Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
How do dinosaurs say I’m Mad?
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 to 6
Scholastic, 2013 ISBN: 978-0545143158
When we get angry about something many of us behave in a less than ideal way. This is particularly true of children, who are still learning how to deal with life’s annoyances and frustrations. The same can be said for young dinosaurs, who can, at times, behave very badly when they are upset.
What does a little dinosaur do when he is upset? He might “roar, / slam the door,” and yell at his parents. He might “grumble and pout” or “throw toys about.” A dinosaur might even “kick at a chair” or “rip up his books” when he is told to “Quiet down!”
Alternately a dinosaur might find a better way to deal with his anger. He could count “up to ten” and take a little “time out” to gather himself. Then he might say that he is sorry and give his loved ones a hug.
Many young children (and dinosaurs) struggle when they are presented with situations that they don’t like. They have a hissy fit or a temper tantrum and make themselves thoroughly disagreeable. Thankfully Jane Yolen and Mark Teague understand how little children feel and they created this book to help their young friends. Children will laugh when they see how the dinosaurs in this book behave, and they will also appreciate that finding a way to deal with life’s trials and tribulations is not that hard to do.
