Danny and the Dinosaur facts for kids
Cover of the 1958 hardcover edition.
|
|
| Author | Syd Hoff |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Syd Hoff |
| Cover artist | Syd Hoff |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Harper & Brothers |
|
Publication date
|
1958 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 64 |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-022466-0 |
| OCLC | 13459675 |
| Preceded by | Patty's Pet |
| Followed by | Sammy the Seal |
Danny and the Dinosaur is a super popular children's book written and illustrated by Syd Hoff. It was first published in 1958 by Harper & Brothers. This book has sold over ten million copies and has been translated into many different languages! It even inspired six more books by Syd Hoff, continuing Danny and the dinosaur's adventures. Danny and the Dinosaur is part of the famous I Can Read! Book series, which helps young readers learn to read. Syd Hoff got the idea for the book while drawing for his daughter, who was doing physical therapy.
The Story of Danny and the Dinosaur
The story begins with a young boy named Danny visiting a science museum. Inside, he sees many interesting things like Native American exhibits, bears, and Arctic people. But what really catches his eye is the dinosaur exhibit!
Danny wishes he could find a real, living dinosaur to play with. Suddenly, one of the huge dinosaur models speaks to him! The dinosaur says he would also like to play with Danny. They both agree, and Danny rides out of the museum on the dinosaur's neck.
The dinosaur is very kind and helpful throughout the day. He helps an old lady cross the street. He even carries Danny across a river. Later, he lets other children use his back as a fun slide! The dinosaur becomes a big celebrity. Many people leave the zoo just to see Danny and his new dinosaur friend.
Soon, Danny meets up with his friends. All the children get a chance to ride the dinosaur. They play with the dinosaur for the rest of the day. They end their fun with a game of hide and seek. The children and the dinosaur take turns hiding. The children find the dinosaur several times. But then, there's no place left for such a big dinosaur to hide in the neighborhood!
For the last part of the game, Danny comes up with a clever idea. He tells the dinosaur to "pretend to not find him." When the dinosaur finds the children, he shouts, "Here I am!" Danny and his friends all cheer that the dinosaur wins. Danny exclaims, "The dinosaur wins! We could not find him! He fooled us! Hurray for the dinosaur!"
At the end of the day, as the sun sets, all the other children go home. When Danny and the dinosaur are alone, the dinosaur says goodbye. Danny wants to keep the dinosaur as a pet. But the dinosaur explains that the museum needs him. Danny understands that all good things must end. He knows he and the dinosaur can play together again another day.
Danny watches until the dinosaur's long tail disappears from sight. On his way home, Danny thinks about keeping a dinosaur as a pet. He realizes the dinosaur would be too big to live in a house. Still, Danny knows they "did have a wonderful day."
More Adventures: Danny and the Dinosaur Sequels
The original Danny and the Dinosaur book was so popular that it led to many more stories! There are thirteen other books in the series. These include I Can Read! books, paperback and hardcover books, and even sticker books. Many of the first sequels were also part of the I Can Read! series.
Here are some of the other books in the series:
- Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur (1985)
- Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp (1996)
- Danny and the Dinosaur: Too Tall (2014)
- Danny and the Dinosaur and the New Puppy (2015)
- Danny and the Dinosaur and the Girl Next Door (2016)
- Danny and the Dinosaur: School Days (2017)
- Danny and the Dinosaur: Mind Their Manners
- Danny and the Dinosaur and the Sand Castle Contest
- Danny and the Dinosaur: Ride a Bike
- Danny and the Dinosaur: Happy Halloween
- Danny and the Dinosaur: A Very Dino Christmas
- Danny and the Dinosaur: First Valentine's Day
- Danny and the Dinosaur: Eggs, Eggs, Eggs
