Best Dinosaur Books for Storytime (Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade)

 Looking for dinosaur books that work well in group storytime? I dug up these roarsome specimens just for you! 

Also, since so many folks are doing the Unearth A Story theme this Summer, also made an epic Dinosaur Storytime Mini-Guide with piggyback songs, pre-recorded playlists for props and dancing, and my top 25 dinosaur books for 0-5. Plus I'll send you my monthly Storytime Sampler. Get it for free HERE. 🫶

Read on for my personal favorite dino books...

Crunch the Shy Dinosaur (2018)

By Cirocco Dunlap · Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli · Published by Random House

Recommended ages: 3–8 years

Crunch is a brontosaurus hiding in some shrubbery, and he's a little shy. This charming, interactive read-aloud invites you (the reader) and your whole group to gently coax him out. It's sweet, giggly, and a lovely way to open a conversation about shyness, new spaces, and what it feels like to be seen.  Basically a built-in interactive script. 

Dig, Dig, Dinosaur (2024)

By Anjali Goswami · Illustrated by Maggie Li · Published by Nosy Crow

Recommended ages: 3–8 years

Three young adventurers head out on an expedition to dig for dinosaur bones and discover real species along the way. Written by an actual paleontologist, this one sneaks in solid science vocabulary without feeling like a lesson. Great for movement (everybody dig!), prediction, and introducing kids to what paleontologists actually do. A fun addition if you want something a little more factual alongside the sillier picks on this list. 

Dinosaur Dance! (2018)

By Sandra Boynton · Published by Little Simon

Recommended ages: 0–5 years

It's Sandra Boynton. The Shimmy Shimmy Shake, the Quivery Quake, the Cha Cha Cha. You already know this one is a hit. Perfect movement break read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers — read it, act it out, do it again. Short, fun, and endlessly repeatable.

The Three Triceratops Tuff (2013)

By Stephen Shaskan · Published by Beach Lane Books

Recommended ages: 0–8 years

A fabulous retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff with a dinosaur twist — three Triceratops brothers named Tuff are trying to get past a very grumpy T. Rex to find some food. If your group knows the original, they'll be delighted. If they don't, it works beautifully as a standalone. The predictable structure, repetition, and character voice opportunities make this a really fun read-aloud, puppet story, or felt board. I also recommend patting at different intensity for the different clip clops to embody small, medium, and large.

One-osaurus, Two-osaurus (2021)

By Kim Norman · Illustrated by Pierre Collet-Derby · Published by Candlewick

Recommended ages: 0–8 years

Part counting game, part dinosaur celebration, this one has serious energy. Kids count along, move along, and generally have a great time. It's the kind of book that turns into a whole-group experience naturally — great for building number recognition in an active, fun way that doesn't feel like a math lesson at all. The rhythm and rhyming is masterful.

Rex Wrecks It! (2014)

By Ben Clanton · Published by Candlewick

Recommended ages: 0–8 years

Rex cannot stop wrecking everything his friends build. Can they find a way to channel his energy into something constructive? This is a great one for talking about impulse control, cooperation, and working through frustration — social-emotional themes that land really naturally inside a silly, energetic story. Ben Clanton has a gift for making hard things funny and genuinely accessible for little ones. Use your page turning timing strategically and kiddos will delight extra in the repeated phrase.

Old MacDino Had a Farm (2017)

By Becky Davies · Illustrated by Ben Whitehouse · Published by Little Tiger Press

Recommended ages: 0–8 years

Old MacDonald, but make it dinosaurs. A Stegosaurus, a Diplodocus, a Triceratops — the farm is absolutely packed. If your group can sing Old MacDonald, they can do this one. It's a great participation book for mixed-age groups, easy to extend with flannel pieces or dinosaur puppets, and adds some musical energy to any dinosaur storytime.

Lolo and Birdie: I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo Hambre! (2022)

By Angela Dominguez · Published by Henry Holt

Recommended ages: 0–8 years

Lolo the dinosaur is hungry, and Birdie (a bluebird) is trying to help figure out what he wants to eat. This bilingual board book introduces basic Spanish food vocabulary in a totally natural, story-driven way — no awkward vocabulary lists, just good storytelling. Warm, simple, and genuinely funny. Works beautifully for bilingual storytimes or any group.

I Will Chomp You! (2015)

By Jory John · Illustrated by Bob Shea · Published by Random House

Recommended ages: 3–8 years 

So I'm pretty sure this is a dinosaur and not a monster...forgive me if I've got it wrong. Regardless he has a very important warning for you: do NOT turn the page. He will chomp you. He means it. (He does not mean it.) This fourth-wall-breaking read-aloud is an absolute crowd-pleaser — kids love being in on the joke, love "disobeying," and love watching the escalating ridiculousness unfold. Jory John and Bob Shea together are basically a guaranteed good time. Use your best threatening voice and enjoy every second of it.