For the past few weeks, we’ve been bringing you picture book selections from Cheryl Ashley, the children’s librarian at the Verona Public Library. Her eye for great illustrations and gentle stories just for kids is impressive and this story about a very dirty dinosaur who needs to get clean before bed is no exception. The illustrations are adorable and as the mother of a son who loves dinosaurs and getting dirty himself, this is one we’re going to have to pick up.
Title: Dini Dinosaur
Written by: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: Daniel Roode
Publisher: Green Willow Books, 2012
Suitable for: Ages 2-5
Themes/Topics: Bath time, bed time, playing and getting all dirty
Opening: From the book: On a warm sunny day in a prehistoric land, a dinosaur played in the mud and the sand….
Brief Synopsis: Little Dini Dinosaur has enjoyed a sunny day in “prehistoric land” playing in the mud. His mom sends him to the bathtub, but has to intervene several times when she finds he forgets to take off his shoes, then his pants, then his shirt – and even his hat. Mom lovingly gives a good scrub to the spots Dini missed – behind his horns, his scales and his toenails. After stories, lullabyes and a hug and a kiss, Mom tucks Dini into bed.
Links to resources/Activities: This is one of those great stories that’s easy to carry over into real life. It’s a great time to practice names of clothing, sing bath time songs and ask what your child’s favorite part of the day was. Getting clean or getting dirty?
Why Cheryl chose this book:Â Besides getting a little review of apparel names, many children will enjoy the rather plump, gentle-looking dinosaurs and will want to curl up on mom’s lap for their own hugs and kisses.
Last week’s post of Perfect Picture Books on Susanna Hill’s site also had several books that I’m adding to my “check and see if the library has them” list, and I thought were worth sharing here as well. They are: Al Pha’s Bet, All the World, Plant a Kiss, Nasreen’s Secret School, There Was an Odd Princess Who Swallowed a Pea, The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs and The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups.
Getting dirty and having to take baths is so universal for children. How fun for them to imagine even little dinosaurs have to do the same. Great choice!
Sounds like a very fun read! I don’t know any kids who don’t enjoy getting dirty :) thanks for sharing, Tracy and Cheryl!
Tracy, this seems like a great story that every toddler will relate too, and who doesn’t love a baby dinosaur?
What a wonderful book. One of my kids tried to take a bath in his swimsuit last night. I know we could relate to this book.
I love the bright and vivid illustrations! What a cute book for the little ones! ^^
Tracy, enjoyed your selection — a dinosaur, mud and baths. A great combination for kids. Love your choice. Colorful book cover.
What a cute book! Children will certainly relate to this topic and the illustrations are so adorable. Thankyou.
Looks like a very cute story! Thank you, Verona! (I grew up next door in West Orange!)