10+ Best Dinosaur Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect dinosaur books for 7-year-olds? You've come to the right spot! Whether your little one is a budding paleontologist or just has a huge love for these prehistoric creatures, we've gathered a fantastic selection of reads that will capture their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks of dinosaur books for 7-year-olds that promise adventure, fun, and a whole lot of roaring dinosaurs!

Fun Dinosaur Books for 7-Year-Olds

• National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes, illustrated by Franco Tempesta
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, ranging from small, feathered creatures to the giant sauropods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with fascinating facts and incredible illustrations that make learning about dinosaurs engaging and fun.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds fascinated by the prehistoric era and eager to learn more about the natural world.

• Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, No. 1) by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that takes them back to the time of the dinosaurs. They embark on a thrilling adventure to find their way back home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with history, sparking imagination while subtly educating about the Mesozoic era.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who enjoy time-travel stories and learning through fictional tales.

• How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Humor
  • Synopsis: A playful take on bedtime routines, this book shows how different dinosaurs might resist going to bed, then sweetly say goodnight.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful bedtime read that combines humor with lessons in behavior, making bedtime fun.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dinosaurs and parents looking for a fun way to ease bedtime struggles.

• The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet! by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, illustrated by Garry Parsons
  • Genre(s): Humor, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Danny and his dinosaur go on a space adventure where the dinosaur's appetite leads to chaos and, ultimately, a journey back home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's hilariously imaginative, encouraging laughter and the joy of reading through its absurd yet captivating storyline.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy silly stories and parents who value the fun side of reading.

• Dinosaur Dig! by Penny Dale
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Dinosaurs work together using construction vehicles to dig, push, and build, uncovering something surprising.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines dinosaurs with trucks and building, engaging young readers with dynamic illustrations and an exciting story.
  • Perfect for: Little ones who are fascinated by both dinosaurs and big machines.

Educational Dinosaur Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Dinosaur A to Z by Dustin Growick
  • Genre(s): Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fun and engaging alphabetical journey through the world of dinosaurs, introducing children to different types of dinosaurs for each letter of the alphabet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet knowledge, dinosaur knowledge, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a structured and easy-to-understand approach to learning about dinosaurs, making it an excellent educational resource.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to explore the world of dinosaurs and those who enjoy a systematic approach to learning.

• The Big Book of Dinosaurs by DK
  • Genre(s): Reference, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: A comprehensive guide that showcases various dinosaurs with detailed illustrations and facts about their habitats, diets, and history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, knowledge of paleontology, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: Its large, colorful illustrations and accessible text make learning about dinosaurs captivating and enjoyable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are looking for a deeper dive into the details of different dinosaur species and their environments.

• Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs by Tedd Arnold
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Fly Guy and Buzz visit a natural history museum and learn all about dinosaurs, from the fierce T-rex to the gentle giants.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific inquiry, reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and education with engaging illustrations and lively text that keep children interested and learning.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories mixed with factual information, and fans of the Fly Guy series.

• What If You Had T. Rex Teeth? And Other Dinosaur Parts by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Howard McWilliam
  • Genre(s): Science, Speculative Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explores the intriguing question of what it would be like if humans had parts of dinosaurs, such as T. rex teeth or a Triceratops frill.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, understanding of anatomy, comparison skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to think creatively and scientifically, blending factual dinosaur information with imaginative scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy "what if" scenarios and are curious about the natural world and anatomy.

• Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages by Dr. Thomas R. Holtz Jr., illustrated by Luis V. Rey
  • Genre(s): Encyclopedia, Educational
  • Synopsis: This detailed encyclopedia provides the latest research and discoveries about dinosaurs, with insights into their environments, behaviors, and how they lived.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Research skills, critical thinking, detailed knowledge of paleontology
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an authoritative resource that offers comprehensive and up-to-date information, ideal for deeper learning and satisfying curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring paleontologists and older children or anyone seeking a thorough understanding of dinosaurs beyond basic facts.

Challenging Dinosaur Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte
  • Genre(s): Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book provides a captivating scientific narrative about the evolution, life, and extinction of dinosaurs, based on the latest paleontological research.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex scientific concepts and detailed paleontological data that are typically not covered in children's literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the world of dinosaurs with engaging storytelling that makes complex subjects accessible and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a keen interest in science and history, who are ready for a more advanced understanding of dinosaurs.

• When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth by Jules Howard, illustrated by Robert Ball
  • Genre(s): Science, History
  • Synopsis: The book chronicles the reign of dinosaurs on Earth, exploring various species and their adaptations through different geological periods.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced scientific terminology and concepts about geology and paleobiology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thorough insight into the dominance of dinosaurs on Earth with vivid illustrations that capture the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Budding paleontologists and children interested in earth sciences and the history of life on our planet.

• Dinosaur Atlas by Anne Rooney, illustrated by James Gilleard
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: An atlas that maps out where dinosaurs lived and provides details about the different species found in each region of the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates geographic and fossil evidence to teach about dinosaurs, which requires an understanding of more complex scientific and geographical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines maps and detailed dinosaur profiles, offering a unique geographical perspective on where and how dinosaurs lived.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love maps and learning about different regions, as well as those fascinated by the global aspect of dinosaur history.

• Prehistoric Giants: The Megalodon and Other Giant Marine Monsters of the Ancient Seas by Timothy J. Bradley
  • Genre(s): Science, Prehistoric Life
  • Synopsis: This book explores the giants of the prehistoric oceans, focusing not only on the well-known megalodon but also on other large marine creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers lesser-known prehistoric marine life, requiring readers to grasp concepts of marine biology and paleontology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands the usual focus on land dinosaurs to include the fascinating giants of ancient seas, broadening the reader's knowledge of prehistoric life.
  • Perfect for: Young marine biology enthusiasts and those curious about the less commonly discussed giants of the prehistoric era.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your little one into a budding paleontologist or just foster a love for reading through the exciting world of dinosaurs, here are some engaging exercises that can help. These activities are designed to complement any dinosaur book and make reading a fun, interactive habit for 7-year-olds.

• Create a Dinosaur Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special place in your home where your child can read about dinosaurs.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and enjoyable activity.
  • Tips: Let your child help decorate the space with dinosaur posters or toys.

• Dinosaur Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Keep a list of new words found in dinosaur books.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Review the list together and try to use the new words in sentences.

• Draw Your Favorite Dinosaur
  • What it is: After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite dinosaur.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what they've read and aids in memory retention.
  • Tips: Discuss the dinosaur's features that were mentioned in the book while drawing.

• Dinosaur Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the dinosaur books you read.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and makes reading more dynamic.
  • Tips: Take turns playing different characters from the book.

• Question and Answer Game
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child questions about the story and dinosaurs it featured.
  • How it helps: Improves recall and comprehension.
  • Tips: Keep the questions fun and engaging rather than making it feel like a test.

• Story Sequencing Cards
  • What it is: Create cards that depict scenes from the dinosaur books read.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the order of events and storytelling skills.
  • Tips: Shuffle the cards and let your child arrange them in the right order.

These exercises are not just about reading; they're about building a deeper connection with what's being read. By incorporating these activities, you're setting up a fun, interactive learning environment that will keep your child eager to read more about their favorite prehistoric creatures. Happy reading and exploring!