A parent should reach for this book when their newly independent reader is ready for chapter books but feels intimidated by pages of dense text. This high-interest story is a perfect bridge, packed with dinosaurs and adventure to keep them turning the pages. The plot follows young Michael Evens, nicknamed Dino-Mike, who discovers a time portal in his father's museum. When real dinosaurs come stomping through, he must team up with a new friend to send them back. The story celebrates teamwork, bravery in the face of fear, and problem-solving. With simple language and dynamic illustrations on nearly every page, it offers a rewarding experience that builds reading confidence and stamina.
The book's primary tension comes from mild peril, specifically being chased by large dinosaurs. This is handled in a very light, cartoonish, and action-oriented manner. There is no death, gore, or lasting harm. The resolution is entirely positive and hopeful, and the approach is secular and fantastical.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 6 to 8-year-old who is fascinated by dinosaurs and is just transitioning from leveled readers to chapter books. This child may be a reluctant reader who is easily overwhelmed by text-heavy pages and needs a strong visual component and a high-interest topic to stay engaged. They crave the satisfaction of finishing a "big kid" book.
Parent Prep
No preparation is necessary. The story is self-contained and easy to follow. The science is pure fantasy (a time portal), so it can be enjoyed without any need for scientific context. It's a perfect book to hand to a child to read independently. A parent notices their child loves being read to but resists reading independently, saying chapter books are "boring" or "too hard." The child's reading confidence is low, but their interest in topics like dinosaurs is very high. The parent is looking for a book that feels like a treat, not a chore.
Age Experience
A younger reader (age 6) will primarily connect with the visual storytelling, the simple dialogue, and the sheer excitement of seeing dinosaurs in the modern world. An older reader (age 8-9) will better appreciate the friendship dynamics, the simple humor, and the problem-solving aspects of how Mike and Shannon work together. For them, the book serves as a powerful confidence booster for independent reading.
What Makes It Special
What sets this book apart from others like Magic Tree House is its hybrid format. It is a true chapter book in structure but incorporates illustrations on nearly every page, much like a graphic novel. This visual scaffolding is its key strength, making it uniquely accessible and appealing to emerging readers who are not yet ready for a solid wall of text but want a story with more substance than an easy reader.
Read plot summary
Michael "Dino-Mike" Evens, the son of a paleontologist, finds a mysterious glowing portal in the museum where his father works. Soon, dinosaurs from the Jurassic period, including a stegosaurus, a brachiosaurus, and a fearsome T. rex, emerge. Teaming up with a quick-thinking new friend, Shannon, Mike must use his courage and their combined knowledge to herd the prehistoric creatures back through the portal before it closes forever, all while avoiding becoming a dinosaur's dinner.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Mike was scared of the T. rex but still tried to get it back through the portal. What does it mean to be brave even when you feel afraid?
2
Mike and Shannon had to work together to solve the dinosaur problem. What were some of the smart things they did as a team?
3
If you found a portal to the Jurassic period in a museum, would you try to go through it? Why or why not?
4
Shannon used her knowledge about dinosaurs to help. Can you think of a time when something you learned helped you solve a problem or help a friend?
