Dinosaurs Love Underpants

Dinosaurs Love Underpants

book

2009, Children's Books, Animals

WISE
84%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Dinosaurs went extinct fighting over underpants—yes, really. Silly, rhyming, and genuinely funny for the whole family.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what a picture book should be: silly, imaginative, and genuinely fun to read aloud. The premise—that dinosaurs went extinct because they couldn't stop fighting over underpants—is so wonderfully absurd that it hooks kids immediately.

The rhyming text has actual rhythm (not the clunky forced rhymes that plague so many kids' books), and Ben Cort's illustrations are vibrant and expressive. Parents consistently report that this is one of the few books they don't mind reading for the 47th time.

It's not going to teach your kid about empathy or problem-solving, but it will teach them that books can be hilarious, and that's worth something. Perfect for the potty-training set when underpants are the height of comedy, and a solid addition to any early reader's library.

Age Fit

Best for ages 2-7, especially during the potty-training years when underpants are peak comedy. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations work for toddlers being read to, while early readers can tackle it themselves.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
85

Silly, lighthearted humor that celebrates imagination without meanness. The underpants obsession is goofy rather than crude, and the dinosaur war is played for laughs with no actual violence. Rhyming text and colorful illustrations create a joyful reading experience that parents and kids genuinely enjoy together.

Imaginative
88

Takes a mundane object (underwear) and spins it into an absurd alternate history of dinosaur extinction. The premise is wonderfully ridiculous—T. rex battling over underpants—and invites kids to think creatively about everyday things. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations from Ben Cort spark giggles and inspire kids to imagine their own silly scenarios.

Safe
95

Completely age-appropriate with zero concerning content. The underpants theme is handled in a way that's funny rather than inappropriate—think cartoon underwear on dinosaurs, not anything suggestive. No violence, scary moments, or mature themes. Parents consistently note it's perfect for reading aloud without worry.

Enriching
72

Primarily entertainment-focused, but the rhyming text builds phonemic awareness and rhythm, making it a solid early literacy tool. The absurd premise teaches kids that reading can be fun and silly, which is valuable for building a love of books. However, there's no deeper lesson or skill-building beyond encouraging laughter and imagination.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The premise is so absurd it's brilliant—kids lose it over T. rex in tighty-whities
  • Rhyming text makes it perfect for reading aloud and building early literacy skills
  • Vibrant, engaging illustrations from Ben Cort that kids want to pore over
  • Parents actually enjoy reading it repeatedly (a rare gift in picture books)
  • Great for potty-training age when underpants are suddenly the most fascinating thing in the world
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What to Watch For

  • The underpants obsession might lead to your kid shouting about underwear in public—fair warning
  • It's pure silly entertainment without deeper lessons, which is totally fine but know what you're getting
  • Part of a whole 'Underpants Books' series, so prepare for requests for more

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think dinosaurs would actually fight over if they were real?"
  • "Can you think of other silly reasons the dinosaurs might have gone extinct?"
  • "What's the silliest piece of clothing you can imagine a T. rex wearing?"
  • "Should we make up our own rhyming story about something else dinosaurs loved?"

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