Danny and the Dinosaur [Paperback]

Syd Hoff (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 1992 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: I Can Read Book 1

Danny loves dinosaurs. When he sees one at the museun and says, "It would be nice to play with a dinosaur," a voice answers, "And I think it would be nice to play with you." So begins Dannys and the dinosaur's wonderful adventure together!

But a dinosaur is no ordinary playmate. Even the most everyday activities become extraordinary, like finding a big-enough place to hide a dinosaur in a game of hide-and-seek, and keeping him from knocking over houses with his long tail. But Danny can teach a old dinosaur new tricks. It's the most fun this dinosaur has had in a hundred million years!

Originally published as An I Can Read Book over 40 years ago, this classic story is perfect for reading together.

Danny's out on the town with a real live dinosaur. And whether they're eating ice cream or playing hide-and-seek, these two are having one hundred million years of fun--all in one day.

Outstanding Children's Books of 1958 (NYT)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Four complete books by Syd Hoff from HarperCollins' I Can Read series are included here. One of the dinosaurs in the museum comes to life and spends the day with a young boy and his friends in Danny and the Dinosaur (HarperCollins, 1986). In Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur! (HarperCollins, 1995), the dinosaur is back to celebrate Danny's sixth birthday. The dinosaur welcomes a vacation when Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp (HarperCollins, 1996), and he doesn't seem to mind when all the kids and the camp counselor ride on his back after a tiring hike. Sammy and the Seal (HarperCollins, 2000) tells the story of a seal on an adventure out of the zoo and into the town, including learning to read and write at school. Peter Lorangis and Charles Mintz alternate telling the stories using delightful voices and clear narration, perfect for young listeners. There are no page turn signals or sound effects, but whimsical musical accompaniment adds to the playfulness of the stories. The only thing missing is the charming and comical illustrations that make the stories so much fun to read. The wonderful narration and music make the audiocassette a joy to listen to, but if you don't want to miss out on the visual humor have the books handy for read-alongs.
April R. Mazza, Wayland Free Public Library, MA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"It is a great pleasure to see what miracles can be wrought with simple words, imagination, and understanding of children." -- Language Arts

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 25, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064440028
• ISBN-13: 978-0064440028
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Dinosaurs > Fiction
  • #23 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Dinosaurs
  • #66 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Situations > Friendship

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Danny Helped Me Learn to Read, September 30, 2004

By 

A.Trendl HungarianBookstore.com "What should ... (Glen Ellyn, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Danny and the Dinosaur (Paperback)

I first reviewed Syd Hoff's "Danny and the Dinosaur" as a seven year-old. In second grade, we called it a book report, but my feelings on the book haven't changed. Danny's adventure includes a visit to the ballpark, which still has me smiling. Also, like hiding an elephant, Danny discovers playing hide-and-seek with a dinosaur can be difficult.

While the writing and drawings aren't on par with "Make for Ducklings," or "Mike Milligan and the Steam Shovel," it capably compares to H. A. Rey's "Curious George" series. "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" readers will connect with Danny playing with an oversized lizard.

The text is simple, and the story is sweet, unencumbered by the intentional messaging found in many modern children's books. It is just a fun, silly story. It helped me learn to read and to love books. Maybe Danny's tale can help your son or daughter read too.

I fully recommend "Danny and the Dinosaur" by Syd Hoff.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book kids and parents will both enjoy..., February 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Danny and the Dinosaur (Paperback)

A boy meets a dinosaur in a museum and the dinosaur follows him home for a visit. This fantasy appeals to a child's desire to befriend the creatures that fascinate them. It's a gentle story, with no sad or scary parts. The dinosaur and the boy do "cool" things together, but also treat one another, and others, kindly.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everybody wants a Pet Dinosaur, Don't They?, May 3, 2005

By 

Zachary Hackett (Reno, Nevada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Danny and the Dinosaur (Paperback)

One day Danny went to the museum, where he saw Indians, Bears and Eskimos, guns, swords and dinosaurs. Danny loves dinosaurs and wishes he had one and all of a sudden he does. At first he believes the dinosaur he sees isn't real, but it is. The dinosaur lowers his head, Danny climbs on and they are off on an adventure. As they stroll through the city the dinosaur thinks the buildings are rocks, but Danny sets him straight. They surprise a policeman by stopping at a red light. They help people across the street, even carry and old woman's bags. However, as the story draws to a close, Danny realizes he can't keep the Dinosaur and so his new friend goes off alone into the sunset.

This is a book for beginning readers. The words are simple, grammar too. It's a cute little story, guaranteed to keep your toddler interested, so much better than the "See Spot Run" kind of early readers. If you want your child reading before Kindergarten, and I do, then this book and books like it are very good additions to your toddlers reading arsenal.