A First Book of Dinosaurs by Simon Mole and Matt Hunt
A First Book of Dinosaurs by Simon Mole and Matt Hunt is a vibrant addition to the StoryBox collection, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to high-quality, engaging, and educational children's literature. This book stands out for its unique blend of poetry and factual content, making the prehistoric world accessible and exciting for young readers.
Why we chose A First Book of Dinosaurs
At StoryBox, we don’t just pick books that children like — we choose books that matter, books that are grounded in educational integrity, literary merit, books that ask to be read aloud and open up rich worlds of language and learning. A First Book of Dinosaurs by Simon Mole ticks every box.
1. Linguistic richness and poetic form
Simon Mole’s text introduces young readers to poetic structures and figurative language in an accessible yet sophisticated way. The poems employ a wide and varied vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and rhythmic language, offering a compelling model for early language acquisition and oral fluency. As advocates for early exposure to rich linguistic experiences, we believe this book supports both enjoyment and educational depth.
2. Exceptional illustrations
Matt Hunt’s illustrations are vibrant, expressive, and full of energy. Crucially, they maintain a balance between clarity and ambiguity—offering enough visual context to engage young readers while leaving interpretive space for the imagination to flourish. This visual approach aligns with our emphasis on open-ended play and narrative thinking, encouraging children to become active participants in meaning-making.
3. Reflects a modern, diverse world
This isn’t just a book about prehistoric beasts. It makes space for questions, wonder, and perspective which connects young readers to natural history in a way that respects their curiosity and intelligence. It’s inclusive in tone, accessible in language, and unafraid to be poetic and smart.
4. Demands to be read aloud
The performative nature of Mole’s poetry makes this book ideally suited for reading aloud. It offers a shared literary experience that supports connection between adult and child, reinforcing our belief that reading together strengthens bonds and builds confidence in language. The cadence and sound patterns embedded in the text are a joy to vocalise, creating an experience that is as pleasurable for the reader as it is for the listener.
5. A book to grow with…
One of the many reasons we selected A First Book of Dinosaurs as a launch title is its extraordinary flexibility across age ranges. This is not a book that children will outgrow quickly. For pre-readers, its poetic language and dynamic illustrations offer a joyful invitation into performance, movement, and dramatic play. Read-aloud sessions can be lively and interactive—with rhythm, rhyme, and roaring—making the experience accessible, memorable, and embodied. As children grow, the text reveals new layers. Older readers can explore the poems as models for their own writing, delve into the scientific content as a springboard for independent research, or consider the use of voice and perspective as part of broader literacy learning. The book scales naturally with the child, offering something fresh at every developmental stage.
Included in The Dinosaur Box
To extend the learning and engagement beyond the page, A First Book of Dinosaurs is the central text in The Dinosaur Box. Paired with thoughtfully selected, eco-friendly toys, this StoryBox invites children into immersive, imaginative play inspired by the themes of the book. The combination of high-quality literature and open-ended materials offers a holistic, child-led experience that supports creativity, curiosity, and connection—for toddlers, big kids, and everyone in between.