How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? is part of a bestselling series by two luminaries in the world of picture books: Jane Yolen, award-winning author of over 300 books, and illustrator Mark Teague. While some of our families may already be familiar with the series, we knew that others would enjoy the silly rhymes, lively illustrations, and hilarious lessons the young dinosaurs have to share.
There are so many benefits to reading rhyming books with young children. Rhyming helps children develop a sense of rhythm, recognize patterns, improve memorization skills, and develop their vocabulary. Rhyming is also important in helping children understand how language works because rhyme breaks down words into component sounds. In How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?, the rhymes pair wonderfully with the fantastic illustrations of the troublesome dinosaurs. The catchy rhyme scheme is fun for parents to read aloud and helps young children participate as they memorize the words too.
The dinosaurs themselves--from the Ichtyostega to the Scelidosaurus are pretty much your typical toddlers: fidgeting through prayers and grabbing gelt, but also sharing dreidels and wishing Bubbe and Zayde "Happy Hanukkah." They are equal parts wild animal and adorable sweetheart, making this book very relatable, for children and parents alike.
The playful rollicking rhyme and expressive illustrations in How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? will compel readers back to its pages for all eight nights of the holiday, year after year.
See more Why We Chose This Book posts.
November 2, 2016