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Dinosailors
After spending time sailing on the high seas, some novice, seasick dinosaurs decide they have had enough of their ocean adventure. Children's BOMC. 50,000 first printing.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Deb Lund
10 books36 followersA kidlit author and creativity coach best known for her celebrated dinoseries, Deb Lund taught for twenty years as a music and classroom teacher and elementary librarian, later creating and co-directing a small arts-based school.
Deb supports writers, teachers, artists, and students through her website, blogs, continuing education courses, and coaching. She's a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and conferences.
Additional picture books, an upper middle-grade novel, and a book about teaching writing to children are among her current projects.
Life with her musician husband, Karl Olsen of “The Brothers Four,” and their three children is a constant source of amazement and inspiration.
Visit Deb at http://www.deblund.com.
Deb supports writers, teachers, artists, and students through her website, blogs, continuing education courses, and coaching. She's a frequent presenter at schools, libraries, and conferences.
Additional picture books, an upper middle-grade novel, and a book about teaching writing to children are among her current projects.
Life with her musician husband, Karl Olsen of “The Brothers Four,” and their three children is a constant source of amazement and inspiration.
Visit Deb at http://www.deblund.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 21, 2017
Very unrealistic. Too much vomit.
June 25, 2015
Age: 3-7 years
You sometimes gotta indulge in a little cover-judging shelf grab. And who could resist that joyous smile, those blissfully closed eyes on the most savage of dinosaurs: Mr. T-rex, also known as the cabin boy of this short story. A creative twist on a go-to topic for little boys, this troupe of dinosaurs set sail only to realize the error of their decision when sea sickness sets in. In the end, this setback causes them to appreciate their land-walking ways, but they're not afraid to continue imagining new and daring adventures.
Nothing spectacular with some stilted rhythm but this still makes a delightful addition to the dinosaur fanatics.
You sometimes gotta indulge in a little cover-judging shelf grab. And who could resist that joyous smile, those blissfully closed eyes on the most savage of dinosaurs: Mr. T-rex, also known as the cabin boy of this short story. A creative twist on a go-to topic for little boys, this troupe of dinosaurs set sail only to realize the error of their decision when sea sickness sets in. In the end, this setback causes them to appreciate their land-walking ways, but they're not afraid to continue imagining new and daring adventures.
Nothing spectacular with some stilted rhythm but this still makes a delightful addition to the dinosaur fanatics.
February 3, 2013
ME: "Nephew, did you like that dinosaur book we read tonight?"
NEPHEW (with a grin on his face): "Yeah! Because it had dinosaurs throwing up in it! BWLAAAAAHHHH!"
So there you go. Apparently all it takes to impress five year old boys is puking dinosaurs! Although this story was better than All Aboard the Dinotrain, it still suffered from too much cutesy playing with the word "dino" in the text (dinodecks, dinosails, dinowhiners, etc.). That seemed to be less bothersome to the kids this time around, but it just annoys me to no end! Honestly, no wonder the dinosaurs were dinopuking! Two stars from me, four from the boy, so we'll compromise at three.
NEPHEW (with a grin on his face): "Yeah! Because it had dinosaurs throwing up in it! BWLAAAAAHHHH!"
So there you go. Apparently all it takes to impress five year old boys is puking dinosaurs! Although this story was better than All Aboard the Dinotrain, it still suffered from too much cutesy playing with the word "dino" in the text (dinodecks, dinosails, dinowhiners, etc.). That seemed to be less bothersome to the kids this time around, but it just annoys me to no end! Honestly, no wonder the dinosaurs were dinopuking! Two stars from me, four from the boy, so we'll compromise at three.
April 10, 2009
This is a book about a mixed group of dinosaurs that go sailing. Bet you never saw that coming :)
It's very cute, and it does offer a lot of chance to learn some specialized nautical terms like "galley" (which you probably never have a chance to say to your preschooler). I will say that the use of dino- in front of every other word can get grating after a while.
There is one scene where the entire ship spews out vomit. My nieces read this book avidly for that one scene so they can yell "EW! GROSS!"
It's very cute, and it does offer a lot of chance to learn some specialized nautical terms like "galley" (which you probably never have a chance to say to your preschooler). I will say that the use of dino- in front of every other word can get grating after a while.
There is one scene where the entire ship spews out vomit. My nieces read this book avidly for that one scene so they can yell "EW! GROSS!"
July 5, 2021
It started out kinda cute and slightly annoying with the dino(insert normal word here) every page. It then got really gross, all the dinos got seasick and threw up projectile style with an entire page dedicated to them vomiting. they then decide not to be sailors anymore and stay on land and basically set the book up for a series if they wanted, I hope they don't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 2, 2018Dinosailors by Deb Lund (2001) Illustrated by Howard Fine
Join these anthropomorphic dinosaurs as they set sail on an adventure that takes them across the chopping and churning sea and into a greater appreciation for solid land. The book reviewed was physically worn, had inner “scotch-tape” repairs, and clearly a library favorite at Sequioa Elementary School, in Westminster. The inside cover lists all the Dinosailors along with their duties assigned aboard the Dino-ship. This sets up young readers to quickly engage in the story by familiarizing them with all the Dinosailor’s names. The inside cover could also be used in class as a primer or discussion session with young readers on how they think the adventure will go and what each job means in the life of a Dinosailor. The illustrations are full-page and very colorful, eye-popping pencil and water color paintings. The Dinosailors think the sea is a wonderful adventure, but soon discover it is fraught with peril. SPOILER: there is a Dinosailor sea-sickness bout with all hands heaving-to (READ: vomiting) over the side rail of the Dino-ship so be prepared for his with young readers. The Book is well written but text is on the small size. In addition, many of the words used may not be understood by very young readers (ex. hearty, tack, shackles, swab, squall), but could be explained to them. However, this should not take away any enjoyment from young readers because what is missed in word meaning is clear in the illustrations. A well-loved book that would make a great addition to any primary school library or classroom. Dinosailors reporting for adventure Cap’n!
Target Audience: Pre-k to 2nd grade or ages 3-7
Join these anthropomorphic dinosaurs as they set sail on an adventure that takes them across the chopping and churning sea and into a greater appreciation for solid land. The book reviewed was physically worn, had inner “scotch-tape” repairs, and clearly a library favorite at Sequioa Elementary School, in Westminster. The inside cover lists all the Dinosailors along with their duties assigned aboard the Dino-ship. This sets up young readers to quickly engage in the story by familiarizing them with all the Dinosailor’s names. The inside cover could also be used in class as a primer or discussion session with young readers on how they think the adventure will go and what each job means in the life of a Dinosailor. The illustrations are full-page and very colorful, eye-popping pencil and water color paintings. The Dinosailors think the sea is a wonderful adventure, but soon discover it is fraught with peril. SPOILER: there is a Dinosailor sea-sickness bout with all hands heaving-to (READ: vomiting) over the side rail of the Dino-ship so be prepared for his with young readers. The Book is well written but text is on the small size. In addition, many of the words used may not be understood by very young readers (ex. hearty, tack, shackles, swab, squall), but could be explained to them. However, this should not take away any enjoyment from young readers because what is missed in word meaning is clear in the illustrations. A well-loved book that would make a great addition to any primary school library or classroom. Dinosailors reporting for adventure Cap’n!
Target Audience: Pre-k to 2nd grade or ages 3-7
May 20, 2023
What the hell kind of message is this? You get seasick and then give up being a sailor???? Also, the Spinosaurus depiction looks like some kind of herbivorous Dimetrodon, just a ridiculous choice to draw him like that. The rhymes are adequate for out loud reading
Would've been one star but the silhouetted vomiting splash page was a big hit with the kids
Would've been one star but the silhouetted vomiting splash page was a big hit with the kids
May 4, 2019
Reminiscent of "How do dinosaurs..." series, this book would be good for wh- questions about pictures. The text has good rhythm, rhyme, and cadence/beat. The pictures are colorful and depict actions. The dinosaurs get sick and sell their boat.
December 2, 2021
Some dinosaurs love adventure travel, so they board a boat and set sail for sea. When a storm blows in the dinosailors discover how much they miss being on land! Wonderful rhyme and illustrations for this fun story.
September 23, 2025
This book is a banger. Not sure what’s up with all of the grouchy reviews about a nonsense book. The puking page is amazing and so so good. I love a great page that doesn’t need words. 10/10 for a great nonsense book for kids. Best of the series.
February 28, 2018
It was ok. Really didn't need the picture of dinosaurs vomiting.
March 20, 2018
I liked this book because dinosaurs. I like how the sail and I like the words in it and I like the "heave-ho" part.
July 31, 2018
The rhymes are nice and so are the illustrations. But with the Dino Racing book series, to compete with, this story lags behind.
February 20, 2019
Reads aloud well, great nautical vocabulary, humorous illustrations. Recommended for ages 3-6.
March 11, 2019
My 2.5 yr old boys want to “see them go blagh” over and over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2019
The vomit makes this book.
December 21, 2021
The artwork....wow just blown away. I love the technique Howard used and the crazy angles he portrayed. And the vomit scene...... hi-larious. The story was very fun and adventurous.
September 14, 2023
The page where they all get seasick was excellently hilarious.
January 21, 2017
Dino lovers will love this book. Great illustrations and lots of fun to read aloud
January 11, 2019
Hilarious. Fun to read. Don't mind the vomit.
May 31, 2020
I went into this blind to read to some unrelenting children. I'd say the most interesting part of the book is when the dinosaurs projectile vomit off the side of the ship.
January 29, 2015
I just love this book and how the rhyme just flows. As it goes through the different dinosaurs and their jobs on the boat as well as things that can happen while you’re out at sea. I love the fact that the Dinosaurs miss having their feet on dry land and come up with a new plan on how to curb their need for adventure and excitement. :0)
The children in my class just love this book, and it is one that is frequently brought over for me to read to a child while we sit together on the couch. I love to hear them giggle at the silliness and the guest ions they come up with.
The children in my class just love this book, and it is one that is frequently brought over for me to read to a child while we sit together on the couch. I love to hear them giggle at the silliness and the guest ions they come up with.
September 2, 2012
I recently had a wonderful surprise, I won this book & just received it this week. It is a delightful 'what if' book, taking readers via a rhyming story through the travels of a group of engaging dinosaurs (dinosailors) on their not-always-so-joyful sailing adventure. It's such a fun book that I can imagine many other stories in writer's workshop stemming from thinking 'what if' about other dinosaurs or other animals. The illustrations by Howard Fine fill the story with gorgeous colorful movement, for there's always new action when the pages are turned.
March 5, 2011
Fun story with fun rhyming. Illustrations went well with text. Would definitely be a fun read-aloud, I'm just trying to figure out which group. The preschoolers would enjoy the subject and rhyming, but how well would the throwing up go over? For both kids and adults? School-age storytime would enjoy. Lap-read would be good, too. I guess the age is up to you. I for one thought the throwing up part a little gross and very hilarious at the same time.
July 6, 2012
This looked like it actually might be a good book... The rhymes were pretty cute. Everything was going along smoothly until the Dinosaurs got sick. What do I do? Turn to the next page to see a shadowed picture of the dinosaurs on their boat spewing vomit like a water fountain. What? That is totally disgusting and why would I give my child that image. Yuk. Sorry DinoSailors, you don't cut it for me.
January 4, 2013
I just received this book via a 2012 prize for Picture Book Idea Month 2012. The dinosaur premise is fun and different from many of the pirate picture books on the market. I liked the idea of dinosaurs in an outdoor activity that might get indoor gaming children to exercise (i.e. sailing is fun). The results of dinosaurs sailing may be a surprise or not depending on the reader's experience. I sail and enjoyed the sailing terms and dinosaur illustrations! Check it out!
July 26, 2015
Since we had read the second and third book in this series, it made sense to go ahead and read the first book. This one was not as good as the other two. Our intrepid group of dinosaur adventurers decide to get a ship and go sailing, but things aren't as easy as they originally thought. They hit a squall and all get nausceous and decide they have no more sea legs. They are happy to return to their families. Recommended for ages 3-6, 2 stars.
June 29, 2008
When I read this book it was interesting to see how the author put dinosaurs in another perspective. The dinosaurs in this story want to be sailors and imagine that they are sailing the seas. But once they all start getting seasick they decide that being sailors is not for them. I used this book as part of my Literacy Bag. The students really enjoyed reading this book.
May 23, 2011
This wasn't the greatest story ever, but it's a nice little rhyming tale all about a rough and tumble crew of dinosaurs on the high seas. It has a simple rhyme scheme and would cover the lower elementary crowds interests well enough. It will undoubtedly spawn another nearly endless series of only slightly different sequels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews