English Cymraeg

A First Book of Dinosaurs

by Simon Mole, illustrated by Matt Hunt

Interest age: 4 to 9
Reading age: 8+

Published by Walker Books, 2023

  • Funny
  • Poetry and rhyme

About this book

This fun and inventive collection of thirty roar-some, illustrated poems celebrates the weird and wonderful world of dinosaurs.

The poems are grouped into four sections, each covering a different aspect of these fascinating pre-historic creatures; ‘Meet the Dinosaurs’ introduces the likes of the T-Rex, triceratops and more by covering facts about their many unique characteristics. Through playful language and brilliant metaphor, we learn that the Argentinosaurus has legs as tall as tree trunks whilst a Brachiosaurus weighs the same as thirty cars! 

In ‘Eat or Be Eaten’, the poems focus on some of the curious food-hunting and foraging habits of different dinosaurs, from menacing meat-eaters to peaceful plant-eaters. The poems in ‘Dinosaur Families’ look at dinosaur groups that share similar features or habitats, whilst the closing pages take a funny and informative look at the legacy of dinosaurs today (with the help of a chicken!)

With striking graphic illustrations that bring a real sense of fun and humour to the poems, this is a book which is great for both dipping in and out of in a classroom setting or treasuring and returning to at home. The combination of well-researched dinosaur facts with an engaging variety of free-verse poems makes this a brilliant resource for Key Stage One teachers looking to bring a fun and fresh approach to the dinosaur curriculum.

About the author

Simon Mole is an acclaimed children’s poet. He has had six books published, including A First Book of Bugs, which was recently shortlisted for the CLiPPA Award. 

Simon is a National Poetry Day Ambassador, with over fifteen years’ experience using rap and poetry in community and education settings, including projects with Great Ormond Street Hospital and Arsenal Football Club. The tutorial videos at Simon's YouTube channel are used by hundreds of thousands of children and teachers across the world each year, and have been featured on BBC.

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