Do you have a dinosaur lover in your midst? National Geographic Kids celebrated DinoMAYnia in May and International Dinosaur Day on May 17th. Even if you missed International Dinosaur Day, you can find some great books below for readers of all ages.
National Geographic Kids also has an amazing DinoMAYnia website packed full of games, video shorts, facts, and even a dinosaur personality quiz!: natgeokids.com/dinomania
Little Kids First Board Book; Dinosaurs (ages baby – 3, hard cover, $7.99)
The prehistoric world comes alive with dinosaurs small, big, giant, and gigantic in this colorful book for the very youngest dinosaur lovers! Each spread in this sturdy book features a different dinosaur, along with super simple facts and lively, age-appropriate language to keep babies and toddlers–and their grown-ups–fascinated by every colorful page. Not only will readers learn about a variety of dinosaurs–and how to say their names, they can also find recurring shapes and patterns in the art, while adults can keep their eyes open for occasional funny commentary from the animals. Sidebar text offers additional learning for older siblings or those ready for more complex information. The Little Kids First Board Books mirror the beloved First Big Books while taking a fresh new approach to excite a baby’s sense of wonder and make learning about nature and science fun.
NG Kids Dinos Sticker Activity Book (ages preschool – 3, paperback, $6.50)
From T. rex to Stegasaurus, Diplodocus to Triceratops, this super engaging activity book is packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, and more. Dino-crazy kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun, learning as the go!
So Cool! Dinos (hardcover, ages 3-5, $6.99)
Those sharp, pointy teeth! Those terrifying claws! Those long necks and pointy spines! Let’s face it … dinosaurs are SO COOL! Blending dinosaur art with silly quips and Informational fact boxes about when dinosaurs lived on Earth, stats about dinos, dinosaur feathers, and more, this is the perfect little reader to get kids’ brains buzzing and keep them laughing while learning.
National Geographic Readers: T.Rex (ages 4-6, paperback, $4.99)
Giant teeth! Crushing bite! Slicing claws! And … feathers? Scientists have unearthed new knowledge about the king of the dinosaurs, and now you can, too. Travel back in time to the Mesozoic forests to meet the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. Learn how their bodies were perfectly adapted for hunting, how T. rex parents guarded their nests, and just how much meat they could guzzle down in a single bite. Then explore some of the fascinating fossils―including Sue and Scotty―that have helped scientists make important discoveries (for example, T. rex may not have roared at all!). National Geographic Readers’ combination of expert-vetted text, brilliant images, and a fun approach to reading have proved to be a winning formula with kids, parents, and educators. This level 1 text provides accessible information for kids just beginning to read on their own, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!
Ultimate Dinopedia, 2nd ED (hardcover, ages 7-10, 296 pages, $24.99)
Big, beautiful and gift-worthy! The new edition of the popular Nat Geo Kids Dinopedia includes all the latest species and is the most complete, up-to-date dinosaur reference available. Find favorites, like the fierce T-rex and the gentle Brontosaurus, plus audacious new finds, like the Anzu, Kosmoceratops, and Yi. Every dino profile is colorfully illustrated and features descriptions of when they roamed the Earth, how they lived, what they ate, and more. There are more than 600 dinos featured in all, including 10 profiles of recently discovered dinosaurs and new entries in the Dino Dictionary. Reports from paleontologists present the latest news and insights from the field.
Dino Records: The Most Amazing Prehistoric Creatures Ever to Have Lived on Earth! (paperback, ages 8-12, 208 pages, $14.99)
Get ready to meet the record-setting creatures from the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, including the biggest, smallest, smartest, weirdest, deadliest, most notorious, and most mysterious of all time. Young paleontologists can explore fantastic firsts, including the first dinosaur fossils found and the first dinos in space. They’ll also meet other rad, remarkable creatures that lived before, after, and alongside them. Did you know that the largest fish, the largest turtle, and the largest flying animal that ever existed lived during the time of the dinosaurs? Or that mammals – no bigger than a small dog when dinosaurs roamed – eventually evolved into massive land animals? See who wins in head-to-head species smackdowns and enjoy games that complement the records.
1,000 Facts About Dinosaurs, Fossils and Prehistoric Life (ages 8-12, National Geographic Kids Books, Hardcover, $14.99)
T. rex, triceratops, pterosaurs, saber-toothed cats! This eye-catching, comprehensive, and “browsable” title is jam-packed with 1,000 fascinating facts about what these prehistoric creatures looked like, how they lived, and the evidence they left behind. Uncover amazing fossil facts about the first four-legged creatures; find out what it’s like to be on a dinosaur dig; and marvel at some of the fiercest, most fascinating claws and teeth. Learn how dinosaurs and birds are connected, find out the biggest prehistoric mysteries that scientists are still trying to crack, and sink your teeth into some seriously supersize dino stats.
National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig Kit (ages 8+, $9.99)
Your child will be able to do the work of a real paleontologist as they excavate a T. rex tooth replica from the large dig brick with tools similar to what paleontologists use in the field. This T. rex tooth is a very special item because it was molded from a real T. rex tooth fossil, so your child will have the chance to see, feel, and treasure an artifact from one of the most famous and fearsome dinosaurs yet discovered. A genuine coprolite (dino poop) fossil is also included.
WIN IT
One of my US readers will win a Nat Geo Kids DinoMAYnia Prize Pack, which includes all 8 items described above (ARV $92). Lucky you! To enter, fill out the form below.
Disclosure: Thank you to the sponsor for providing the prize for giveaway.