10+ Best Dinosaur Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect dinosaur books for 9-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a budding paleontologist or just loves a thrilling story with prehistoric twists, we've got a fantastic selection lined up. Dive into our carefully curated lists of dinosaur books that promise to captivate, educate, and spark the imagination of any dino enthusiast. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to roar off the shelves!

Fun Dinosaur Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this first book of the Magic Tree House series, siblings Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books that can transport them through time. Their first adventure takes them to the age of dinosaurs.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling introduction to historical and scientific exploration through a magical narrative, perfect to captivate young readers' imaginations.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding paleontologists.

• The Dinosaur's Diary by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Garry Parsons
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young dinosaur finds herself separated from her family and must survive on her own. The diary format makes her prehistoric adventures accessible and personal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and adventure, making reading fun and engaging while subtly educating about dinosaurs.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love diary-format stories and learning through the eyes of a character.

• Prehistoric Actual Size by Steve Jenkins
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a unique look at various prehistoric creatures, illustrated at their actual size. It includes fascinating facts about these ancient animals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It visually and educationally engages readers, allowing them to grasp the real size of these creatures, enhancing both their knowledge and wonder.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and science enthusiasts fascinated by the real dimensions of the natural world.

• National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia by Don Lessem, illustrated by Franco Tempesta
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive dinosaur encyclopedia includes up-to-date information about all known dinosaur species, vivid illustrations, and interesting facts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's thorough and authoritative, perfect for deepening knowledge about dinosaurs with the latest scientific findings.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring scientists and any kid who wants to know everything about dinosaurs.

• Dinosaur Cove: Attack of the Tyrannosaurus by Rex Stone, illustrated by Mike Spoor
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two friends discover a hidden cove that leads them to a world of real dinosaurs. Their first encounter is with a terrifying but thrilling Tyrannosaurus Rex.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with action and adventure, ideal for keeping the pages turning and fostering a love of reading.
  • Perfect for: Thrill-seekers and young explorers who dream of time travel and dinosaur encounters.

Educational Dinosaur Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Big Book of Dinosaurs by DK
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: A visually stunning reference book that introduces young readers to the world of dinosaurs, from the fierce T-rex to the gentle giant Brachiosaurus.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Dinosaur knowledge, reading comprehension, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with incredible images and fascinating facts that will captivate young minds and encourage a love of natural history.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds fascinated by the prehistoric era and visual learners.

• Dinosaur Detective's Handbook by David Lambert, illustrated by Diagram Group
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Detective, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book guides young readers through the methods and tools used by paleontologists to study dinosaurs, turning them into detectives of ancient history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific methodology
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an interactive and engaging approach to learning about dinosaurs, combining education with elements of mystery and discovery.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and aspiring paleontologists who love solving puzzles and learning through activity.

• How to Be a Dinosaur Hunter by Scott Forbes, illustrated by James Gilleard
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: This guidebook takes children on a journey to the age of dinosaurs, providing tips on what you would need to know and do to become a dinosaur hunter.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, survival skills, adventurous thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an imaginative and playful book that teaches about dinosaurs while encouraging outdoor and adventurous play.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who dream of exploring the past and the great outdoors.

• Dinosaurs: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK
  • Genre(s): Reference, Educational
  • Synopsis: An updated and comprehensive encyclopedia that provides detailed information about the dinosaurs, their habitats, and the prehistoric world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Research skills, reading for information, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thorough resource rich with information and visuals that can support school projects and satisfy curious minds.
  • Perfect for: Students who need a reliable resource for school projects or anyone deeply interested in obtaining a detailed understanding of dinosaurs.

• Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs by Tedd Arnold
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Fly Guy and Buzz visit a natural history museum to learn all about dinosaurs. The book combines humorous elements with educational facts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading fluency, comprehension, engagement in learning
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and informative read that blends humor with facts, making learning about dinosaurs enjoyable for reluctant readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy funny characters and stories that make learning fun.

Challenging Dinosaur Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book provides a captivating scientific narrative about the evolution, reign, and extinction of dinosaurs over the course of millions of years.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex scientific concepts and detailed paleontological research that are typically not covered in children's books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep, engaging look into the world of dinosaurs, backed by the latest research, which can inspire a lifelong interest in science and natural history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are ready to explore detailed scientific explanations and who have a strong interest in dinosaurs and natural history.

• When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth by Dougal Dixon
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: The book explores various prehistoric periods, focusing on the dinosaurs that dominated those times and their environments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces readers to complex concepts of geology, biology, and environmental science through the lens of paleontology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of dinosaur life and the prehistoric earth, enhancing understanding of science and history.
  • Perfect for: Students and young readers who enjoy deep dives into specific historical periods and the creatures that inhabited them.

• Dinosaur Art: The World's Greatest Paleoart by Steve White
  • Genre(s): Art, Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This collection showcases the incredible work of various paleoartists and offers insights into how they reconstruct the prehistoric world through their art.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines advanced artistic techniques with scientific accuracy in depicting dinosaurs, requiring readers to engage both creatively and critically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It bridges art and science, showing how creative interpretations are grounded in scientific evidence, and it inspires creativity in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and scientists alike who are interested in how creativity and scientific knowledge intersect.

• Planet Dinosaur: The Next Generation of Killer Giants by Cavan Scott
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book expands on the discoveries and studies presented in the BBC series, providing detailed profiles of dinosaurs and their ecosystems.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents the latest paleontological research and theories, which can be complex, involving advanced scientific concepts and vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a modern view of paleontology that goes beyond traditional dinosaur studies, incorporating cutting-edge technology and recent discoveries.
  • Perfect for: Enthusiastic young paleontologists and science students eager to learn about the latest in dinosaur research.

• Dinosaurs: How They Lived and Evolved by Darren Naish and Paul Barrett
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores the anatomy, behavior, and evolution of dinosaurs with insights into their discovery and study.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers detailed scientific explanations about dinosaur biology and paleontology, presenting comprehensive data and theories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It thoroughly explains the science behind how dinosaurs lived and evolved, providing a deeper understanding of these ancient creatures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are not just fascinated by what dinosaurs looked like, but also by how they functioned biologically and ecologically.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the prehistoric world with some dinosaur books, why not spice up your reading routine with these fun exercises? Designed for 9-year-olds, these activities will not only make reading more enjoyable but also foster good reading habits. Let's get started!

• Create a Dinosaur Reading Corner
  • What it is: Set up a special area in your home dedicated to reading dinosaur books.
  • How it helps: Creates a personalized space that can make reading time exciting and looked forward to.
  • Tips: Decorate the corner with dinosaur posters or toys to make it inviting.

• Dinosaur Reading Challenge
  • What it is: Set a goal to read a certain number of dinosaur books each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps develop a habit.
  • Tips: Keep a chart or a calendar to track the books read and reward yourself with a small treat for each milestone reached.

• Act Out the Story
  • What it is: After reading a dinosaur book, act out your favorite scene with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use costumes or props to make the reenactment more fun and engaging.

• Draw Your Favorite Dinosaur
  • What it is: Draw and color dinosaurs that you read about.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with memory by visualizing details from the books.
  • Tips: Look up real dinosaur images online for inspiration and accuracy.

• Story Prediction Game
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, predict what will happen next and discuss with a friend or family member.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and anticipation skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them with the actual outcomes after finishing the book.

• Dinosaur Fact File
  • What it is: Create a file or a booklet with facts and interesting information about each dinosaur you read about.
  • How it helps: Helps in organizing information and reinforces learning.
  • Tips: Include illustrations or printouts alongside the facts to make the file visually appealing.

These exercises are not just fun but are great ways to deepen your understanding of what you read and make those prehistoric creatures come alive in your imagination. So, grab your dinosaur books, pick an exercise, and embark on a thrilling journey back in time. Happy reading!