Welcome to the Storytime at Home Series! Once a month, we highlight a kid-approved theme with book lists, songs and rhymes, and a simple craft you can try at home. All books are available in our collection, and the crafts use easy-to-find items you likely already have on hand.

P.S. Love library storytime? Check out all of RPL’s storytime options here; there’s a program for your child almost every morning at our branches!

Grab your shovels and get excited for this year’s Summer Reading theme: Unearth a Story! Celebrate everything buried, discovered, and uncovered. From curious creatures who live underground, to the mightiest of trucks- diggers! – to hidden history waiting to be found, these books are sure to inspire young explores. Don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading program at a branch near you! All ages are welcome to join in the fun.

Reading to your kiddos turns them into confident thinkers. Making books a regular part of your daily routine is a great way to build children’s love of reading and learning. Storytimes also help build excitement around reading to support their literacy development. 

Here are a few book options you can choose from to celebrate summer reading.

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Baby Dinosaur by Clare Lloyd.

Pop-up books are always a hit with young readers! Join a baby dinosaur on an enjoyable search for their mom in this interactive adventure. The vibrant pop-ups and simple story make it a perfect choice for sharing with little ones.

For ages 0 – 3.

Digging for Dinosaurs by June Smalls.

Introduce your little one to the science of paleontology with this engaging, baby-approved interactive book. Young readers can “dig” for dinosaurs by lifting the flaps to uncover exciting surprises on every page. Filled with opportunities for exploration and discovery, it’s a fun way to spark curiosity about fossils and dinosaurs.

For ages 0 – 4.

That’s Not My Squirrel… It’s Nose is Too Soft by Fiona Watt.

While we do have a dinosaur version of this book, I thought it would be fun to feature another expert digger: the squirrel! With interactive pages full of different textures to touch and explore, this engaging book invites children to learn about one of the most familiar diggers in their own neighborhoods. It’s a great choice for storytime, encouraging both conversation and sensory exploration.

For ages 0 – 5.

Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres

Another great take on the “Unearth a Story” theme- Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? is a fun, rhyming board book that invites young listeners to imagine where their favorite construction vehicles rest after a busy day. Its soothing rhythm and engaging illustrations make it a great choice for storytime or naptime.

For ages 2 – 5.

Diggersaurs by Michael Whaite.

One of my personal favorites, this book has been a hit at Toddler Time! Filled with colorful Diggersaurs, it offers a fun opportunity to practice colors while entertaining children who are fascinated by both diggers and dinosaurs. With vibrant illustrations and plenty of action, it’s an engaging read-aloud for young audiences.

For ages 2 – 5.

Preschoolers

The Dinosaur and the Bird: A Tale of Prehistoric Friendship by Richard Ho.

This beautiful story is a wonderful introduction to prehistoric evolution. Be prepared to reach for a tissue, it’s a real tearjerker! Thoughtfully written and paired with breathtaking illustrations, it brings ancient history to life while encouraging young readers to think about how living things change over time.

For ages 3 – 6.

One-osaurus, Two-osaurus by Kim Norman

Count to ten with this silly, sing-song picture book! As nine dinosaurs play hide-and-seek, young readers will wonder: Where is number ten? And who is making that mysterious chomping noise? With a playful rhyme and plenty of opportunities to count along, this engaging story is a great choice for practicing number recognition and early literacy skills.

For ages 3 – 7.

So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner

Inspired by the real-life relationship between gopher tortoises and Florida mice, this charming story highlights the importance of friendship and helping others. With stunning illustrations and engaging storytelling, it offers a delightful introduction to burrowing animals and the habitats they call home. A perfect read for young nature lovers.

For ages 4 – 8.

Trapped in the Tar Pit: How Paleontologists Unearthed a City’s Prehistoric Past by Jessica Stremer.

Unearth the secrets of the past with this fascinating nonfiction picture book! Follow paleontologists as they investigate fossils discovered in a city tar pit and piece together clues about prehistoric life. Filled with engaging facts and striking illustrations, this book is a wonderful introduction to paleontology, fossils, and the work of real-life scientists. Perfect for curious readers who love digging into history.

For ages 4 – 8.

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett.

What treasures might be hiding just beneath your feet? In this hilarious and surprisingly thoughtful picture book, Sam and Dave set out to dig a hole and discover something spectacular. With clever storytelling and award-winning illustrations, this engaging read encourages curiosity, perseverance, and careful observation. A wonderful choice for storytime and for young readers who love digging, exploring, and searching for the unexpected.

For ages 4 – 8.

• Point at the pictures and ask your child what they see. Help build their vocabulary by pointing to pictures and saying the word aloud. 
• Ask your child questions about the story: What do you think will happen next? How do you think this character is feeling? This character is wearing a bathing suit; do you remember when we wore ours? 
• Read with expression and enthusiasm, and use different voices for different characters. 
• Act out what’s happening in the story.
• As your child gets older, count objects in a book, discuss the different colors they see, point out shapes in the story, etc. 
• Snuggle up and be patient. Reading is great bonding time for you and your child. Take your time walking them through the story. If your child wants to turn the page or be finished with reading, that’s OK too. You don’t have to read every word or even every page for reading with your little one to be beneficial for their development. 

Here are some great dino-themed songs and finger plays to go along with your Storytime!

We are the Dinosaurs by The Laurie Berkner Band

5 Little Dinosaurs by Miss Katie Sings.

5 little dinosaurs easting from the tree,

Chomp, chomp, chomp -it’s yummy!

You see from the tops of the trees,

to the leaves on the ground.

Chomp, chomp, chomp-

Can you hear their hungry sound?

Baby T-Rex (to the tune of Baby Shark).

You can still do the same hand motion as baby shark; just pretend it is a T-Rex’s mouth now! And you get fun phonological practice with the T sound.

Baby T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Baby T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Baby T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

Mommy T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Mommy T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Mommy T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

Daddy T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Daddy T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Daddy T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

Grandma T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Grandma T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Grandma T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

Grandpa T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Grandpa T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Grandpa T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

Let’s go hunt! T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Let’s go hunt! T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Let’s go hunt! T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Let’s go hunt!

Run away! T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Run away! T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Run away! T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

Safe at last. T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Safe at last. T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
Safe at last. T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

It’s the end. T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
It’s the end. T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
It’s the end. T-T-T-T-T-Rex!
T-Rex!

The “Little Dino Bounce”

(Tune: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

All the little dinos love bouncing, bouncing,
All the little dinos love to bounce!
All the little dinos love bouncing, bouncing,
All the little dinos love to bounce!
Action: Bounce your baby gently on your lap to the beat, or sway them side-to-side.

Lean to the left,
Lean to the right,
Hug your little dino nice and tight!
Action: Gently lean your baby left, then right, and give them a big, warm squeeze on “nice and tight”.

Now let’s stomp our dino feet in the air!
Action: Hold your baby’s feet and gently pedal them back and forth.

Give a big dino ROAR!
Action: Tickle their tummy or give them a gentle lift in the air while you both roar!

Craft

Make a paper plate T-Rex! Check out this blog post on how to use paper plates, paper, and clothespins. You can substitute the paint for markers or crayons.

Try out this simple, Dinosaur toys and rice sensory bin. Place your child’s plastic dinosaur toys in a bowl of dry rice and let them use a spoon to fish the dinosaurs out. Set the bowl on a tray or baking sheet to catch any spilled rice.

One of my favorite sensory activities is freezing toys in ice, and you can do it with your little one’s dinosaur toys, too! Freeze plastic dinosaurs (or other small toys) in balloons or an ice tray if you don’t have balloons available. Then, take your child outside and give them water and salt to help excavate the frozen dinos. This hands-on activity will keep your little one entertained while encouraging curiosity, exploration, and fine motor skills. If you don’t mind a mess, you can substitute the ice for Jello.

That’s a wrap for Storytime at Home! Join us next month for a new theme, but the same fun. Can’t get enough dinosaurs? Then check out this past blog RPL – Storytime at Home: Dinosaurs.