About This Book
Reach for this book when your little one is feeling under the weather or facing anxiety about a trip to the pediatrician. Using humor and larger than life dinosaur characters, Jane Yolen and Mark Teague explore the typical tantrums and resistance children might feel when they are sick: like refusing medicine or hiding under the covers. The story transitions from these silly, naughty behaviors to modeling how a dinosaur (and a child) can be a cooperative patient who rests, drinks juice, and uses tissues. It is a comforting, rhythmic read that validates a child's discomfort while providing a gentle roadmap for getting better. Parents will appreciate how it turns a stressful situation into a moment of shared laughter and reassurance.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book is designed to reduce medical anxiety and does not contain frightening or distressing imagery.
Ideal Reader
A preschooler or kindergartner who is currently sick or has an upcoming doctor's appointment and needs help visualizing what 'being a good patient' looks like.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. The rhyming scheme is very predictable, making it an easy read-aloud even for a tired parent. A child who is currently struggling with 'sick-day' behaviors: refusing fluids, hiding from the thermometer, or having a meltdown over a doctor's visit.
Age Experience
For a 3-year-old, the focus is on the funny dinosaurs and the physical actions of taking medicine. A 5 or 6-year-old will better appreciate the 'don't do this, do this' structure and the humor of seeing huge dinosaurs in tiny human beds.
What Makes It Special
The juxtaposition of massive, detailed dinosaurs in a domestic, modern setting creates a unique visual humor that separates it from standard 'going to the doctor' books.
Read plot summary
The book follows various species of dinosaurs as they deal with being sick. It begins by asking humorous questions about whether dinosaurs misbehave when they are ill: such as throwing tissues on the floor or refusing to see the doctor. It then pivots to show 'good' dinosaur behavior, depicting them taking their medicine, resting quietly, and being brave during medical exams.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think the dinosaurs might want to hide under the bed when they feel sick?
2
Look at the dinosaur at the doctor's office. How can you tell he is being brave even though he feels bad?
3
What are some things that help YOU feel better when you have a fever or a cold?
4
Which dinosaur behavior was the funniest to you, and why?
