids busy playing for HOURS today.

LEGO Jurassic World Dilophosaurus Ambush, 75916

LEGO Jurassic Park Jurassic World Raptor Escape, 75920

LEGO Jurassic World Pteranodon Capture, 75915

For the creative ones:

Stickers – need I say more?! The possibilities are endless with this book!

Dinosaur Stickers

Our boys LOVE their easel and painting these giant dinosaurs can keep them occupied for a long long time.

Melissa & Doug Big Picture Floor Pad A to Z Dinosaurs

These sun catchers are so much fun for all the boys to make – and adorable to hang afterwards.

Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Sun Catchers

The Smithsonian sets are always so educational and hands-on. Perfect for the little learners.

Smithsonian, Triceratops Museum Craft Kit

How long has your child loved dinosaurs? 

 

Don’t miss my article on how to “Foster Your Child’s Love for Reading – at Any Age”