Baker's Dozen Selections: Prehistoric

Imagine a world where whatever you draw with a piece of chalk springs to life. A shining sun and beautiful butterflies fill the pages of this wonderfully illustrated story as children on a playground realize that the bag of chalk they found contains some magic. But what happens when one of the children decides to draw a ferocious dinosaur on the pavement? Discover the creativity within this wordless picture book as you watch your children’s vivid expressions and allow their imaginations to guide them in telling the story. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss!

Charlotte has always wanted a pet, so when her parents decide to surprise her with one on her birthday, she should be thrilled. However, Dennis the pet rock is not entirely what she expected. He is a good listener and hypoallergenic…but is a challenge to walk and has a poor appetite. Charlotte looks on the bright side of things, however, and gives Dennis the love and attention he needs until one day, he is finally able to return her affection!

In this funny story, Cole is disappointed that his new dinosaur toy is so tiny, but his mother reassures him that Dino-Gro will grow when he becomes wet. Once Dino-Gro discovers a glass of water, a stream, the aquarium, the sprinkler, and the shower—grow he does! Big, bigger and biggest—so big that he doesn’t fit in the house! Hilarious antics and a rescue follow as the family figures out how to manage a giant blue dinosaur.

Dinosaur elevates everyday activities into triumphant battles.  Dinosaur vs A pile of leaves? Of course, Dinosaur wins!  A bowl of spaghetti, a big slide, and even a group of talking grownups are no match for Dinosaur’s awesome power. That is, until Bedtime enters the picture!  Young readers will enjoy this exuberant, easy to read (and shout!) story, matched with energetic illustrations of paper, paint, photo collage, and crayons.

(Originally published as Sammy and the Dinosaurs by Orchard, © 1999).

Children who love dinosaurs will love this story about Harry and the dinosaur friends he discovers in Gran’s attic. Readers learn the real names of their favorite dinos, and parents will appreciate the handy pronunciation guide at the back of the book. The story has special appeal for children who personify their toys or talk with “imaginary” friends.

As part of a group on an expedition to look for penguins in the Antarctic, this book’s main character is instead bundled up and eager to spot the legendary woolly mammoth. Although these ancient relatives of elephants are believed to be extinct (as shared in a facts page at the end of the story), readers will share the excitement when a tutu-wearing, skateboarding mammoth enters the picture. Young readers will enjoy chiming in the repetitive shout of “Mammoth!” and the earnest pleas of the young child to the adults in the group, insisting that there are indeed more than penguins on this icy terrain. The detailed illustrations offer engaging talking points, and the humorous reactions of the offended penguins, upset that the main character is more interested in mammoths, add an amusing touch. The unexpected twist at the end will assure readers that this young explorer was telling the truth and was not just crying “mammoth.”  

In a story that children will want to hear read over and over again, an engaging little cave boy named Edwin declares, “Me hungry!” Both of his parents are too busy to get him something to eat. Edwin takes matters into his own hands and sets out on a journey to hunt for his own food. He not only finds food, but makes a new friend. When Edwin’s father finally calls him for dinner, Edwin responds, “We busy!” With very little text, simple illustrations, and brightly colored backgrounds, this funny story is sure to be a hit with children who have experienced busy parents.

Prepare to tour the world of dinosaurs! This book will delight readers with simple text and interesting facts about these prehistoric creatures. With endpapers that provide a pronunciation guide and nicknames for each dinosaur, young readers will devour this book over and over. Which dinosaurs walked on two legs? Which ones shook the ground when they walked? Was an Iguanodon slow-moving or fast? You can find the answers to these wonders and more when you embark on the dinosaur tour!