What in the World is DINOvember?

If you have a young child at home, chances are that they are obsessed with dinosaurs. Dinosaurs have long been of interest to humans. The big lizard-like creatures with sharp teeth and long claws are frightening and fascinating all at the same time.  

DINOvember is a month-long celebration of all things dinosaurs. It’s the perfect time of the year to engage children's imaginations about these big creatures that lived millions of years ago. The tradition began with parents Rafe and Susan Tuma, who wanted to create fun and educational experiences for their kids during the colder months when outdoor play wasn’t always an option.

To spark your child’s imagination this month, grab some dinosaur toys and set them up in playful, mischievous scenes; maybe they’re munching on cereal at the breakfast table, reading a book, or teaming up with Barbie and Thomas the Tank Engine for an adventure. There’s no limit to the creativity!

To make it even more magical, read dinosaur-themed books together, encourage your kids to imagine dinosaurs brushing their teeth, eating pancakes, or riding scooters down your street. Turn everyday moments into dino-sized fun by stomping around the house, roaring like a T-Rex, or making up dinosaur games. With a little imagination, anything can become a dinosaur adventure.

Here at the Rochester Hills Public Library, we’re joining the DINOvember fun too! Visit the Youth Services Room to take part in two exciting scavenger hunts, pick up a new coloring sheet each week, and snap a selfie with our DINOvember mascot, Dewey the Dinosaur. Don’t forget to sign up for our DINOvember Take-and-Make kit, check out a dinosaur book or two, or even check out our set of dinosaur figurines from the Innovative Items Collection to continue the fun at home.

Whether you're roaring through the house or reading about the Cretaceous period, DINOvember is a fantastic way to learn, play, and make memories. All while celebrating dinosaurs!

Today’s blog post was written by Karrie Yukon, Youth Services Librarian at RHPL.