How Do Dinosaurs... Review

How Do Dinosaurs...

by Jane Yolen

illustrated by Mark Teague

I was first introduced to the How Do Dinosaurs…? series many years ago when my son was a toddler, and How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? immediately became a household favorite. Over time, we added a few more—How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? and How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten?

Fast forward to now, my dinosaur-loving son is 24, and I was honestly surprised to see just how big this series has become. I’ll admit it—I was skeptical. When a picture book hits it big, it’s easy for a series to get stretched thin fast.

Before I could give the series a fair take, I knew I needed to actually read more of them. I still have a few left, but here’s the truth: I’ve been pleasantly surprised. These books are a lot more consistent than I expected. They’re funny, they’re clever in that very specific “kids will recognize themselves immediately” way, and they still hold after all these years.

Do I need the entire series on my shelves? No. But are they worth reading, revisiting, and pulling out when you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? Absolutely.

Summaries

How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? - Bedtime is never simple when dinosaurs are involved. From stalling and silliness to quiet kisses and tucked-in tails, this playful story shows all the ways little dinosaurs (and little kids) wind down at the end of the day.

How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? - Being sick is no fun—but dinosaurs sure know how to make a scene about it. This book follows the loud complaints, big feelings, and gentle care that come with getting better.

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? - Table manners get a prehistoric twist as dinosaurs show exactly what NOT to do at mealtime—and what it looks like when they finally get it right.

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? - From wild classroom antics to calm, ready-to-learn moments, this book captures the many ways a dinosaur-sized kid might experience the school day.

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? - Love comes in all sizes—even dinosaur-sized ones. From over-the-top hugs to quiet moments of care, this book celebrates the many ways families say “I love you.”

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs? - From sloppy kisses to overexcited playtime, dinosaurs show their dogs just how big love can be—even if it gets a little messy along the way.

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? - Cats do things their own way… and so do dinosaurs. This funny, affectionate story explores the ups and downs of learning how to love a very independent pet.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday? - Balloon pops, cake mishaps, and party chaos set the stage for a birthday celebration only dinosaurs could pull off.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? - Lights, laughter, and a little chaos fill this holiday celebration as dinosaurs join in the traditions of Chanukah in their own unforgettable way.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? - Holiday excitement hits dinosaur levels of chaos in this festive story of decorating, celebrating, and learning how to enjoy the season together.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick or Treat? - Halloween brings costumes, candy, and chaos—and dinosaurs bring all of it in full force. A playful look at trick-or-treating manners, dinosaur-style.

How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? - What happens when dinosaurs lose their cool? Stomping, shouting, and big emotions take center stage before calmer choices come into view.

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe? - From risky choices to smart decisions, this book follows dinosaurs through everyday situations where safety matters most.

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? - Even the best friends disagree sometimes. This book follows the ups, downs, and make-ups that happen when big personalities try to get along.

How Do Dinosaurs Choose Their Pets? - Choosing a pet sounds easy—until it isn’t. This story follows dinosaurs dreaming big, changing their minds, and figuring out what responsibility really means.

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read? - Books can be exciting—or totally ignored—depending on the dinosaur. This story captures the early steps of becoming a reader in a playful, relatable way.

How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners? - Please, thank you, and everything in between—this book shows dinosaurs navigating everyday manners in big, obvious, and funny ways.

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Be Kind? - Big claws, bigger feelings, and everyday chances to be kind—this book shows how small moments can make a big difference.

How Do Dinosaurs Go to Sleep? - When bedtime rolls around, dinosaurs try everything to delay sleep—wiggling, stalling, and making noise. This cozy story follows the winding path from bedtime chaos to finally settling down for the night.

How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? - Friendship can be messy, loud, and full of big emotions. This story shows dinosaurs navigating sharing, arguing, and making up—just like kids do every day.

How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors? - Learning colors isn’t always neat and simple—especially when dinosaurs are involved. This playful book follows bright, bold moments of trying, mixing up, and finally recognizing all the colors of the world.

How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms? - Toys everywhere, excuses piling up, and a room that never quite gets clean—until it does. A funny look at the push-and-pull of tidying up.

How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? - Counting sounds easy… until dinosaurs get involved. From silly mistakes to finally getting it right, this story turns learning numbers into a fun, energetic romp through ten big dinosaur moments.