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Dinorella: A Prehistoric Fairy Tale
In this story, loosely based on that of Cinderella but featuring dinosaurs, the Duke falls in love with Dinorella when she rescues him from the dreaded deinonychus at the Dinosaur Dance
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1997
8 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Duncan Edwards
61 books22 followersPamela Duncan Edwards is a British-born children's author living in the United States. She has written over forty picture books published in both the U.S. and the U.K., known for their playful language and engaging storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
February 10, 2020
Another retelling of guess what fairy tale?
What I liked about this one?
Dinorella has a Fairydactyl, and, instead of meeting the prince at a dance, she literally saves his hide.
What I didn't like?
The muddy-looking artwork, and the author's clunky overuse of the letter D. It made for a devastatingly daft disaster.
What I liked about this one?
Dinorella has a Fairydactyl, and, instead of meeting the prince at a dance, she literally saves his hide.
What I didn't like?
The muddy-looking artwork, and the author's clunky overuse of the letter D. It made for a devastatingly daft disaster.
August 12, 2010
this is a silly silly book that Adam is obsessed with right now...I had hidden it but somehow he found it and now wants me to read it every day. I will have to hide it better today!
October 29, 2017
Summary: This book gives the classic "Cinderella" book a new twist, but this time with dinosaurs and a battle! Dinorella was not invited to the ball, but her two evil sisters were. They told Dinorella that she was not good enough. Dinorella finds her way there, sees the prince getting attacked, and SAVES him! A nice twist on the original story.
Evaluation: I gave this book 5 stars simply because it was so fun to read. The images were so detailed and the text used incredible descriptive language. It was a interesting and easy to follow book.
Teaching Idea: I would use this to compare and contrast two stories in order to help my students pick apart details of a text. I would read this and the original Cinderella, and complete a compare and contrast chart about things that they found in both texts.
Evaluation: I gave this book 5 stars simply because it was so fun to read. The images were so detailed and the text used incredible descriptive language. It was a interesting and easy to follow book.
Teaching Idea: I would use this to compare and contrast two stories in order to help my students pick apart details of a text. I would read this and the original Cinderella, and complete a compare and contrast chart about things that they found in both texts.
November 19, 2016
My daughter seemed to lose interest in this book and it is probably my fault. I found myself stumbling over the overabundance of "D" words. I mean seriously, could they have added any more? Reading this book made me feel like a "dumbass" after it was over.
February 7, 2021
With bright imagery reflective of this being a fairy tale that parallels Cinderella, each of the drawings within Dinorella really make the book about the illustrations, while the plot takes on a more ‘modern dinoesque’ reiteration of a classic fairy tale. The story starts with Dinorella having to do daily chores around the house - bringing drinks, doing laundry, and taking care of her lazy stepsisters, Dora and Doris. Described as being, “Dainty and dependable,” Dinorella and her sisters soon receive an invitation to the Dinosaur Dance from Duke Dudley, a most handsome young dinosaur prince. Soon, as expected, she is told she can’t go to the dance by her stepsisters, citing her plain clothing and uninspiring looks. To the rescue, Fiarydactal soon appears and Dinorella is turned into a beautiful princess. However, unlike the original story of inspiration, here, Dinorella throws dirt balls at a Deinonychus dragging Duke Dudley away from the dance. Soon Dinorella is crowned his hero and he looks for her, finding Dinorella and ending the story with the two together, in love.
I thought the climax of the story was a great take on the original, as Dinorella is presented as a heroic protagonist, rather than being just a beautiful princess that the Duke falls in love with. I felt this symbolized a new take on a classic trope- where the female is the figure of strength here and saves herself, rather than by a male figure that takes her away from her situation at home. Further, the moment the Deinonychus dragged the duke off presented an interesting incorporation of dinosaurs, especially considering the Deinonychus threatens to digest the duke by the next day - could be an eye opener for younger students.
A lot of different dinosaurs involved in the story, while they’re named or labeled, would be a great way to introduce literacy into a science unit on archaeology or dinosaurs. Terms like “Dopey domestic” and using classic tropes from the old story (i.e. poor vs. rich, classism, verbal abuse) are all also explored again within the story, alongside 50’s colloquialisms like ‘drat,’ ‘dreamy,’ and ‘dopey’ which all serve the 50’s inspired imagery well.
Overall, a great way to introduce classic fairy tale structure to students, alongside a fun way to cover dinosaur names, classification of herbivores and carnivores, as well as discussing some of the language used within the writing; just don't expect too much of a change from the original story.
I thought the climax of the story was a great take on the original, as Dinorella is presented as a heroic protagonist, rather than being just a beautiful princess that the Duke falls in love with. I felt this symbolized a new take on a classic trope- where the female is the figure of strength here and saves herself, rather than by a male figure that takes her away from her situation at home. Further, the moment the Deinonychus dragged the duke off presented an interesting incorporation of dinosaurs, especially considering the Deinonychus threatens to digest the duke by the next day - could be an eye opener for younger students.
A lot of different dinosaurs involved in the story, while they’re named or labeled, would be a great way to introduce literacy into a science unit on archaeology or dinosaurs. Terms like “Dopey domestic” and using classic tropes from the old story (i.e. poor vs. rich, classism, verbal abuse) are all also explored again within the story, alongside 50’s colloquialisms like ‘drat,’ ‘dreamy,’ and ‘dopey’ which all serve the 50’s inspired imagery well.
Overall, a great way to introduce classic fairy tale structure to students, alongside a fun way to cover dinosaur names, classification of herbivores and carnivores, as well as discussing some of the language used within the writing; just don't expect too much of a change from the original story.
August 14, 2022
This charming story is a prehistoric take on the classic fairytale story, Cinderella. In this fantasy book, Dinorella cooks and cleans for her mean stepsisters, Dora and Doris, until one day, they receive an invitation to Duke Dudley's dinosaur dance. While Dora and Doris arrive, Dinorella is greeted at home by Fairydactyl, who magically gives her a beautiful dress and dinosaur jewels. Upon her arrival to the dance, she sees Duke Dudley being carried off by a predator who begins to eat his tail. Dinorella threatens the predator and scares him off under the guise of a demon devil by throwing her dinosaur jewel earring at him. Duke Dudley is most grateful and upon discovering it was Dinorella who saved him, he asks if she'll be his darling.
This text is an excellent example of an early fantasy picture book for young children. Young readers will appreciate the cleverly illustrated dinosaur outfits, jewelry, appliances, and buildings. One reason I awarded only 3 stars is for the derogatory name calling of others by many characters in this text. While it did serve the alliterative aspect of the story, it felt unnecessary and would be enough to warrant a discussion about how this text is a bad example of name calling. The other reason is that one illustration shows Duke Dudley with his tail being actively eaten which, for empathetic students, may be unsettling and uncomfortable.
In a pre-k, kinder, or first grade classroom, I would use this book to highlight the sound /d/ as this book intentionally uses repeatedly. It provides an excellent example of how many words start with that sound and would be a great way to support phoneme identification of the sound /d/. For enhancement, I might teach alliteration and discuss how sometimes in books, authors will repeat beginning sounds in words on purpose.
This text is an excellent example of an early fantasy picture book for young children. Young readers will appreciate the cleverly illustrated dinosaur outfits, jewelry, appliances, and buildings. One reason I awarded only 3 stars is for the derogatory name calling of others by many characters in this text. While it did serve the alliterative aspect of the story, it felt unnecessary and would be enough to warrant a discussion about how this text is a bad example of name calling. The other reason is that one illustration shows Duke Dudley with his tail being actively eaten which, for empathetic students, may be unsettling and uncomfortable.
In a pre-k, kinder, or first grade classroom, I would use this book to highlight the sound /d/ as this book intentionally uses repeatedly. It provides an excellent example of how many words start with that sound and would be a great way to support phoneme identification of the sound /d/. For enhancement, I might teach alliteration and discuss how sometimes in books, authors will repeat beginning sounds in words on purpose.
October 8, 2023
A Cute Retelling of Cinderella
I read this book with my granddaughters. The older of the two selected it from her school library and brought it along on her visit, asking me to read it. Though cute and engaging, I am not sure this story stands the tests of time.
I liked the illustrations, the repetition of the letter D, and the dinosaur theme. All of these gave a lovely new perspective on an old fairy tale, easily recognizable. The repeating D offered a fun way for kids to become accustomed with the letter and to build around the lesson plan for D. And, of course, everyone loves dinosaurs.
What I disliked was some of the story elements that were retained and how. For example, in the modern world, we don't need a negative stigma on "step" siblings nor do we need to encourage disparaging name calling (I think it was dumbhead or something like that used). Also, albeit less dramatic than the Grimm Brothers' version, I was a bit surprised that Duke Dudley was being dragged away to be eaten! Older kids are able to cope with that, but it is something younger kids will need to have supervision on and parental discussion with.
There were definitely things the author did right, but obviously, things that could have been approached in a more universal way for all ages to enjoy this more. The reader's maturity level might make a difference when considering the content of this story. If you have a sensitive child, possibly being eaten by a bully and using name-calling is not your bag of chips.
I read this book with my granddaughters. The older of the two selected it from her school library and brought it along on her visit, asking me to read it. Though cute and engaging, I am not sure this story stands the tests of time.
I liked the illustrations, the repetition of the letter D, and the dinosaur theme. All of these gave a lovely new perspective on an old fairy tale, easily recognizable. The repeating D offered a fun way for kids to become accustomed with the letter and to build around the lesson plan for D. And, of course, everyone loves dinosaurs.
What I disliked was some of the story elements that were retained and how. For example, in the modern world, we don't need a negative stigma on "step" siblings nor do we need to encourage disparaging name calling (I think it was dumbhead or something like that used). Also, albeit less dramatic than the Grimm Brothers' version, I was a bit surprised that Duke Dudley was being dragged away to be eaten! Older kids are able to cope with that, but it is something younger kids will need to have supervision on and parental discussion with.
There were definitely things the author did right, but obviously, things that could have been approached in a more universal way for all ages to enjoy this more. The reader's maturity level might make a difference when considering the content of this story. If you have a sensitive child, possibly being eaten by a bully and using name-calling is not your bag of chips.
September 15, 2025
Cinderella gets the paleontological treatment in this alliterative fever dream of a picture book from author Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrator Henry Cole. Much put-upon by her stepsisters Dora and Doris, Dinorella does all the cleaning up in their dinosaur den, but is denied the chance to go to Duke Dudley's Dinosaur Dance. Fortunately for her, Fairydactyl is there to save the day, and get her ready to attend. But when she arrives and finds the duke under attack by a deinonychus, she must step in to save the day, winning the duke's heart in the process...
I tend toward themed reading projects, and recently I've been tracking down every picture book retelling—traditional, international, fractured—of the Cinderella story that I can find. So it is that I requested Dinorella: A Prehistoric Fairy Tale from the library, forgetting that my last encounter with this author/illustrator duo, Rosie's Roses , wasn't quite to my taste. Here, unfortunately, I had a similar experience. The alliteration was fun at first but soon became overwhelming for me, the fight with the deinonychus felt too far removed from anything I associate with this tale type to be entertaining, and the artwork, created using acrylic and colored pencil, was sometimes fun but more often drab and dark. Tastes vary of course, and young people who enjoy silly stories might warm to this one, but it was a decided miss for me.
I tend toward themed reading projects, and recently I've been tracking down every picture book retelling—traditional, international, fractured—of the Cinderella story that I can find. So it is that I requested Dinorella: A Prehistoric Fairy Tale from the library, forgetting that my last encounter with this author/illustrator duo, Rosie's Roses , wasn't quite to my taste. Here, unfortunately, I had a similar experience. The alliteration was fun at first but soon became overwhelming for me, the fight with the deinonychus felt too far removed from anything I associate with this tale type to be entertaining, and the artwork, created using acrylic and colored pencil, was sometimes fun but more often drab and dark. Tastes vary of course, and young people who enjoy silly stories might warm to this one, but it was a decided miss for me.
September 16, 2023
The storybook, “Dinorella A Prehistoric Fairy Tale” by Pamela Duncan Edwards, is the story of Cinderella retold as a dinosaur in the 1950s. This book is great for children who love dinosaurs and has a slight twist to the normal story of Cinderella. The book should help children that you should be kind towards others. The book teaches girls that they do not have to be the damsel in distress but that they can be the ones protecting others instead. Also, this book teaches boys that they do not always have to be knights in shining armor to save the damsel and that it is okay to be the one who needs saving. The dinosaurs are being used as motivational figures for children so that they learn how to be brave and to do the right thing even if it is scary. The prince in the story has no problem showing all his emotions including fear. Oftentimes, boys are discouraged from showing fear even though they should not be discouraged. This book will help boys to be more accepting of the idea of being vocal about what they feel inside. According to the article, “Introduction to Picturebook Codes” doorways are often the sign of new beginnings in books. The picture book “Dinorella A Prehistoric Fairy Tale” shows Dinorella looking out the doorway when her stepsisters receive the invitation to the dance, this is a sign that Dinorella’s life is going to change in some way.
February 7, 2021
Dinorella: A prehistoric fairytale is a funny story that has a similar plot that children will relate to. The three dinosaur sisters are the main characters. Two of the sisters are not very nice and tell the third sister, Dinorella she is too dull to go to the dance hosted by the dashing duke. Fairy-dactyl comes to the rescue of Dinorella. I wonder which sister will catch the eye of the dashing duke?
This story would be good to use in the primary grades. Teacher’s this is a great read to introduce students to alliteration. It would be fun to have students write their own alliteration sentence or story depending on age level. Students could also create a flier for the big “dance” using alliteration. It also would be a good text to have students do compare and contrast activities like a graphic organizer with other Cinderella type books. This story also lends itself for students to practice sequencing skills too.
This story would be good to use in the primary grades. Teacher’s this is a great read to introduce students to alliteration. It would be fun to have students write their own alliteration sentence or story depending on age level. Students could also create a flier for the big “dance” using alliteration. It also would be a good text to have students do compare and contrast activities like a graphic organizer with other Cinderella type books. This story also lends itself for students to practice sequencing skills too.
August 18, 2022
This book provides a uniqu,e and fun insight into a age old tale. Dinorella is treated terribly by her stepsisters, Doris and Dora. She is forced to clean up after them day in and day out. One day the receive an invitation to Duke Dudley's for a dance. Her stepsisters insist she not attend, as she is not as fancily outfitted as them. She is bummed out until her Fairydactyl shows up, and dolls her up for the dance. On her way though, she comes across the Duke encountering some danger. She has a decision to make that may possibly lead her to her happy ever after. This is a fresh take on the idea of the damsel in distress and full of fun alliteration.
This book would be great to use in a classroom to teach compare and contrast, possibly with the use of a venn diagram. There are many Cinderella type stories across cultures such as Lon Po Po or Dinorella that can be used for a project in which they examine these stories and their elements in comparison with each other.
This book would be great to use in a classroom to teach compare and contrast, possibly with the use of a venn diagram. There are many Cinderella type stories across cultures such as Lon Po Po or Dinorella that can be used for a project in which they examine these stories and their elements in comparison with each other.
February 11, 2024
Dinorella is a prehistoric retelling of Cinderella. It takes a few different turns then your typical fairy tale retelling. Dinorella has lazy step sisters like the typical tale. However due to alliteration in the book she is going to the dance to meet the duke. The duke is caught by an evil dinosaur and Dinorella goes to help rescue the duke. This book is great to challenge the damsel in distress stereotype. It also shows that Dinorella is not some tough, hardened girl ready to save the duke but one that rises to the occasion even if she is scared.
A lot of the things that are traditional to the original Cinderella story are changed out to start with the letter d. This book would be a great story to introduce the letter d in class and discuss different words in the book. The class could record the d words or have the students due a signal for everytime they hear a word that starts with the d sound. For older grades, you could use this book for ideas about alliteration.
A lot of the things that are traditional to the original Cinderella story are changed out to start with the letter d. This book would be a great story to introduce the letter d in class and discuss different words in the book. The class could record the d words or have the students due a signal for everytime they hear a word that starts with the d sound. For older grades, you could use this book for ideas about alliteration.
October 30, 2025
In this fractured fairy tale fantasy book Dinorella must overcome several obstacles on her journey to the dance. When tragedy strikes at the dance it is up to Dinorella to save the day and reunite with her true love. This book is full of alliteration that students would love. Through this alliteration and the wonderful illustrations, children’s focus and attention would be captured. I think this would be a great book to use when comparing different stories. Since the storyline is similar to the classic fairytale Cinderella, students would be able to build connections between what they know and this new take on Cinderella. Through this comparison students could write about the similarities and differences they find. I also think this would be a great time to introduce young students to the idea of a Venn Diagram as a graphic organizer to capture their thinking. Overall, I think students would really enjoy and connect to this book.
May 12, 2018
This prehistoric spin on the traditional Cinderella tale is sure to be a favorite among dinosaur-loving children everywhere!
Dinorella is devastatingly demeaned by her horrid sisters Dora and Dorris, as the force her to do every chore and mock her desire to attend the Dinosaur Dance with Duke Dudley.
Dinorella is feeling 'dismal' when Fairdactyl arrives with a little magic and some delightful diamonds. With a little help, Dinorella may be able to meet the Duke after all!
A fabulous mentor text to teach children about alliteration, this story also provides a great opportunity for young readers to compare and contrast versions of the Cinderella tale.
With a kind protagonist as the force of good, a pair of evil sisters and a magical fairy helper, students could create Venn diagrams to discuss similarities and differences between this story and another Cinderella tale.
Dinorella is devastatingly demeaned by her horrid sisters Dora and Dorris, as the force her to do every chore and mock her desire to attend the Dinosaur Dance with Duke Dudley.
Dinorella is feeling 'dismal' when Fairdactyl arrives with a little magic and some delightful diamonds. With a little help, Dinorella may be able to meet the Duke after all!
A fabulous mentor text to teach children about alliteration, this story also provides a great opportunity for young readers to compare and contrast versions of the Cinderella tale.
With a kind protagonist as the force of good, a pair of evil sisters and a magical fairy helper, students could create Venn diagrams to discuss similarities and differences between this story and another Cinderella tale.
October 29, 2023
This books was a great! I liked that the author stuck close to the original fairytale while also keeping the book unique!
I think there are many ways to incorporate this book into your classroom lessons. First and foremost as a kindergarten teacher, this would be a great book to read while introducing the letter D. There are so many words that begin with D so it would be great for phonics and great for vocabulary lessons.
I also think this book could be great for teaching character traits or in a unit where many different versions of cinderalla are read. The books could be compared and contrasted. You could also have class discussions on themes amongst characters and overall messages the author is trying to send throughout each book.
Overall I think this would be a great book to add to a classroom library.
I think there are many ways to incorporate this book into your classroom lessons. First and foremost as a kindergarten teacher, this would be a great book to read while introducing the letter D. There are so many words that begin with D so it would be great for phonics and great for vocabulary lessons.
I also think this book could be great for teaching character traits or in a unit where many different versions of cinderalla are read. The books could be compared and contrasted. You could also have class discussions on themes amongst characters and overall messages the author is trying to send throughout each book.
Overall I think this would be a great book to add to a classroom library.
February 15, 2025
We did this for a puppet show at the library, and the kids didn't respond to it at all. Maybe that comes down to our puppeteering, but personally I didn't like it from the beginning and was just politely going along with the questionable taste of my colleagues (co-workers: if you're reading this some day, I'm sorry, but you know I'm right).
I will say that if you are a teacher trying to demonstrate alliteration to children, this book could serve a purpose. The whole joke is that they're dinosaurs who use a lot of D words. So in the style of the book, let me just say that Dinorella is drab, didactic, and dorky.
I will say that if you are a teacher trying to demonstrate alliteration to children, this book could serve a purpose. The whole joke is that they're dinosaurs who use a lot of D words. So in the style of the book, let me just say that Dinorella is drab, didactic, and dorky.
October 18, 2017
This story was a cute twist on the original Cinderella story. In this version, "Dinorella" ends up saving the prince from being eaten, which would be great to show that women can be brave and stick up for others, even strangers. Also, I love all of the alliterations! This would be great to use for an older group working on alliterations or a younger group working on the letter D. Super fun and can be used in multiple ways.
January 1, 2024
*The last few months of the year I've been "superhero'ed" out, so I know I won't make my usual 200-book goal unless I get creative. And by that, I mean children's books. I'm a librarian, so it's good for me to have some kids' books in my repertoire, too, right? (Okay, I might be slightly cheating, but... some of the kids' books I've read, I've really enjoyed, so I'm actually glad for a reason to cheat, lol).*
A cute retelling with a ‘50s vibe and lots of alliteration. Thoroughly charming.
A cute retelling with a ‘50s vibe and lots of alliteration. Thoroughly charming.
September 12, 2017
This book is a great snip off of the traditional story of Cinderella. When I read it, I thought the author did a great job of making sure that the pictures added to the story. The step sisters definitely looked less attractive than Dinorella. Many children will love this story because of its rebalance to the known Cinderella story, but they enjoy it even more because it has dinosaurs.
February 23, 2023
This is a simply hilarious version of Cinderella ... a dinosaur who has lovely jewels, instead of glass slippers. She hurls one at a monster trying to kidnap the duke ... and then falls in love with the duke. The best thing, though, is the creative use of words that begin with D. You just have to read it to your little ones and have a good laugh!
September 12, 2017
This story allows both genders to stay engaged with a Cinderella story about dinosaurs. This story contains d alliteration on every page along with bright illustrations. Great for comparing and contrasting to other Cinderella stories.
August 25, 2017
This is a very cute and chill friendly book. It has a twist on a very classic story. This book would be fun for all ages, and all genders.
October 18, 2017
This book is a different take on the classic Cinderella we all know and love. Dinorella can really hold her own and is great at throwing stones...you will see what I mean! great read!
October 19, 2018
I love Cinderella stories and Cinderella rewrites. This is no exception- it is absolutely adorable!
February 25, 2020
A fun take on a classic story
February 27, 2020
This book is extremely interesting and great for children who love Cinderella, but also dinosaurs. I enjoyed looking at the illustrations!
March 8, 2020
It’s cute that she saves him, a cute twist. But I thought it would be slightly better. Still cute though.
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March 10, 2020This fairytale is a very cute take off of Cinderella. I think all kids would love this.
May 28, 2020
Fairydactyl? BRILLIANT. The booklong attempt at alliteration? LESS SO
January 27, 2021
I remember loving this book in kindergarten or first grade. But as an adult it's just okay. The frequent use of "d" words was annoying.
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