Parents' Guide to

Dinosaur vs. Bedtime

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Tots will love this roaringly funny bedtime book.

Book Bob Shea Activity 2008
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Gios Mommy
Gios Mommy Parent of 2-year-old
May 31, 2011
age 2+

Mommy and little Dino Like It!

I think it is a great tool for discussing toddler everyday life difficulties and joys... that will be overcome by age. Great Book!

This title has:

Great messages
marceladns
marceladns Parent of 3 and 5-year-old
March 4, 2011
age 3+

My little dinosaur likes it

Putting an energized 3 years old boy to bed is challenging, no doubt about it, so we try to make it fun by showing him what steps are required to complete the taks, we add moans and roars and we get giggles and sometimes my son complies and goes to bed. Also a great book to give to older siblings to read to the little ones.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The very kidlike little red dinosaur goes through his day meeting challenge after challenge with a roar -- that is, until it's bedtime. He tries to fight sleep, but slowly and surely his roar subsides, and bedtime wins.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Kids love to roar, and they'll have fun roaring with the little red dinosaur. Again and again, the little red dinosaur attacks each new challenge with a roar, and as he succeeds he lets out a triumphant shout: "Dinosaur wins!" His life is fun and positive, and he is brave and courageous, even if all he's facing is a big slide or a bowl of spaghetti.

The simplicity, humor, and energy of this book are enough to captivate any kid, especially the younger ones. Explosive block print and the repetitive storyline make reading it almost a game, and the accompanying illustrations add to the fun. Bursting with bright primary colors outlined in black, they are as simple and playfully engaging as the text. Basic patterns and shapes coupled with a smattering of photo collage create a world that is exuberant, familiar, and comical. Young kids will love it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the challenges the little red dinosaur overcomes, and why he feels so much like roaring as he conquers a leaf pile, a big slide, a bowl of spaghetti, and so on. How do you feel when you do something all by yourself? Do you feel like roaring? Why is bedtime such a challenge for the dinosaur? How about for you? Notice how his roars get smaller and smaller. What does that show?

Book Details

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