10+ Best Dinosaur Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect dinosaur books for 5-year-olds? You've come to the right spot! Whether your little one is a budding paleontologist or just has a gigantic curiosity about these prehistoric giants, we've got a collection of captivating reads that are sure to spark their imagination and love for learning. Keep reading to discover our top picks of dinosaur books that are tailor-made for 5-year-old adventurers!

Fun Dinosaur Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Dinosaur Roar! by Paul Stickland and Henrietta Stickland
  • Illustrator: Paul Stickland
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book features a series of playful dinosaurs that showcase opposites such as "loud" and "quiet," helping children understand these concepts through fun dinosaur characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic blend of learning and entertainment, using dinosaurs to teach about opposites, which can help enhance vocabulary and conceptual understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy vibrant illustrations and learning through playful storytelling.

• How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen
  • Illustrator: Mark Teague
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: In this story, various dinosaur children go through their bedtime routines, each with unique, sometimes humorous approaches to saying good night.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with relatable bedtime rituals, making reading fun and engaging while also promoting good bedtime habits.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love dinosaurs and those who appreciate a giggle before bedtime.

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes
  • Illustrator: Franco Tempesta
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the world of dinosaurs, categorized by size, with interesting facts and engaging questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's educational yet accessible, filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts that are sure to captivate young minds.
  • Perfect for: Curious youngsters who have a thirst for knowledge about the prehistoric world.

• Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
  • Illustrator: Ben Cort
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: This humorous story explores a whimsical explanation for why dinosaurs became extinct— their obsession with underpants!
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and imaginative tale that encourages laughter and enjoyment of reading through a ridiculous scenario that kids find amusing.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy silly stories and those who are just starting to explore their sense of humor.

• The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet! by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter
  • Illustrator: Garry Parsons
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Follow Danny and his dinosaur friend as they go on a space adventure that leads to unexpected and funny consequences involving poop!
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes science fiction with humor to create a fun and engaging reading experience that will have kids laughing and eager to turn the pages.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy outer space, dinosaurs, and lots of laughs.

Educational Dinosaur Books for 5-Year-Olds

• My Big Dinosaur Book by Roger Priddy
  • Illustrator: Roger Priddy
  • Genre(s): Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book introduces kids to various dinosaurs with large, colorful illustrations and simple, easy-to-understand facts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, basic paleontology, recognition skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually stimulating with its big, bold pictures and provides just the right amount of information for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are just starting to learn about dinosaurs and enjoy large, colorful pictures.

• Dinosaur A-Z by Roger Priddy
  • Illustrator: Roger Priddy
  • Genre(s): Educational, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: For every letter of the alphabet, there's a dinosaur, which helps children learn both their ABCs and some fascinating dinosaur facts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet knowledge, dinosaur knowledge, reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines learning the alphabet with dinosaur education, making it a dual-purpose book that's both fun and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are beginning to read and have an interest in dinosaurs.

• Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur? by Bonnie Worth
  • Illustrator: Steve Haefele
  • Genre(s): Educational, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: Part of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, this book takes young readers on a journey to explore the world of dinosaurs with fun rhymes and engaging illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, basic paleontology, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a delightful rhyming scheme that makes learning about dinosaurs engaging and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love Dr. Seuss's style and are fascinated by dinosaurs.

• Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne
  • Illustrator: Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Magic Tree House series, where siblings Jack and Annie are whisked back in time to the age of dinosaurs.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, historical knowledge about dinosaurs, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with educational elements, making learning about the prehistoric past exciting and dynamic.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy time travel stories and learning through fiction.

• The Berenstain Bears' Dinosaur Dig by Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain
  • Illustrator: Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The Bear family visits a dinosaur dig at the museum and learns about paleontology in a fun and interactive way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of scientific processes, teamwork, and paleontology
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great introduction to scientific discovery and paleontology, presented in a way that's easy for young children to understand and enjoy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fans of the Berenstain Bears and have a budding interest in science and dinosaurs.

Challenging Dinosaur Books for 5-Year-Olds

• When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach
  • Illustrator: David Small
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Imagine a world where instead of toys or treats, children get a real dinosaur with every purchase. This book explores a day where dinosaurs come with everything, turning an ordinary outing into an extraordinary adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: The concept challenges young readers to imagine a fantastical scenario, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and creativity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and encourages creative thinking, all while entertaining with its whimsical and delightful story.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and young dreamers who love the idea of a world filled with dinosaurs.

• Atlas of Dinosaur Adventures by Emily Hawkins
  • Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: Step into the prehistoric world with this atlas that takes you through the continents exploring different dinosaurs and their habitats.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of geography and paleontology, presented through detailed maps and sophisticated vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines learning with adventure, providing a rich educational experience that also captivates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who are not only fascinated by dinosaurs but also curious about the world map and ancient landscapes.

• Dinosaurium by Chris Wormell and Lily Murray
  • Illustrator: Chris Wormell
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Reference Book
  • Synopsis: Welcome to the Dinosaurium! This museum-like book features a collection of dinosaurs presented in gallery style, offering readers a detailed look at the magnificent creatures of the Mesozoic Era.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features a museum layout with academic-level information that requires focus and a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's like a visit to a museum but in book form, perfect for deep dives into paleontology and the prehistoric era, enhancing both knowledge and reading skills.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring paleontologists and kids who would enjoy a detailed, museum-like exploration of dinosaurs.

• The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley
  • Illustrator: Brian Selznick
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Waterhouse Hawkins, an artist and scientist who built the first life-sized dinosaur models and changed the way we see dinosaurs today.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with historical facts and introduces biographical and scientific concepts that are usually not explored in detail at this age.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of history, science, and art, providing a multifaceted approach to learning that can inspire creativity and a deeper appreciation for scientific endeavors.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and scientists interested in the intersection of art and paleontology.

• The Dinosaur Expert by Margaret McNamara
  • Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow Kimmy as she visits a natural history museum with her class and discovers her passion for dinosaurs, even when faced with doubts from her peers.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of gender stereotypes and self-confidence, which are complex but important topics for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to pursue their interests and stand firm against stereotypes, promoting confidence and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers facing their own challenges in expressing their interests and those who love stories of empowerment and dinosaurs.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of dinosaurs with your little one through books, you're on a fantastic journey. But, how about making this reading adventure even more engaging and beneficial for their reading habits? Here are some fun and easy exercises to incorporate into your reading routine that are perfect for 5-year-olds. These activities will not only enhance their experience but also foster good reading habits early on.

• Dinosaur Reading Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart where your child can add a sticker every time they finish a dinosaur book.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading and gives them a visual representation of their achievements.
  • Tips: Let your child pick the stickers and place them on the chart to increase their excitement and involvement.

• Dino Role Play
  • What it is: After reading a dinosaur book, act out a scene or a story with your child.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention by bringing the story to life.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more fun and engaging.

• Picture Dictionary
  • What it is: Create a picture dictionary with your child where they draw dinosaurs they read about and write a few words about them.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and helps in visualizing text content.
  • Tips: Keep the activity light and fun; don't worry too much about perfect spelling at this age.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: Use cards or pictures to sequence the events from the dinosaur book they just read.
  • How it helps: Develops understanding of story structure and logical thinking.
  • Tips: Start with simple stories and gradually increase complexity as your child gets more comfortable.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: Have your child draw a scene or a character from the book after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and deeper engagement with the book.
  • Tips: Discuss the scene or character with your child as they draw to enhance understanding.

• Book Buddy Reading
  • What it is: Pair your child with a friend or a sibling, and have them read a dinosaur book together.
  • How it helps: Promotes social skills and makes reading a fun, shared experience.
  • Tips: Encourage the children to discuss the book and share their thoughts with each other.

Using these exercises, your child will not only enjoy their dinosaur books more but also build strong reading habits that will benefit them immensely as they grow. Happy reading and exploring the prehistoric world with your little adventurer!