Dinosaur Books for Preschool Kids
by Janssen Bradshaw
What is it about dinosaurs that so captures the imagination of young children? I had no idea my 4-year-old even knew what a dinosaur was until we visited the Natural History Museum in London, where she was beside herself with excitement over the dinosaur skeletons, asking endless questions, and wanting to see as many as possible. If your child loves dinosaurs too, here are 17 dinosaur books for preschool kids that are sure to be a hit.
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We Don't Eat Our Classmates
Buy from:Penelope is nervous about her first day of school, especially after she discovers that her class is filled with delicious children. Even though she tries not to, Penelope can’t help eating them. It isn’t until someone else tries to eat her that she changes her bad behavior. This hilarious picture book is the perfect dino-centric story for teaching preschoolers how to treat their classmates.
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It's Not Easy Being a T. Rex
Buy from:Rexy’s first day of school gets off to a rough start. The other dinosaurs can’t see past her giant head, her arms are too short to use the monkey bars, and she accidentally pops the soccer ball with her teeth. But when a natural disaster strikes, Rexy knows precisely how to save her classmates. This adorable picture book uses humor to teach a timeless lesson in self-acceptance.
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Roar: A Dinosaur Tour
Buy from:Ready for a prehistoric adventure? This bright, colorful tour introduces little readers to dinosaurs big and small with simple text and bold illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, it’s a cheerful, accessible first look at the amazing creatures that once ruled the earth.
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Night Flight
Buy from:A young boy feels lost and lonely when his dads go out on a date night until he discovers a pterosaur outside his window. He hops on the dinosaur’s back and gets whisked away on a thrilling adventure through the nighttime sky. This sweet book celebrates children’s imaginations and the love they feel for their parents.
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Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct
Buy from:Everyone loves Edwina — except for one kid determined to prove she’s extinct. In this funny, big-hearted board book edition, Mo Willems delivers a playful story about community, kindness, and being yourself. With lively art and gentle humor, it’s a sweet pick for little dino fans.
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Crunch the Shy Dinosaur
Buy from:Crunch may be a dinosaur, but he’s also a little shy. This interactive, laugh-out-loud picture book invites kids to help him step out of his comfort zone and make new friends. With bright art and a warm message about patience and connection, it’s a standout for storytime.
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Archibald and the Furry Dinosaurs
Buy from:From the creative team behind the Grumpy Monkey series comes a new story about self-acceptance. Archibald is the only dinosaur who doesn’t have hair, so he goes out searching for it. Along the way, he meets all sorts of fascinating dinosaurs and has unforgettable adventures. Dino-loving kids will want to read this book again and again!
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How to be a T. Rex
Buy from:Sal wants to be a T. Rex when she grows up, because, well, they're awesome! A super fun book for little ones who love stomping around and roaring with their inner dinosaur.
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There's a Dinosaur in Your Book
Buy from:Kids love the interactive Who’s In Your Book? series! In this installment, there’s a bored little dinosaur in your book, and she needs help finding her friends. As readers turn the pages, they will interact with the story by whispering, tapping, dancing, and counting.
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My Teacher Is a Dinosaur!
Buy from:Most teachers are weird, but when your teacher is a dinosaur, school never gets boring. From her “motivational” posters and accidental desk-destroying stomps to her enormous roar, the T. Rex teacher makes every day unconventional. Kids will love the silly jokes, engaging illustrations, and zany story!
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Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!)
Buy from:This funny farmyard tale feels like Chicken Run meets Tiny T. Rex! Lena lives with the chickens, but she knows she’s a dinosaur — and she finally gets her chance to prove it when a sneaky weasel threatens the coop. With energetic pencil and watercolor art, jokey speech bubbles, and a little science about how chickens really are dino relatives, this story makes for a raucous read-aloud that’s perfect for curious little readers.
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If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur
Buy from:Any preschooler who has ever fantasized about having their own dinosaur will love this hilarious picture book. If you have a dinosaur, you can use it for many domestic tasks, such as cracking nuts, scaring away robbers, and clearing snow from your driveway. The possibilities are endless!
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One Day on Our Prehistoric Planet ... with a T. Rex
Buy from:Spend a day in the life of a baby dinosaur with this super cute picture book. Young readers will travel back to the prehistoric world and watch as baby tyrannosaurs play, eat, and learn from their mother.
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Time Flies
Buy from:In this wordless book, a bird flies into a natural history museum after hours and finds itself transported to a world where dinosaurs still roam free. My daughter and I read this dozens of times over the summer — there is always something new to discover in the gorgeous pictures.
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The Dinosaur in the Garden
Buy from:If you have a child who loves digging in the dirt, this book is an excellent pick to inspire them. A T. Rex ghost watches excitedly as a girl digs up clues about his life, piecing together the evidence he left behind. It’s a beautiful ode to human curiosity about the creatures who came before us.
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Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones
Buy from:Aspiring paleontologists will love this STEM-friendly picture book about digging up dinosaur bones. Written to the familiar beat of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” this story transports young readers to a fossil dig site. They will follow four scientists as they locate a promising area, excavate fossils, and assemble the dinosaur.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2026.