How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
By Jane Yolen
The Story
A playful dinosaur resists bedtime with tail slams and pouts, but after much pondering, he finally settles into sweet dreams with a hug and a kiss from his loving parents.
Why It's Special
If your child loves dinosaurs, bedtime rituals, and cozy read-alouds, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? is a delightful choice.
- Big idea: Mother and child explore how a dinosaur might say goodnight, from noisy tantrums to affectionate goodnight hugs.
- Vibes: Playful and heartwarming, with a gentle exploration of bedtime emotions.
Notice how the dinosaur’s transition from pouting to hugging can open discussions about expressing emotions.
Perfect For Kids Who...
- enjoy dinosaur tales
- need help creating a bedtime routine
- respond well to stories with humor and heart
- love seeing emotions play out in characters
Ask Your Little Reader
Invite your child to think deeper about the story.
- Story & problem-solving: How does the dinosaur’s behavior change from the beginning to the end of the book?
- Feelings & empathy: Why do you think the dinosaur was pouting at first?
- Real-life connection: How do you say goodnight at home? Does it look like the dinosaur's way?
- Imagination: What other silly things might a dinosaur do if it lived in your house? Encourage drawing a picture of their own bedtime routine inspired by the book.