Dinosaur Starts School

Plot Summary

“What would you do if on the very first day of school Dinosaur wasn’t smiling his big, toothy dinosaur smile? You’d say, ‘Don’t worry, Dinosaur. School will be fun.’”

So begins the story as a little boy helps his dinosaur friend overcome his fears of the first day of school.  All sorts of questions that children might ask are addressed by the little boy - why does he have to go to school, what if he has to speak up and say his name, what if he doesn't like what they serve for lunch?  His answers should calm the tummies of any young student.  And best of all, he explains how to make new friend.  By the end of the day, Dinosaur loves school and can't wait to come again the next day.

Reviews

"This is a gentle, reflective story on a child’s first-day jitters, and the empowering use of the child as wise comforter may encourage youngsters to engage in some reassuring self-talk when they’re in similar situations. Allwright’s paintings are muted and full of peaceful light, offering a pleasing tonal accompaniment to the story." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Allwright makes gentle use of the ridiculousness of the premise, pairing swiftly drawn smiling humans against a large, textured red reptile. And when Dinosaur makes a friend—a green triceratops, complete with child of its own—she makes sweet visual hay. While most readers will recognize just who occupies which role in this small fear-buster, they’ll be happy enough to let it unfold." Kirkus Reviews

"Loosely drawn illustrations convey the humor, and the big size of the dinosaur leads to even more smiles (what could ever frighten someone so large?) The book could be used for those heading off to preschool or kindergarten."
Children's Literature

Associated Keywords
dinosaur, school, fear, fun, first day