Big roars, big laughs, big feelings!
Dinosaurs have stomped their way into the hearts of young readers for generations - and it’s no mystery why. They're big, bold, and endlessly fascinating. But the best dino books offer more than roars and teeth. They blend humor, adventure, emotion, and even mindfulness to create stories that linger long after the last page is turned.
In this post, I’ve gathered six dinosaur-themed picture books that go beyond the typical T. rex chase. Whether you’re looking for a clever retelling of a fairy tale, a gentle guide to coping with anxiety, or just some good old-fashioned prehistoric silliness, these titles will have your little ones giggling, stretching, imagining, and hugging like never before.
The Three Little Pigs Retold With DINOSAURS! by E.B. AdamsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jurassic Giggles: A Dinosaur Twist on the Three Little Pigs
In The Three Little Pigs Retold With DINOSAURS! by E.B. Adams, a familiar fairy tale gets a prehistoric and hilarious makeover. This vibrant retelling leaves and sticks for volcanic rock and raptor attacks, and throws the classic narrative out the window with delightfully unexpected results.
The humor shines through from the very first page, with tongue-in-cheek narration and expressive illustrations that kids and adults alike will laugh out loud at. But it’s the unconventional ending that sets this book apart: rather than simply defeating the “Big Bad,” the story veers into a delightfully absurd twist that celebrates problem-solving, silliness, and a dash of dinosaur mischief.
Perfect for fans of fractured fairy tales and dinosaur lovers alike, this book invites readers to look at well-worn stories through a new, funny, and slightly toothier lens.
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The Great Book of Dinosaurs by Federica MagrinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Stunning Time Machine for Young Dinosaur Explorers
The Great Book of Dinosaurs is a visually captivating journey into the prehistoric world, blending scientific facts with a strong sense of wonder. Federica Magrin presents a curated selection of dinosaurs - some famous, some lesser known - with fun, accessible descriptions that keep young readers curious.
The real star of this book, however, is Anna Láng’s exquisite artwork. Her vibrant, stylized illustrations don’t aim for strict scientific realism, but instead capture the majesty and character of each dinosaur in a way that feels magical and memorable. The layout is rich and decorative, making every page feel like part of a beautifully illustrated museum exhibit.
This book is ideal for children who are beginning to explore paleontology, or who just love dinosaurs and want a more artistic take on their favorite creatures. It’s also a great pick for classroom libraries and gift-giving.
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Bradley and the Dinosaur by Julian HiltonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bradley and the Dinosaur by Julian Hilton, with illustrations by Jacqueline East, is a lively and imaginative story that brings prehistoric wonder into the everyday world of a child. As the first book in the Bradley’s Magic Adventures series, it sets the stage for a young hero whose curiosity leads to truly magical moments.
Bradley is a relatable character from the start. He is curious, energetic, and just adventurous enough to get into a little trouble. One ordinary day, that adventurous spirit leads him to an extraordinary discovery: a dinosaur! What follows is a fun, slightly wild ride that blends imagination with action in a way that makes children lean in and listen closely.
My child was instantly captivated by the idea of a real dinosaur appearing in an ordinary setting. The story’s pacing is perfect for a read-aloud, moving quickly enough to hold young attention spans while building suspense and excitement along the way. The text is written with energy and rhythm, and Julian Hilton does a great job of capturing the kind of playful tension kids love.
Jacqueline East’s illustrations are colorful, expressive, and filled with motion. The dinosaur is friendly and just mysterious enough, while Bradley’s facial expressions add personality and humor. The art feels warm and approachable, grounding the fantasy in a world that feels familiar and safe.
As both a mom and a fellow author, I appreciate stories like Bradley and the Dinosaur that encourage children to dream big and explore their imaginations. This story is not only a delight to read - it opens the door for rich conversations about curiosity, courage, and creativity.
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Dino Does Yoga by Sofie Engström von AltenMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Playful Introduction to Yoga with Dino
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a dinosaur tried yoga, Dino Does Yoga delivers the answer with humor, charm, and a surprising dose of mindfulness. In this whimsical picture book, Dino - an enthusiastic, if not always graceful, yoga student - invites young readers to join him as he explores various poses, from downward dog to tree pose.
Sofie Engström von Alten’s text is both lighthearted and gently instructive, making yoga feel approachable for young children without ever slipping into didactic territory. The illustrations are quirky and colorful, capturing Dino’s facial expressions and clumsy attempts at balance in a way that will have readers giggling and trying the poses themselves.
More than just a silly read, Dino Does Yoga models resilience, calmness, and joy in movement. It’s a fantastic pick for parents and educators looking to introduce mindfulness or simply get kids moving in a fun and engaging way.
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There's a T. Rex in My Tummy: A picture book to help children understand anxiety and to show them some strategies for coping with anxious feelings by Kellie DawsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Facing the T. Rex Within: A Heartfelt Tool for Helping Kids with Anxiety
There’s a T. Rex in My Tummy by Kellie Dawson, illustrated by Sarah Healey, is a compassionate and clever picture book that gives a powerful metaphor to a very real childhood experience: anxiety.
By describing worry as a stomping, roaring T. Rex living in the main character’s tummy, Dawson gives children a tangible, imaginative way to talk about the physical and emotional sensations that come with feeling anxious. The dinosaur becomes a symbol not just of fear, but also of understanding and transformation.
The story gently guides readers through several child-friendly strategies for managing anxiety: breathing exercises, visualizations, talking to someone trusted, and recognizing feelings rather than pushing them away. Each strategy is embedded in the story itself, making the book not just a narrative but a coping tool.
Sarah Healey’s warm and approachable illustrations create a comforting atmosphere that mirrors the book’s message: it’s okay to feel anxious, and there are things you can do about it. The palette is soft yet expressive, helping bring both the T. Rex and the emotional journey to life in a way young readers can easily relate to.
This book is a wonderful resource for parents, educators, and therapists who want to help children name their big feelings and learn what to do with them. Best suited for ages 4–8, it opens the door to important conversations and practical calming techniques, without ever feeling clinical or overwhelming.
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T-Rex Twins: The Brothers with Arms by Daniel WilliamsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Dino-Hug Discovery: How the T‑Rex Twins Learned That Difference Is Powerful
Daniel Williamson transforms a dinosaur tale into a heartfelt celebration of difference and connection in T‑Rex Twins: The Brothers with Arms. From the moment the twins hatch with super-long arms, they face teasing and exclusion from others until they use their unique feature to innovate the first-ever dino-hug, turning a perceived flaw into a beautiful asset.
This gentle tale touches on themes of belonging, self-worth, and empathy. It’s not just a story for kids - it’s a mirror that reflects how our differences can be our strengths. The twins go from mocked outcasts to community heroes, offering warmth and assistance to those who need it most.
Ideal for children aged 3–7, the narrative sparks discussion about kindness and acceptance. It reassures little readers: being different isn’t only okay - it can be extraordinary.
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From raptor-packed fairy tales to yoga-loving dinosaurs and anxiety-taming T. rexes, these stories prove that dinosaurs still have plenty to teach us - about bravery, empathy, creativity, and connection. Each of these books brings something special to the table, whether it’s laugh-out-loud moments, artistic inspiration, or heartfelt messages that stick with young readers.
So, if your child is in their dino era, grab one (or all!) of these titles and settle in for some roaring good reads. And if you know a dino-loving author or illustrator, feel free to recommend your favorites for review — I’m always on the hunt for the next prehistoric gem.
