I Met A Dinosaur

by Jan Wahl, Chris Sheban (Illustrator)

After a trip to a museum, a young child begins seeing dinosaurs everywhere.

Genres: Dinosaurs, Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Jan Wahl was an American author best known for his imaginative and influential children’s books, which combined wit, warmth and a deep respect for young readers. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Wahl showed artistic promise early, performing piano on children’s radio programs and appearing on stage alongside legendary magician Harry Blackstone Sr. He studied at Cornell University, where he took classes with Vladimir Nabokov, and continued his education in Europe as a Fulbright scholar before completing graduate studies in the United States.
Wahl began publishing children’s books in the mid-1960s and quickly became a prolific and celebrated voice in the field, ultimately writing more than 120 works. Titles such as Pleasant Fieldmouse, The Furious Flycycle and Humphrey’s Bear earned him a devoted readership and critical acclaim. His stories were frequently illustrated by major artists, including Edward Gorey, Maurice Sendak and Mercer Mayer, and were praised for their playful tone, emotional intelligence and sense of empowerment.
Beyond writing, Wahl led an unusually rich cultural life, working with filmmakers, writers and artists, lecturing widely on film history and literature, and maintaining close ties to both the literary and cinematic worlds.

Reviews

[Paula Bee]

This book has amazing illustrations and a wonderful story, makes the reader look closely at what is, and think about what might be.

[Patricia Stephens · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was alright. I honestly did not see a point to the story. It was basically about a child seeing all of these different types of dinosaurs in different places while no one else could see them. All I could get from it was the imagination of the child in the story and how children can have amazing imaginations. I also didn't like the rhyme. Sometimes it just sounded weird, while other times it rhymed perfectly, so that made it seem very inconsistent.

Even though I didn't like this book that much, I did find some enjoyment from the pictures; they seemed somewhat appealing to me. I just liked how mysterious they were. Made me connect to how dinosaurs can be pretty mysterious because no one has ever lived to witness them. The colors were very dark, and I liked the working of the shadows in them to give off this mysterious vibe. The short information about all of the dinosaurs mentioned in the book was also pretty neat, so I liked that. Other than that, the book was okay.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I met a dinosaur and a dinosaur met me at a museum of Natural History.”

After that, the narrator sees different dinosaurs everywhere — in the park, at the gas station, on the lake, and even in her room!

Illustrations are great! There is a glossary in the back of all the dinosaurs mentioned in the text.

[Suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought up memories of having the imagination of my childhood. After visiting a museum where she learned all about dinosaurs, a girl sees dinosaurs throughout her daily activities, though nobody believes her. The pictures are simple but beautiful. The words have a smooth cadence and rhyme that evoke many opportunities for language play.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this one - a gentle, simple story about how real science and history can be to kids when they find them fascinating. Will use for dinosaur storytime.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice look at how kids live in their imaginations, though the rhyming got on my nerves. The illustrations are lovely, though.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that shows the active imaginations of children. I remember my brother seeing animals everywhere including frogs in his jello and ferocious animals in clouds

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/2.5

Dinosaurs

Great easy rhyming read, love the pictures. Play a game with the audience to see if they can name the dinosaurs in the pictures.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming book I liked! I enjoyed how the girl saw dinosaurs everywhere. I loved the illustrations, and I liked the story too. Diplodocus is my favorite.

[Skedatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really cute look at the imagination of a child.

[Lori Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is appropriate for grades 1 through 3. It supports the teaching of different types dinosaurs. Teachers could present the information by turning the classroom into a dinosaur museum.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever book about a girl who sees dinosaurs all over town after she takes a trip to the natural history museum. Humorous and with great art.

[Darlene Dion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read to a child in the nursery at church. I really liked the illustrations.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such gorgeous illustrations. The rhyming is sometimes a bit clunky, but overall, dinosaur lovers should read this! Lovely to have a quick page with further information at the end.

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What was the point?

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a trip to the museum, a girl sees dinosaurs everywhere. Gentle rhyme with dino names.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhymes don't scan well, but the illustrations and concept are fun for dino-fans.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple little rhyme about a girl who goes to a Natural History museum and after her visit ends up seeing dinosaurs everywhere.

Beautiful illustrations.

[Emerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl begins seeing dinosaurs all over town after a trip to the natural history museum. Beautiful illustrations!