How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?

I love this book because it reminds me so much of a typical dinner at our house, complete with trying to convince my daughter to try what we put on her plate. The illustrations are truly funny, with human parents attempting to coax their dinosaur children into behaving at the table. The book does a great job of teaching children about table manners without preaching at them. It's great fun to read and sure to provoke many a giggle.

(I have to write reviews for a class I'm in so here's mine for this book): How does a dinosaur eat all his food? Does he burp, does he belch, or make noises quite rude? All of these questions, and more, are asked in How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolen. The book rhymes its way through a variety of ill-behaved dinosaurs in various settings using bright, colorful illustrations to show the many ways that dinosaurs can make a mess with their meals. Each page asks a silly question of how a dinosaur would eat a meal and you may be surprised by the answers provided in the second half of the book. Teague's illustrations, which are big and colorful, add the necessary humor to make sure the story holds the children's attention to give the message of the importance of good manners. Another nice part of the illustrations is that they show a new dinosaur on each page and label it somewhere in the picture. Young children will absolutely love the different mealtime disasters the dinosaurs create: from the throwing of food to sticking beans up their nose. Older children will be humorously reminded of younger siblings and the troubles parents have with getting them to eat nicely. Parents will appreciate the overall message that even dinosaurs eat properly and with manners. Yes, dinosaurs use their good manners when they eat and reading this book will help your own little dinosaurs learn the importance of using theirs.

I received this book as a gift from my cousin. She told me that buying books for my kids is scary because my husband is a published fantasy author...it's a bit like cooking for her brother, the Sous Chef. Anyway, my 15-month-old twins have loved this book from the very start. Right now they don't understand all the words, but I enjoy reading it to them anyway. The dinosaurs' mannerisms are very apropos, so I get a laugh even though I read and reread the same 15 pages. They absolutely love the vibrant illustrations. Each time we read the book, they point out something new...a cat here, a dog there, the bib on a dinosaur. Simply put, this is one of our whole family's favorites. I am buying copies to give other parents as gifts.

My 5yr old son loves the dinosaur series. This book is his new favorite!!! It does address things like table manners and rude "noises" @ the table -- which is a great thing for a 5 yr old boy who thinks those noises are funny. Get this and all the "How do Dinosaurs..." books!

Jane Yolen and Mark Teague offer us a fifth "How Do Dinosaurs,,,?" title that is fresh and fun for both parents and children, fortunately back in hardcover format. Yolen's effortless text is once again perfectly matched with Teague's vivid illustrations of dinosaurs at meal time, first behaving badly and then with grace and charm. The formula has been proven effective in the previous titles but is far from trite or redundant even the fifth time around thanks to the talents of author and illustrator. Children also receive a message about manners that is far from didactic or dull, but couched in humor that parents should still enjoy after the umpteenth reading. Expect to have that umpteenth reading, too, since this one is sure to become a favorite. I just introduced the title to a storytime group and the response was positive. Children and parents sat quietly, excited to see what the dinosaurs will do next. This book, like the others in the series, are perfect for large groups or just one on one time between parent and child. Highest recommendation.