Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, silly dinosaur story has amazing illustrations.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Penelope the dinosaur is afraid of the goldfish Walter in WE DON'T LOSE OUR CLASS GOLDFISH. When it's her turn to take Walter home, Penelope can't even stand to look at his scary eyes and ferocious teeth. So she puts him away, out of her sight so she can get some rest, but when she wakes up he's gone. As she searches for Walter, she starts to wonder if he's really as scary as she thinks.
Is It Any Good?
The art stands out in this wonderfully written picture book, with huge eyes on faces oversized for the tiny bodies, color splashing all over the pages, and silly words like "bitey" to read aloud. We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish is both fun and funny, and has a great lesson about reconsidering things that are scary. Penelope is a tenderhearted dinosaur that young readers can empathize with, her fears are relatable, and her successes a joy to celebrate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how they react when they're afraid, like Penelope is in We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish. When have you been scared of something and how have you reacted?
What have you been afraid of that you realized was not as scary as it seemed? Has anything seemed not to be scary to you at first, but you changed your mind?
What other books have you read about having courage?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : March 28, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 5
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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