How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?



Last updated Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Date of Publication: 200
ISBN: 0590316818
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2016

Synopsis: Amazon.com Review: "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 all about? Does a dinosaur stomp his feet on the floor and shout: 'I want to hear one book more!'? DOES A DINOSAUR ROAR?" Most certainly not. Dinosaurs give their mommies and daddies big hugs and kisses, tuck their tales in, and whisper "Good night!" Every sleepy little dinosaur will recognize the tricks of the trade in these bedtime shenanigans. The chuckle factor is sky-high here, with giant, full-page pictures of cleverly identified Tyrannosaurus rexes, triceratopses, and Pteranodons. A variety of human mothers and fathers trying to put their dinosaur children to bed will bring the point home that the story may have something to do with human kid behavior as well. This good-natured nighttime book is sure to be a winner (even though it might inspire a few noisy dinosaur antics), especially as it's written by Jane Yolen, prolific Caldecott Medalist author of Owl Moon. Yolen and Mark Teague have teamed up to create a fun, silly, playful read-aloud. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

Note to readers:
•  Check the names of the dinosaurs on each page. Have the kids look at the types of dinosaurs in the story and on the inside book cover.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Can you name the different dinosaurs? (example: Stegosaurus, Triceratops, T Rex...)
•  Do the dinosaurs look different? How?
•  Who is the dinosaur saying goodnight to?
•  Who do you say goodnight to?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you think is the best way to say goodnight?
•  Do you read a book before you go to bed?
•  What things do you do before you go to bed?(brush your teeth, drink milk, pajamas....)

Craft ideas:
•  Draw your favorite dinosaur at bedtime like the pictures on the inside cover. They can be reading, playing with a ball or airplane, cuddling with a teddybear, blowing bubbles, jumping on the bed, or sleeping. Write the type of dinosaur on your picture.
•  Make a dinosaur tail. Take a piece of construction paper and fold it in half, hotdog/long style. Then fold the paper in thirds so you have a square shape. Cut the square shape on the diagonal to create several folded triangles. You should end up with at least 5 folded triangles. Glue them over a long string/yarn to create the tail and tie to your back belt loop.
•  Check out our January craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2016-crafts/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!