How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read? written by by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Little dinosaurs love to read.  Some people assume that they don’t know how to read and badly treat their books by throwing or eating them.  Little dinosaurs show how they really read their books.  They read in their beds, on a toilet, and on the floor.  They never mistreat their book by using it as a shovel, bat, or boat. They get upset when mom and dad want to turn off the light when it is time for bed.  Little dinosaurs can’t wait to wake up tomorrow and start reading again.  Alone or with a buddy, dinosaurs and little people can learn to enjoy reading in different ways.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  There are many places to learn to read and how to treat a book.  Dinosaurs show us wrong ways and then the right ways. This is a good lesson for early readers on how to treat a book and learning ways to enjoy reading in different surroundings.  Teachers should encourage students in finding different locations like on a bean bag, in their bed, on the floor.  Each student should have their own perfect reading spot and share it with the class.  It is another great way to reward reading by setting aside time to go outside on a blanket, or to find soft seating in school. This oversized book with colorful illustrations is great for a classroom read aloud.