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Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, Book 1)

(1992, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Mary Osborne, Illustrated by Sal Murdocca)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Mild time-travel adventure.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Jack uses the expression "I'm going to kill her," in reference to his younger sister Annie.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, Book 1)

Parents need to know that there's nothing of concern here, and much that is educational. Jack and Annie encounter friendly dinosaurs, gathering a few scientific facts about each one, and sparking imaginations. While the short sentences may have adults yawning, kids will learn to read with them.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the scientific aspects of dinosaurs. How much of this story is real, how much is made up, and how much are we just not certain about?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    MLawson
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Great illustrations

    Love it. It is my favorite one

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    vampireprince97
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    MomofDevinandOwe ...
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    My daughter's favorite book series!

    My daughter started the Magic Treehouse book series when she was 4 (she's 5 now.) She loves the stories and we end up reading whole books in just a couple of nights. (The website is great, too - You can print out your Magic Treehouse Passport and earn "stamps" as you "travel" from place to place via the books by answering multiple choice questions about the books. ) I think this series is a great series to choose for kids just starting out with chapter books.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

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