Dr. Toughlove reviews the delightful book “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” by Jane Yollen, illustrated by Mark Teague. Happy Thanksgiving!
Have you ever pondered the question “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” If your answer is yes – or even a tepid maybe, you will definitely want to read “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague. Jane Yolen is a prolific, award-winning author who has written over 400 books that include children’s picture books, young adult novels, chapter books, adult novels, poetry, and anthologies. While her most famous book (in Dr. Toughlove’s humble opinion) is “Owl Moon”, she has been delighting adults and children alike with her “How Do Dinosaurs….” series since 2000.
“How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” uses a question format, complete with rhyming text to address some of the trials and tribulations that can occur when parents have to put their children to bed. “How does a dinosaur say good night when Papa comes in to turn off the light? Does a dinosaur slam his tail and pout? Does he throw his teddy bear about?” (pages 2-7).
Dr. Toughlove really appreciates a well-illustrated book, and “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night” does not disappoint. Mark Teague’s pictures depict a larger-than-life dinosaur and human parents in a child’s bedroom. Most of the illustrations span two pages and are colorful and engaging. While there are very few and in some cases no words on a page, the facial expressions and picture composition serve to highlight many subtle and not so subtle messages. Dr. Toughlove doesn’t want to give the story away, but let it suffice to say that if you have a youngster in your life who resists going to bed at night, this is the book for you.
This book is also ideal if you read to youngsters who like dinosaurs. Each time a question is asked, a different dinosaur is seen in the illustration. Children love to guess what kind of dinosaur they are looking at, and a picture glossary is provided at the front and the back of the book to help kids (and adults) learn the names of the various dinosaurs.
“How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” is also perfect for read alouds. There are lots of opportunities for the reader to vary voice and intonation to entertain the children listening. The rhyming format provides numerous ways to reinforce reading and listening skills. Children who are learning to read tend to master this book quickly and like reading “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” to younger children. The possibilities for how to use this book are endless.
“How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” is recommended for children in grades Pre-Kindergarten – grade 2 and is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library.