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How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide
From author Ame Dyckman and illustrator Jenn Harney comes a faux-cautionary tale featuring dad jokes and tantrum-throwing dinosaurs!
In this "safety guide," a child in a museum asks their parents how the dinosaurs all became extinct. Well, their father has some theories. Gallimimus? Ran with scissors. Ankylosaurus? Tipped in their chair. Spinosaurus? Swam after eating. Tyrannosaurus rex? Didn’t change their underwear. By the end of the story, the child vows to never do any of these "dangerous" things again. Those dinosaurs should have been more careful!
In this "safety guide," a child in a museum asks their parents how the dinosaurs all became extinct. Well, their father has some theories. Gallimimus? Ran with scissors. Ankylosaurus? Tipped in their chair. Spinosaurus? Swam after eating. Tyrannosaurus rex? Didn’t change their underwear. By the end of the story, the child vows to never do any of these "dangerous" things again. Those dinosaurs should have been more careful!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
1 person is currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
May 3, 2024
THIS IS HILARIOUS! I absolutely recommend this book. It is great!!!!!!!!!!
July 17, 2023
When a child at the natural history museum asks how the dinosaurs went extinct, Mom shares several popular theories, while Dad shares exactly how each of them died...doing those things that adults always tell kids to do or not to do, like tipping their chair backwards, or washing their hands.
This was hilarious. The ending was perfection. If you like tongue-in-cheek cautionary tales, snatch this up. My favorites were the dinos who died because they scratched bug bites and the one who didn't change its underwear, though many, many others were super funny too. I feel like this would work better as a middle grade picture book read as they would be more likely to get the humor and be able to handle the 2 dinos with bones sticking out because limbs have been scratched or bitten off (its cartoonish, and looks like how ham is drawn with bones in, but still may gross some kids out...know the reader you hand this to).
This was hilarious. The ending was perfection. If you like tongue-in-cheek cautionary tales, snatch this up. My favorites were the dinos who died because they scratched bug bites and the one who didn't change its underwear, though many, many others were super funny too. I feel like this would work better as a middle grade picture book read as they would be more likely to get the humor and be able to handle the 2 dinos with bones sticking out because limbs have been scratched or bitten off (its cartoonish, and looks like how ham is drawn with bones in, but still may gross some kids out...know the reader you hand this to).
September 19, 2023
Reading age
4 - 8 years
A really cute story on how a dad explaining what kids shouldn't do in terms of Dinasoars' extinction.
4 - 8 years
A really cute story on how a dad explaining what kids shouldn't do in terms of Dinasoars' extinction.
May 16, 2023
Cannot wait to try this in a storytime; need to practice my dinosaur pronunciations!
October 27, 2023
It looks like a cute book but several pages depict bloody amputated limbs, one features a dinosaur that has been crushed to death, and another depicts a dinosaur being electrocuted because it played with an outlet.
On top of that the content of the book is just plain stupid with no redeeming educational value.
On top of that the content of the book is just plain stupid with no redeeming educational value.
January 24, 2024
This originally appeared in Grandpappy's Corner at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S HOW DINOSAURS WENT EXTINCT: A SAFETY GUIDE ABOUT?
On a trip to a museum, while looking at dinosaur skeletons, a child asks how they went extinct. Their mom (or maybe an older sister—she has a Candace Flynn energy if you ask me) starts to give an accurate answer, covering some basic theories. But then the child's dad cuts them off.
Dad explains how various species went extinct due to poor safety habits. The Anklyosaurus, for example, "tipped in their chair;" The Microraptor, "played with matches;" the Brachiosauraus "swallowed their gum." And so on. Dad goes on for a while, covering a few vital life lessons while his kid is open and listening.
I don't want to spoil anything...but Dad's quick thinking may have paid off (at least temporarily).
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ART FOR A MINUTE?
If the cover image of a T-Rex in tighty-whities and roller-skates with a rocket tied to their back doesn't grab your attention...I don't know what will. It also gives you a pretty thorough idea of what you're going to find inside.
The dinosaurs are drawn fairly accurately—and very cartoony. And doing some clearly dumb/reckless things. The word "dynamic" doesn't seem like it's quite strong enough to describe this. The pictures scream movement, energy, and a sense of mirth. You don't need the words to be able to flip through this and have fun (it's better with them, of course).
HOW IS IT TO READ ALOUD?
First, Dyckman included a pronunciation guide, so people like me can get through all the tricky names of dinosaurs. Is it just me, or do we lose the ability to rattle off names of dinosaurs that weren't featured in a Spielberg movie (or the sequels) after the age of 16 or so? Anyway, having these (with a note that there will be some local variations) is a major treat and wonderful aid.
With that aid—this becomes a blast to read. It's filled with nice rhymes and goofy ideas and how do you not have fun reading that?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT HOW DINOSAURS WENT EXTINCT: A SAFETY GUIDE?
I picked this up in the bookstore while looking for something else—the cover image/title grabbed me, and when I flipped through it quickly, I just knew we needed it on our shelves. I dug the art and what little I skimmed appealed to me. When I got home and sat down to read it, I saw that my first impression was spot-on. This was fun for me, and I'm sure it'll be fun for the grandcritter in a few months.
The jokes are great. I love the style of art—it just explodes off the page. You're able to talk about common sense safety/manners in a way that a toddler will be able to have fun with (and hopefully learn from). What's not to like?
I initially jotted this down as a 3-Star read, and I tend to trust my initial impulses. But 1. I didn't remember that, so I gave it a 4 on my 2023 Favorites list and 2. I just re-read it, and don't understand what I was thinking back in June. This is too much fun to give any less.
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WHAT'S HOW DINOSAURS WENT EXTINCT: A SAFETY GUIDE ABOUT?
On a trip to a museum, while looking at dinosaur skeletons, a child asks how they went extinct. Their mom (or maybe an older sister—she has a Candace Flynn energy if you ask me) starts to give an accurate answer, covering some basic theories. But then the child's dad cuts them off.
Dad explains how various species went extinct due to poor safety habits. The Anklyosaurus, for example, "tipped in their chair;" The Microraptor, "played with matches;" the Brachiosauraus "swallowed their gum." And so on. Dad goes on for a while, covering a few vital life lessons while his kid is open and listening.
I don't want to spoil anything...but Dad's quick thinking may have paid off (at least temporarily).
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ART FOR A MINUTE?
If the cover image of a T-Rex in tighty-whities and roller-skates with a rocket tied to their back doesn't grab your attention...I don't know what will. It also gives you a pretty thorough idea of what you're going to find inside.
The dinosaurs are drawn fairly accurately—and very cartoony. And doing some clearly dumb/reckless things. The word "dynamic" doesn't seem like it's quite strong enough to describe this. The pictures scream movement, energy, and a sense of mirth. You don't need the words to be able to flip through this and have fun (it's better with them, of course).
HOW IS IT TO READ ALOUD?
First, Dyckman included a pronunciation guide, so people like me can get through all the tricky names of dinosaurs. Is it just me, or do we lose the ability to rattle off names of dinosaurs that weren't featured in a Spielberg movie (or the sequels) after the age of 16 or so? Anyway, having these (with a note that there will be some local variations) is a major treat and wonderful aid.
With that aid—this becomes a blast to read. It's filled with nice rhymes and goofy ideas and how do you not have fun reading that?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT HOW DINOSAURS WENT EXTINCT: A SAFETY GUIDE?
I picked this up in the bookstore while looking for something else—the cover image/title grabbed me, and when I flipped through it quickly, I just knew we needed it on our shelves. I dug the art and what little I skimmed appealed to me. When I got home and sat down to read it, I saw that my first impression was spot-on. This was fun for me, and I'm sure it'll be fun for the grandcritter in a few months.
The jokes are great. I love the style of art—it just explodes off the page. You're able to talk about common sense safety/manners in a way that a toddler will be able to have fun with (and hopefully learn from). What's not to like?
I initially jotted this down as a 3-Star read, and I tend to trust my initial impulses. But 1. I didn't remember that, so I gave it a 4 on my 2023 Favorites list and 2. I just re-read it, and don't understand what I was thinking back in June. This is too much fun to give any less.
October 4, 2023
"How did dinosaurs go extinct, anyway," the child asks of his parents. Mom has a factual response, but dad has other plans! Sensing an opportunity, he gives explanations for how each different species went extinct, which parents will recognize as classic childhood behaviors that parents have, for decades, fought against in their children. "Ankylosaurus tipped over in their chair." The illustrations are fantastic. I couldn't help laughing out loud as Ankylosaurus defiantly plunges to it's doom declaring, "I sit how I waaaaaant!"
If you've got a kid who refuses to wear their coat in 40 degrees, or if you've been there, this book will remind you that you're in great company. And the silly illustrations will have kids cackling along, perhaps in spite of themselves.
One minor warning, though definitely targeted at a young audience, there are a few depictions of gore in a cartoon style that still might not be suitable for some kids (an arm or a leg fallen off with a bone slightly protruding).
How will it end? Will Dad's machinations work? I'll let you find out 😊
If you've got a kid who refuses to wear their coat in 40 degrees, or if you've been there, this book will remind you that you're in great company. And the silly illustrations will have kids cackling along, perhaps in spite of themselves.
One minor warning, though definitely targeted at a young audience, there are a few depictions of gore in a cartoon style that still might not be suitable for some kids (an arm or a leg fallen off with a bone slightly protruding).
How will it end? Will Dad's machinations work? I'll let you find out 😊
March 2, 2024
This book was delightful! A child visiting a dinosaur exhibit naturally wants to know - what happened to the dinosaurs? Mom starts to explain that know one really knows but it could have been an asteroid but Dad jumps in with his own version. Running with scissors. Refusing to change their underwear. Jumping on the bed. Each dinosaur has acquired a behavior that children are routinely discouraged from doing. The result? Extinction, obviously! The child's reaction to dad's cautionary tale is hilarious.
I really liked that there is a pronunciation guide for each dinosaur name. I'm a big dinosaur fan but several of these were new to me! I think this would make an excellent read aloud for older kids. Or any kid fascinated with dinosaurs. Just be sure to read it ahead of time so you will be up on pronunciation (because there will be at least one kid in the crowd who knows every dino in the book!) - and also so you can pause at the correct moments for the perfect effect of each behavior. Such a fun book!
I really liked that there is a pronunciation guide for each dinosaur name. I'm a big dinosaur fan but several of these were new to me! I think this would make an excellent read aloud for older kids. Or any kid fascinated with dinosaurs. Just be sure to read it ahead of time so you will be up on pronunciation (because there will be at least one kid in the crowd who knows every dino in the book!) - and also so you can pause at the correct moments for the perfect effect of each behavior. Such a fun book!
April 27, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded up.
This book is basically a long-form dad joke. At the science museum, a child asks how the dinosaurs went extinct, and a dad details how different dinosaur varieties died out by not observing safety protocols or having rude habits. The concept is funny, but the spattered blood and detached limb in one illustration go way too far for most picture book audiences, and the book can also give kids dangerous ideas by suggesting risky behaviors they wouldn't have thought of otherwise.
This is best for older kids and adults, since they can get a laugh out of the silly scenarios without being negatively affected by the book's content. They are also going to appreciate the irony and contextual humor, while younger kids won't get all the jokes and are more likely to just be disturbed.
This book is basically a long-form dad joke. At the science museum, a child asks how the dinosaurs went extinct, and a dad details how different dinosaur varieties died out by not observing safety protocols or having rude habits. The concept is funny, but the spattered blood and detached limb in one illustration go way too far for most picture book audiences, and the book can also give kids dangerous ideas by suggesting risky behaviors they wouldn't have thought of otherwise.
This is best for older kids and adults, since they can get a laugh out of the silly scenarios without being negatively affected by the book's content. They are also going to appreciate the irony and contextual humor, while younger kids won't get all the jokes and are more likely to just be disturbed.
August 8, 2023
I visited the Norman Public Library with my nieces and nephew. It's an incredible library, particularly for children. Many activities and a huge selection of books. My four-year-old nephew was fascinated with the book display about dinosaurs, so we checked out several books on dinosaurs.
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide is a humorous book with terrific artwork that indicates dinosaurs became extinct because they ran with scissors, picked their nose, wouldn't change their underwear, etc.
Humorous book that captures children's imaginations!
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide is a humorous book with terrific artwork that indicates dinosaurs became extinct because they ran with scissors, picked their nose, wouldn't change their underwear, etc.
Humorous book that captures children's imaginations!
May 9, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. I am not a dinosaur lover by any means, so this book didn't have immediate appeal to me. However, I'm sure it hooks most readers with the dinos. This book has many things that make it a bit too much for (all) younger readers. There are those few that will love it, but some may be turned off by legs and arms being bitten off, scratched off, and/or blown off. Some readers my have an issue with a dinosaur being crushed, lit on fire, and/or electrocuted. Let's not forget the dinosaur that died while trying to light his farts on fire. It is a weird read. I will say that I did appreciate the phonetic spellings line on each page for each different dino name.
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May 5, 2023This book is hilarious! What if every "bad" thing your kid did was actually what made dinosaurs go extinct? Could you get your kid to stop doing them - picking their nose, running with scissors, etc.? The illustrations match well. The cover is so exciting. The only thing that took away for me was the pronunciations under each dinosaur. I'm a "must read all text" person, so having to slowly pronounce a name threw me off. I think if they had just been at the end that would have been better. However, have I really been pronouncing Ankylosaurus wrong all this time? It's not ank-lee-oh-saur-us? It's ang-kuh-lo-sore-us?
May 18, 2023
Dark at times, but wrapped up in Dad Humor. A family at the museum discusses how exactly dinosaurs went extinct. What ensues is Dad calling forth every possible dangerous or annoying child behavior and employing an extinct dinosaur to reinforce how undesirable that behavior is. Everything from being too loud to poking an outlet is called out, and he achieves his desired result: the child vows NEVER to do those things again. Knowing children, though, this humorous list might inspire some boundary testing instead.
Know your audience for this one. As a parent, I found I had some deep empathy for this Dad, even if I probably wouldn't employ his methods myself.
Know your audience for this one. As a parent, I found I had some deep empathy for this Dad, even if I probably wouldn't employ his methods myself.
July 26, 2023
Is this a picture book about dinosaurs? Or is it a book about safety? Or is it a book about a clever day who uses the question of "how dinosaurs went extinct" to get his rambunctious, energetic child to act safely? Some adult care-giver readers will object to the occasional gore (eg, one dinosaur goes extinct by scratching its bug bites, causing a limb to fall off), but I would hope that this would lead the adult reader and child to talk about what parts are silly and what parts aren't, and why we have the safety rules that we do. This would work for a storytime for older readers (PreK-2nd grade) more than toddlers.
April 11, 2024
I agree with many reviewers who found this book disturbing. It is rather violent, with some of the cartoonish pictures showing amputated limbs, including the bones and muscles. One dinosaur is said to be extinct because he never changed his underwear and he is shown in only underwear, whereas none of the other dinosaurs in the book wore any clothing ... so why bring up underwear, except to poke fun at it. Also, when referring to the dinosaurs, the author always uses they/them pronouns. These are animals, so they could be referred to as it/its. This book will not be placed in my school's library.
August 2, 2025
During a visit to a museum with dinosaur exhibits, a child asks "How did dinosaurs go extinct anyway?" The mother begins an answer referring to theories about an asteroid or volcanic eruptions, when the father interrupts to use this question as a teachable moment about safety. The father states some pretty funny reasons why dinosaurs went extinct: Gallimimus ran with scissors; Microraptor played with matches; Triceratops didn't wear a helmet, and more. Dinosaur fans will giggle over the silly illustrations but will appreciate that there is a pronunciation guide for each dinosaur. A fun picture book to use to introduce units about basic safety rules.
April 19, 2023
Zoinks! The dinosaurs are making not-so-good choices and thus each species, one by one, is going extinct. Very great concept but I would hesitate sharing this in storytime with preschoolers because it may give them not-so-good ideas - I don't know how many kids actually think to "poke an outlet."
And there are some illustrative failings for the younger readers - missing limbs and bloodshed are not the greatest storytime fodder. If those aspects had been tweaked while editing, the book would have wider appeal.
And there are some illustrative failings for the younger readers - missing limbs and bloodshed are not the greatest storytime fodder. If those aspects had been tweaked while editing, the book would have wider appeal.
July 5, 2023
One of my favorite authors has delivered yet another funny book that I predict my students will enjoy! The dad introduces his ideas on how each of the dinosaurs died! Thankfully the dinosaurs are introduced with pictures and pronunciations with the most "unlikely" reason that they died! For example, "Triceratops didn't wear a helmet." As Triceratop says in the book, helmets "gives[s] me hat hair!" I am excited to share this book with my students when the new school year starts! Two thumbs up for this book!
October 23, 2023
The clever subtitle reveals the real purpose of this book: This "Safety Guide" is tongue-in-cheek, supposedly intended to help human readers to avoid going extinct.
Two examples will give you a good idea of the fun:
Microraptor played with matches. (FOOMPH!)
Velociraptor picked their nose.
Such cautionary tales! Such fun! "Don't end up like the dinosaurs!"
FIVE STARS to fun-loving author Ame Dyckman, and also to an expert zany-yet-tasteful illustrations, Jennifer Harney.
Two examples will give you a good idea of the fun:
Microraptor played with matches. (FOOMPH!)
Velociraptor picked their nose.
Such cautionary tales! Such fun! "Don't end up like the dinosaurs!"
FIVE STARS to fun-loving author Ame Dyckman, and also to an expert zany-yet-tasteful illustrations, Jennifer Harney.
November 17, 2023
This is a hilarious romp through the demise of just about as many dinosaurs that kids can name. Leave it to a “Dadasaurus” to come up with a zany list of deadly behaviors as a cautionary tale for his own little dino. The people are a little creepy looking, and Dad resembles a Neanderthal, but the dinosaurs are rendered with the perfect blend of realism and imaginative flair. As other reviewers have noted, this story might be a little too violent and some illustrations a bit too gory for bedtime.
November 12, 2024
**This book is being considered as a nominee for next year’s Beehive Book Award for Children in Utah. My review reflects my thoughts as it pertains to that consideration.**
I really shouldn't look at picture books while I'm on the desk at my library. I swear I cracked a rib trying not to laugh as much as I wanted to.
No spoilers, but the last line of the book REALLY sells the whole thing. Full marks, all the stars, all the awards. I need to read this to my own kids, like, YESTERDAY.
Storytime: Dinosaurs
I really shouldn't look at picture books while I'm on the desk at my library. I swear I cracked a rib trying not to laugh as much as I wanted to.
No spoilers, but the last line of the book REALLY sells the whole thing. Full marks, all the stars, all the awards. I need to read this to my own kids, like, YESTERDAY.
Storytime: Dinosaurs
July 17, 2023
Ame Dyckman does it again with a hilarious look at how dinosaurs went extinct. Dad explains how not behaving led to the big animals’ demise, from Ankylosaurus tipping their chair to Mononykus poking an outlet to Velociraptor - you don’t want to know. His curious daughter finds out what happens if you don’t listen to your elders. Bold, high-energy art by Jennifer Harney adds to the fun. I had my suspicions. Now I know it's true.
July 29, 2023
Kids will love this book, since dinosaurs will always hold them in thrall. Dads will love this book because there are SO many “Bad Dad Jokes”. . . and . . . (a little reverse psychology thrown in.) Moms will NOT love this book because Dad is telling so many things wrong. However, the reverse psychology is going to make Moms happy. And the kid. . . He is going to remind the dinosaurs about something VERY important!
February 22, 2024
This one is definitely for the adults reading the book out loud. A family goes to the museum. The child asks how the dinosaurs went extinct, and Dad gives (made up) reasons for each dinosaur, such as not changing their underwear, picking their nose, and more. I remember my parents telling me it was illegal to drive with the car light on, so it's relatable and funny. Thankfully includes pronunciation for all the dinosaur names.
August 26, 2024
A hilarious take on how dinosaurs went extinct!
When a little boy wonders out loud how dinosaurs went extinct, Dad steps in and shares his take on the matter. Things that made dinosaurs extinct according to Dad is anything from running with scissors, scratching bug bites and refusing to pee on road trips!
This is a hilarious book for kids and adults and above all it is not a factual book. He he!
Themes: dinosaurs/families/silly
When a little boy wonders out loud how dinosaurs went extinct, Dad steps in and shares his take on the matter. Things that made dinosaurs extinct according to Dad is anything from running with scissors, scratching bug bites and refusing to pee on road trips!
This is a hilarious book for kids and adults and above all it is not a factual book. He he!
Themes: dinosaurs/families/silly
September 20, 2024
I was looking for a new alternative to Officer Buckle and Gloria, and this could have been great, but the gratuitous potty humor detracts from its value. On one page, there's a dinosaur running with scissors. Hahaha, good one. But then there's a dinosaur who swallows gum and is farting out a bubble. And yet again, a dinosaur picks its nose with its toes and eats it. Just yuck. One poop, fart, or booger laugh would have been enough.
October 9, 2024
When my boys were little, they were totally obsessed with dinosaurs. Because of that, I am able to accurately pronounce the names of all of the dinosaurs in this book. But if you can't, there is a phonetical spelling in parentheses. A kid wants to know how the dinosaurs became extinct, and there is a hilarious explanation for each dinosaur, provided by the parent. I loved every single page and the ending was perfect. This is going to make a great read-aloud!
April 20, 2023
This is a very funny and imaginative book, hypothesizing how dinosaurs went extinct. The narrative is short and silly and the Photoshop illustrations are hilarious. I loved the pronunciation guide for each dinosaur.
Perfect for your favorite dinosaur fan, especially those who could use a reminder about dangerous activities.
Perfect for your favorite dinosaur fan, especially those who could use a reminder about dangerous activities.
April 22, 2023
Jennifer Harney’s cover illustration had me in stitches before I even opened the book!
During a trip to the museum, Dad has the perfect answer to how the dinosaurs went extinct, and his explanation swiftly becomes an amusing series of safety tips. I love Ame Dyckman’s sense of humor and this safety guide lives up to all my expectations.
During a trip to the museum, Dad has the perfect answer to how the dinosaurs went extinct, and his explanation swiftly becomes an amusing series of safety tips. I love Ame Dyckman’s sense of humor and this safety guide lives up to all my expectations.
May 1, 2023
The illustrations are so fun and bright, but - am I getting sensitive? - some pictures feel a little gruesome for this age group. Some jokes might be better for 6, 7, 8 year olds, but this is definitely a book for younger kids. A bit of a disconnect, which is disappointing because there is a lot of protentional here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews