How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?

[This review was previously published and has been updated and edited]

Did you know Jane Yolen's popular dinosaur series were board books as well as picture books? I did not until I received these review copies. These board books are a little different than the picturebooks, as they're clearly divided into "good" and "bad" behaviors with pets. First, we see the ways a dinosaur should NOT love his dog or cat by being rough and neglectful. Then, we see how a dinosaur really loves her dog or cat by being gentle and responsible. Mark Teague's illustrations are even funnier than the picture books with hilariously over-the-top bad behavior and adorable sweetness on the good behaviors.

I tested these out on my research team; first on our adult show more services librarian's almost-toddler who did not approve. I think these were a little long for him and he's not into dinosaurs yet. However....in our second testing phase, with Ms. Pattie and the toddlers at storytime, they were a wow! The kids went crazy over the dinosaurs and their silly behavior.

Verdict: These are great examples of board books for slightly older toddlers, closer to the 3 yrs old range. They have simple, rhyming text but elements of a story, colorful bold pictures that express simple emotions and actions, and broad humor that is just perfect for kids who are starting to comprehend jokes.

How do dinosaurs love their dogs
ISBN: 978-0545153522; Published January 2010 by Blue Sky Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates; Donated to the library

How do dinosaurs love their cats
ISBN: 978-0545153546; Published January 2010 by Blue Sky Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates; Donated to the library show less

Yolen, Jane

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?
Illustrated by Mark Teague. 2010. 6pp. $6.99 hc. Scholastic, Inc. 978-0-5451-5354-6. Pre-K.

The narrator of this book asks how dinosaurs treat their cats. Do they mistreat them, teasing them with toys they can't have and ignoring when their kitty litter needs to be changed, or do they take care of their cats well and cuddle and nurture them? The answer is, the story says, the latter. The painterly illustrations of dinosaurs are helpfully labeled with the name of each dinosaur, so that it is clear what the different species are, and the colors of the illustrations are vivid and attention-getting. Very small children will enjoy the clever rhymes and the endearing illustrations, although some show more parents may be concerned that bad behavior toward cats is modeled in the early pages of the book, though the examples of bad behavior are later counterbalanced by the narrator's statements that dinosaurs do not behave that way with their cats and by examples of how dinosaurs care for their cats. Cat lovers and dinosaur lovers alike may enjoy this book. show less

I don't know if I like the text or the graphics of this little gem more. I had to read it twice. It's so cute! Teaches kids through examples the correct way to treat their pets and be responsible for their care.

Another great quick read for kids. I loved the antics of this dinosaur and also loved the lesson that it teaches at the end. My kids laughed at the beginning because of some of the situations. I really recommend reading this book and all the books in this series.

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?
Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
Blue Sky Press
12 Pages
2010
Board Book
Toddlers
Like other books in this series, first the dinosaurs give examples of what not to do - throw the cat, tease it, etc. Then they show us, and tell us in fun rhymes, how to love and take care of kitty. The dinosaurs are colorful and funny, both through the illustrations and the text. Each one is discreetly labeled with its name, providing scientific joy for dinosaur buffs. This might entice older siblings to read this to the toddler in their family.

Why, oh why, do I keep checking these books out? I really dislike how the dinos model terrible behavior at first. My son, however, LOVES them.

This book uses dinosaurs to give examples of bad behavior in the beginning - throw the cat, tease it, etc. Later they show the reader with fun rhymes, how to love and take care of our pet. The dinosaurs are colorful and funny, and the illustrations are great.