Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 4-5

Dinos Don’t Give Up!

Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Richard Merritt

Publisher: Little Tiger

Dinah the Diplodocus is a bit of a star: she finds everything easy, from baking to learning the alphabet. And, even though Dinah always wins at everything, she also has tons of friends because she’s nice enough to help others out when they don’t understand something, and she cheers them on when they do.

So, when a surfing competition comes to town, Dinah assumes she’s going to be tip top. All you have to do is hop on the board, right? Yet, when surfing doesn’t go her way, Dinah realises that perhaps there are some things that she needs support to do – including a great big cuddle from her friends.

This is a book that’s perfect for the kid who tends to excel at most things: sometimes, when those kids come up against something that doesn’t come naturally, there can be frustration at the relatively new experience of not ‘getting it’ straight away. Halls’ gentle rhyming text makes sure to celebrate Dinah for all her wonderful qualities, and remind us that all we need when the going gets tough is a hug and a bit of encouragement – exactly as Dinah gives to her friends without hesitation.

Richard Merritt’s bright, eye-catching illustrations make a jolly and sweet, summery book with a kind message about resilience and caring.

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Leilong’s Too Long!

Author: Julia Liu & Bei Lynn Translator: Helen Wang

Leilong is a brontosaurus, but he’s a dinosaur with a difference: this brontosaurus carries children to school. His long neck is a perfect slide for children living on the top floor of a block of flats, and there’s plenty of room on his back for everyone.