Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Dino-mite reads

Give your kids a “Jurassic Spark” this summer with dinosaurs and paleontology themed stories that can transform them from an early practicing reader into an independent bookworm. Tap into their natural curiosity, whether they are obsessed with prehistoric giants, laugh-out-loud antics or breaking world records. I'm highlighting books written by beloved children’s authors that offer the perfect mix of interesting topics, fast-paced stories, cute illustrations and enticing text.

Ivy & Bean Break the Fossil Record written by Annie Barrows & illustrated by Sophie Blackall

This story is inspired by a book of world records and the famous paleontologist Mary Anning. Ivy and Bean are best friends who are determined to become the youngest people to ever discover a dinosaur by digging up fossils in their own backyard. These second-grade girls are a duo whose determination to do something legendary has hilarious lessons and explores friendship and perseverance. Ivy and Bean want to impress their classmates with their fossil find but is it a “Dorkosaurus?" If your kids like this story, be sure to have them check out the other books in the Ivy and Bean series.

"This story defies expectations of what an early chapter book can be." –School Library Journal, starred review

Ms. Krup Cracks Me Up! written by Dan Gutman & illustrated by Jim Paillot

If your child is looking for a wacky, weird, outrageous read, this is a book for them. A.J. and his classmates from “Ella Mentry School” go on a field trip to a natural history museum for a sleepover! Their eccentric new art teacher is Ms. Krup. She wears clothes made of garbage, sings instead of talking, and forces the kids to create bizarre art projects that turn the school upside down. Even the bus driver invented her own secret language that will delight your kids.

Will the classmates sleep under the “Giganotosaurus” or the “Dead Zombie Buffalo?" The chapter devoted to poop and its fascinating part of natural history is not only intriguing but laugh-out-loud hysterical for most 6- to-10-year-olds. This story is part of the “My Weird School” series by Dan Gutman, which is an automatic funny reading list for summer.

Dinosaur Club: March of the Ankylosaurus written by Rex Stone & illustrated by Louise Forshaw

Jamie and Tess, two members of a secret dinosaur club, discover a magical portal in their local museum. They travel back in time to the Cretaceous period. Jamie and Tess must help a lost baby Ankylosaurus rejoin its herd before a volcanic eruption hits.

Young readers will like the elements of fantasy, time travel and the “secret club” vibe. This story includes a dinosaur timeline, map, glossary, fun facts and a quiz. The illustrations help kids feel immersed in the ultimate prehistoric rescue mission. Commander Morgan is Jamie’s grandfather and he is woven into the end of the story, which is pretty sweet.

Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

Dinosaurs Before Dark, the first book in the Magic Tree House series, is a classic for early readers who want a blend of science and fantasy. Follow Jack and Annie as they discover a mysterious tree house filled with books in the woods of Pennsylvania! Kids will love the way this book offers the perfect balance of suspense and wonder. They will feel like smart investigators solving mysteries and figuring out how Jack and Annie get home before they are hunted down by a Tyrannosaurus rex. This story is sure to open the door of literacy for reluctant readers.

The Dino Files: A Mysterious Egg written by Stacy McAnulty & illustrated by Mike Boldt

The Dino Files: A Mysterious Egg is a longer story about 9-year-old Danny and his friends who help his grandmother on a fossil dig. Yep, she is a grandma and a paleontologist! They find the discovery of a lifetime and end up with a breathing baby dinosaur to hide from the world.

Kids like having secrets and this one is about a pet dinosaur. Crack this book open because it is a keeper.

"There will always be kids fascinated by dinosaurs, and this is just the series for them." -Booklist

I Know Dino! written by Sabrina Ricci & Garret Kruger, illustrated by Franco Tempesta

The grand finale is a nonfiction book. Kids revel in knowing more than adults, so they will absorb this book like a sponge. This is a new guide packed with fascinating facts, pronunciation guides, scientific discoveries, breakthroughs and even mistakes.

It is a National Geographic Kids book with fantastic color pictures. This book breaks down complex paleontology into bite-sized, kid-friendly trivia. Kids will earn bragging rights as they become the resident “dino-expert” after exploring this book.

We look forward to seeing you at the library this summer where curiosity leads to adventure and reading brings joy. Don't forget to sign up for the summer reading challenge! There's a challenge for all ages.