“If I had a Dinosaur” and DIY Paper Plate Dinosaurs

“If I had a Dinosaur” by Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow

When I was a child my favorite little golden book was a darling dinosaur book called “My Little Dinosaur”.  Did  you ever read that one?  It was about a little boy who had a small dinosaur as a pet and the fun that the two of them have together as friends.  I thought the idea of having a dinosaur as a pet was the best idea ever and I read that book over and over again.

So, when this book came out it was really nostalgic for me as it reminded me of that book.  The concept is similar as it is about a little girl who wishes that she had a dinosaur for a pet and shares what their life would be like together if she did.  It is so cute and the illustrations really make it even more special.  Definitely one to check out for dinosaur loving kiddos.

Click her to purchase “If I had a Dinosaur”  *affiliate link

 

Photo credits for the two photos above: (pages 12-13, 24-25) Text by Gabby Dawney, Illustrated by Alex Barrow. copyright 2017 Thames & Hudson Ltd, London

 

DIY Paper Plate Dinosaurs

I was so in love with this book and the memories it carried of a childhood favorite that I had to do a “beyond the book” craft with it.  I thought some dinosaurs inspired by the ones in the book would do just a trick and my toddler loved that he was able to create his own “pet” dinosaur.

They are simple, fun and involve one of my son’s favorite art mediums: paint.  I hope you and the kiddos in your life enjoy making them just as much as we did.

Supplies:

• white paper plate (get the inexpensive, plain ones)
• green paint
• paint brush
• green construction paper
• scissors
• glue stick
• pencil or marker

Process:

1. Gather your supplies.
2. Cut the paper plate in half.
3. Cut some rectangular notches at the bottom as well as an arch that leads to your dinosaurs head and an arch that leads to your dinosaurs tail (this will be your dinosaurs feet and body).  Then, on the construction paper, draw and cut a long neck/head and tail piece.  Make sure they are a little longer than necessary so you have some length to glue to the back of the plate later. Cut them out and make sure that they fit how you want them to with your paper plate body.
4. Paint your paper plate body green and let dry.
5. Glue the head and tail construction paper pieces onto the back of your plate.
6. Draw a face on your dinosaur and your done!

If you give this Beyond the Book activity a try I’d love to hear how it goes! Share it on Instagram using hashtag #beyondthebook (I’m on Instagram as @book.nerd.mommy) or even just comment here with your thoughts. It would make my day! Or to simply save for later pin the image below.