Review: How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad? By Jane Yolen

Part of the popular [and hilarious] How Do Dinosaurs series, How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad? is a hilarious addition to your child's bookshelf. Jane Yolen and Mark Teague team up to teach children about expressing their anger constructively and dealing with difficult emotions. Moreover, this book also teaches children that no matter what, parents will always love you.

A variety of dinosaurs fill the pages, giving the book a very slight intellectual edge (learn about dinosaurs AND manners!). The text is short and easy to read for young readers who want to follow along. Even better than the comical nature of the writing are the hilarious illustrations. You and your child will not be able to hold back smiles and laughter at the ridiculous nature of dinosaurs losing their tempers. The illustrations are sweet, humorous, and fun.

The book covers misbehaviour from frustration, to anger, to tantrums, to acting out as a result of exhaustion, impatience, or other negative emotions. Anger and emotional development are difficult subjects to discuss with kids--but Jane Yolen and Mark Teague handle this subject with wit, cleverness, and a dash of brilliance.

Girls and boys can appreciate the humour, and this book is a timeless classic. They can see the behaviour of the dinosaurs as inappropriate and as out of proportion as the sheer size of the dinosaurs themselves.

Parents, be comforted that this book teaches a life lesson in a subtle way. This book can be enjoyed again and again!