Module 8 - Magic Tree House Dinosaurs Before Dark

Book Cover Image

Book Summary

Jack and Annie happen upon a tree house. not just any tree house, but a magic tree house. While in the tree house looking at one of the many books, Jack wishes to see a pteranodon. All of a sudden Jack and Annie  are transported to the Cretaaceous period where dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The brother and sister duo encounter a friendly pteranodon and some not so friendly dinosaurs.

Written by Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrated by Sal Murdocca

APA Reference of Book

Osborne, M. P. (1992). Dinosaurs before dark. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Impressions

Dinosaurs Before Dark is  a very short beginning chapter book well suited for young children. Even though the plot is very straightforward, the adventures and explorations will appeal to adventurous readers. The book will appeal to boys since the leading character is a boy. Each chapter has a couple of pictures, which makes this a good transition between picture books and larger chapter books. The pictures, although monotone, using shading to create quality images. The book talks about different dinosaur facts, which will appeal to many young readers. A companion nonfiction book is available that builds on the facts presented in this work of fiction. 

Professional Review

Gr 1-3-- This enjoyable time-travel fantasy is a successful beginning chapter book. Jack and his younger sister find a tree house filled with books. When he wishes he could really see the Pteranodon pictured in one of them, it appears at the window. The children have been transported back to the Cretaceous period. They begin to explore and are soon threatened by a Tyrannosaurus. The Pteranodon comes to their rescue, and they figure out enough about the magic that carried them back in time to be able to use it to return home. There is plenty of suspense and magic here, and enough dinosaur information to please science buffs. Characterization is sketchy and older children will find the plot predictable, but readers just past the easy-to-read stage will find it satisfying. It should attract those who devour Ruth Chew's books.

Sherman, L. L. (1992). Dinosaurs before dark. School Library Journal, 38(9), 209.

Library Uses

You can link this book to an informational book on dinosaurs. Students could create pteranodon sculpture using card stock, paint, and clothes pins. Students can then use the informational book to list facts about the pteranodon.