Dinosaurs Divorce

by Laurene Krasny Brown, Marc Brown

For the child adjusting to their parents separating, this classic guide uses friendly dinosaurs to explain the changes and big feelings that come with divorce.

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About This Book

A parent should reach for this book when their child is beginning to navigate the complex transitions of a separation or divorce. This compassionate guide uses approachable dinosaur characters to address the many changes children experience, from living in two different homes to meeting new stepparents. It validates the big feelings of confusion, guilt, and sadness that often arise during this life moment. By providing a clear vocabulary for these experiences, it helps normalize the situation and reassures children that their parents' love for them remains constant. This is an essential tool for opening honest, age-appropriate dialogue about a family's new reality.

Parents Divorcing Family & Siblings Sadness & Grief Anxiety & Worry Feelings & Emotions Love & Family Blended Family Dinosaurs

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesModerate

Addresses feelings of loss, guilt, and sadness associated with family separation.

Read plot summary

This is a comprehensive concept book that uses a cast of anthropomorphic dinosaurs to illustrate various aspects of the divorce process. It covers why parents divorce, what happens to living arrangements, how to handle holidays and special occasions, the introduction of new partners, and the complex emotions involved. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book takes a very direct, secular, and realistic approach to divorce. It does not shy away from difficult topics like parental fighting or the feeling of being caught in the middle. The resolution is grounded and hopeful, focusing on the child's resilience rather than a magical reconciliation of the parents. EMOTIONAL ARC: The book starts by acknowledging the heavy weight of the initial news and the anxiety of the unknown. It then transitions into a more instructional and steady tone, providing practical advice. It ends on a reassuring note of stability and continued love. IDEAL READER: A 4 to 8 year old who is experiencing the early stages of a parental split and is asking questions about where they will live or if the divorce is their fault. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child acting out, regressing in behavior, or asking heartbreaking questions like, "Does Daddy still love me?" or "Why can't you just be friends?" PARENT PREP: Parents should preview the sections on "Stepparents" and "Stepsiblings" to see if those apply yet, as well as the page on "Telling your friends." It can be read cold, but it is better to read in chunks based on the child's specific questions. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger children (4-5) will focus on the colorful dinosaur illustrations and the basic assurance of safety. Older children (7-8) will engage more with the specific advice on communication and navigating social situations at school. DIFFERENTIATOR: Its longevity is its strength. Unlike many narrative picture books that focus on one specific story, this acts as an encyclopedia of the experience, using humor and dinosaurs to make a scary topic approachable.