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Danny and the Dinosaur #3
Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp
Danny's going to camp––and he's taking the dinosaur! First introduced in 1958 with Danny and the Dinosaur and the recent stars of Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur, this popular pair is together again in an adventure sure to please beginning readers and happy campers alike. Children's Choices for 1997 (IRA/CBC)
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
16 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Syd Hoff
211 books69 followersWhether you’re seven or seventy, the chances are you’ve probably come in contact with one of his many books (150 plus), or cartoons that have appeared in over 200 magazines in the course of his lifetime, including Laugh it Off which was syndicated for 20 years. His comic strip Tuffy, about a little girl who did funny things, was declared essential for national morale during WWII by William Randolph Hearst.
Syd has worked in diverse genres. He had the distinct honor of working with Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen as a contributor of short fiction writing. He was awarded national advertising commissions for large companies such as Chevrolet, Maxwell House Coffee and others. He had his own TV show (Tales of Hoff on CBS), traveled the world as entertainment on cruise ships and entertained children and teachers in schools and libraries across the country.
Syd has worked in diverse genres. He had the distinct honor of working with Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen as a contributor of short fiction writing. He was awarded national advertising commissions for large companies such as Chevrolet, Maxwell House Coffee and others. He had his own TV show (Tales of Hoff on CBS), traveled the world as entertainment on cruise ships and entertained children and teachers in schools and libraries across the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 29, 2012
Today at fieldwork, I worked one-on-one with a student who has rapidly grown close to my heart. She has autism and frequently frustrates her teacher because she is prone to distraction and works at her own slow pace. I understand where the teacher is coming from, with 21 other students to instruct, but whenever I get the opportunity to teach this girl, I know it helps all who are involved.
During our session, among other assingments, she read Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp and when she got 100% on the AR test for it, her ecstatic grin was pure light and accomplishment (her regular average is 60%). It's a cute book to be sure, but in this instance, it was the particular reader who frosted the pie, so to speak.
During our session, among other assingments, she read Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp and when she got 100% on the AR test for it, her ecstatic grin was pure light and accomplishment (her regular average is 60%). It's a cute book to be sure, but in this instance, it was the particular reader who frosted the pie, so to speak.
June 22, 2025
It seems as though Danny and his dinosaur's joint birthday wish in Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur! that "we can all be together again next year" was granted: that book came out in 1995, and 1996 saw the release of Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp, the finale of Syd Hoff's easy reader trilogy about a boy who gains a dinosaur for a playmate. Danny's dinosaur was never his to keep, having to return to the museum's prehistoric animals exhibit between outings with Danny and his friends, but Danny invites him along whenever he's about to have an especially fun experience, and summer at sleep-away camp is no exception. How can you not have a blast when your camp roommate is a friendly behemoth straight out of the Jurassic period?
We skip the formality of Danny's invitation to the dinosaur this time, cutting right to their jubilant exit from the museum. The camp itinerary is designed for kids Danny's age, but the dinosaur finds ways to amuse himself, and helps the other campers have a better time than they could without him. The dinosaur is unbeatable at footraces and football games, but he's a lifesaver after you've gone on a long nature hike and feel too weary to walk anymore. Danny's dino can carry him, his friends, and the camp counselor on his long, broad back with ease, and bring them back to camp without any further effort on their part. Supplies of ketchup, roasted marshmallows, and other foodstuffs tend to run short when one of your campers has the gastric capacity of a dinosaur, but they'll find ways around that. Danny's dinosaur is the first ever to attend summer camp, and Danny wouldn't consider trading the unique experience for more food or a better chance to win camp games.
When their first wonderful day at camp ends, the dino discovers that his bunk is much too small for him, so he takes his pillow outside to sleep beneath the sackcloth skies. It's no inconvenience for him, as long as Danny wakes him in time for breakfast. When a fantasy comes true that our normal life doesn't have the capacity to contain, we may need to find a less restrictive arena to let it roam, just as Danny lets his dinosaur sleep in the boundless outdoors when the camp cabins prove inadequate. And that's okay; a dream as gigantic as a dinosaur of our own is too large for most conventional setups to accommodate. But we don't have to shrink it down or cancel our plans in order to adapt. All we have to do is arrange to let our dream live somewhere that can handle its unique dimensions, and it'll be waiting there in the morning for us. The lone dinosaur in a modern world is beautiful to behold.
All three of Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur books have poignant moments, and the main one in Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp is the goodnight shared by boy and sauropod on the first day of camp, Danny leaning through the window of his cabin to wish his long-necked friend a nice night's rest. It's also a goodnight to the series, as this was the final book done by Syd Hoff with these characters (at least one other author wrote more with a new illustrator). Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp isn't quite as good as Danny and the Dinosaur, in my opinion, but it surpasses Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur!, the second book. Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp is a comical story with some mild social commentary leavened in, and I liked it. Live long and prosper, Danny and the Dinosaur. You've meant more than you know to so many young readers.
We skip the formality of Danny's invitation to the dinosaur this time, cutting right to their jubilant exit from the museum. The camp itinerary is designed for kids Danny's age, but the dinosaur finds ways to amuse himself, and helps the other campers have a better time than they could without him. The dinosaur is unbeatable at footraces and football games, but he's a lifesaver after you've gone on a long nature hike and feel too weary to walk anymore. Danny's dino can carry him, his friends, and the camp counselor on his long, broad back with ease, and bring them back to camp without any further effort on their part. Supplies of ketchup, roasted marshmallows, and other foodstuffs tend to run short when one of your campers has the gastric capacity of a dinosaur, but they'll find ways around that. Danny's dinosaur is the first ever to attend summer camp, and Danny wouldn't consider trading the unique experience for more food or a better chance to win camp games.
When their first wonderful day at camp ends, the dino discovers that his bunk is much too small for him, so he takes his pillow outside to sleep beneath the sackcloth skies. It's no inconvenience for him, as long as Danny wakes him in time for breakfast. When a fantasy comes true that our normal life doesn't have the capacity to contain, we may need to find a less restrictive arena to let it roam, just as Danny lets his dinosaur sleep in the boundless outdoors when the camp cabins prove inadequate. And that's okay; a dream as gigantic as a dinosaur of our own is too large for most conventional setups to accommodate. But we don't have to shrink it down or cancel our plans in order to adapt. All we have to do is arrange to let our dream live somewhere that can handle its unique dimensions, and it'll be waiting there in the morning for us. The lone dinosaur in a modern world is beautiful to behold.
All three of Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur books have poignant moments, and the main one in Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp is the goodnight shared by boy and sauropod on the first day of camp, Danny leaning through the window of his cabin to wish his long-necked friend a nice night's rest. It's also a goodnight to the series, as this was the final book done by Syd Hoff with these characters (at least one other author wrote more with a new illustrator). Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp isn't quite as good as Danny and the Dinosaur, in my opinion, but it surpasses Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur!, the second book. Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp is a comical story with some mild social commentary leavened in, and I liked it. Live long and prosper, Danny and the Dinosaur. You've meant more than you know to so many young readers.
August 21, 2015
Caleb (age 4), "I like it because of the story. I don't want a dinosaur, but I like Danny's dinosaur. I didn't know camps had games, lakes, and snacks."
November 15, 2008
Synopsis
: Guess who's going to summer camp with Danny? His good friend the Dinosaur! Whether he's racing, rowing or hiking, this gigantic camper is a huge hit!
Review : Who wouldn't want to have a Dinosaur like Danny's along on a grand summer camping adventure? The illustrations are bright and colorful and the text rewarding because of the silly humor of the situation. This book might also provide some comfort to little ones getting ready for their first summer camp as it shows all of the great activities of racing, swimming, hiking, etc that summer camp involves. This book makes early reading fun and that is what it is all about.
Critical Reviews :Amazon.com Review offers " these are reassuring stories of simple adventures, and are a gentle introduction to the dinosaur universe." School Library Journal gets picky with this observation, "On one page, the dino is large enough to carry all the campers on its back; on another, it is small enough to eat at the table and hold a fork.' Details, details..kids will still love the imaginative spirit of a dinosaur at camp.
Review : Who wouldn't want to have a Dinosaur like Danny's along on a grand summer camping adventure? The illustrations are bright and colorful and the text rewarding because of the silly humor of the situation. This book might also provide some comfort to little ones getting ready for their first summer camp as it shows all of the great activities of racing, swimming, hiking, etc that summer camp involves. This book makes early reading fun and that is what it is all about.
Critical Reviews :Amazon.com Review offers " these are reassuring stories of simple adventures, and are a gentle introduction to the dinosaur universe." School Library Journal gets picky with this observation, "On one page, the dino is large enough to carry all the campers on its back; on another, it is small enough to eat at the table and hold a fork.' Details, details..kids will still love the imaginative spirit of a dinosaur at camp.
April 30, 2011
MCL. I liked when he said that Danny could have the ketchup after he finished the bottle. And when the dinosaur and Danny wrote letters home and asked for pizza and ketchup.
July 26, 2023
Julianna read this book to me last night. Her teacher Ms. Albenda from 1st grade gave her student this book as a present. Julianna enjoyed the book & gives it 5 stars.
November 16, 2021
Modern fantasy
K-2nd grade reading level
My enjoyment of this book was multiplied because it was read to me by a second grader. That showed me firsthand that this was 1) a book a child would choose to read by themselves 2) a story that would entertain them all the way through and 3) a story with vocabulary and syntax that would be understandable to them. I don't think it's outstanding literature, but I did see that it is literature that truly appeals to children, and I loved seeing how they enjoyed it.
K-2nd grade reading level
My enjoyment of this book was multiplied because it was read to me by a second grader. That showed me firsthand that this was 1) a book a child would choose to read by themselves 2) a story that would entertain them all the way through and 3) a story with vocabulary and syntax that would be understandable to them. I don't think it's outstanding literature, but I did see that it is literature that truly appeals to children, and I loved seeing how they enjoyed it.
February 13, 2019
The dinosaur is hilarious. I love how he wins all the games, because no one can tackle him in football, and no one can outrun him with his big steps. I loved the "please send me my own ketchup" part (the dinosaur used up all the kethcup, haha)
December 10, 2017
Little kid book
December 26, 2023
Sure, send a kid to camp. And let that kid be Danny's pet dinosaur.
While kids are first learning to read, a generous dose of pure fantasy may make literacy seem like less of a chore.
I love the part where the hiking kids feel tired of walking, so all of them stretch out along Danny's long body to hitch a way home.
FIVE STARS for one more delightful read -- and set of illustrations -- by delightful Syd Hoff.
While kids are first learning to read, a generous dose of pure fantasy may make literacy seem like less of a chore.
I love the part where the hiking kids feel tired of walking, so all of them stretch out along Danny's long body to hitch a way home.
FIVE STARS for one more delightful read -- and set of illustrations -- by delightful Syd Hoff.
April 22, 2018
Danny's adventure to camp with his dinosaur.
August 26, 2020
Danny doesn't always look like himself, and we definitely wish the book were longer, but this was good classic silly Danny and the Dinosaur fun.
September 5, 2020
Cute dinosaur story.
December 26, 2020
A Christmas present from my 7-year-old. Now I'll have to have him read it to me.
October 12, 2021
Classic early reader book. New readers will enjoy it.
December 3, 2021
Danny and Dinosaur have fun at camp together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
alright
November 26, 2022
Another story that was enjoyable, where everyone is involved in enjoying time with Danny the Dinosaur.
March 14, 2023
Silly oversized adventures with dinosaur at camp with kids.
August 28, 2023
Eh. Not as good as the first book in the series. Just didn't flow well, and I usually love books that take place at camp. It ended too abruptly too. My rating - 2/5
December 14, 2024
Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp By Syd Hoff - These are perfect stepping stone books for your little reader! Happy Reading!
March 22, 2017
The story was fine; the audiobook was read painfully slow. It's an I Can Read level 1, so I understand why, but we are just getting into audiobooks and there are many that are so well done (not this).
Read
December 6, 2016Title (italicize): Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp
Author: Syd Hoff
Illustrator (if separate from author): n/a
Genre: Early Reader
Theme(s):
• Dinosaur
• Friendship
• Routine
• Camp
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): “Danny went to camp for the summer.”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): This book tells the story of Danny and the Dinosaur and their summer away at camp. It talks about all the normal activities at camp they do together and the small differences the Dinosaur faces from the children, but they have a great time anyways!
Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste):
Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Aug. 1996 (Vol. 92, No. 22))
Danny and his pal the dinosaur have been helping kids learn to read since the first book about them came out in 1958. In the latest series entry, Danny and the dino are off to camp, where the dinosaur fits in, albeit not without problems. He wins races too easily and hogs the ketchup; but when the campers get tired after a hike, it's nice to have a dinosaur's back to climb upon. The vocabulary and concepts as well as the full-color artwork are simple, but child pleasing. Another good start on the road to reading. 1996, HarperCollins, $14.95 and $14.89. Gr. 1-3.
(PUBLISHER: HarperCollins (New York NY:), PUBLISHED: 1996.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste):
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1996)
Danny and his dinosaur (who, although he has been Danny's friend since 1958, has never been given a name) are off again, this time to summer camp, and everyone has a wonderful time, including readers. Danny's dinosaur makes everything more fun--racing (he needs to take only one step to win), rowing (he's the boat), hiking (he can offer all the tired hikers a ride home), eating a lot of toasted marshmallows (guess who eats the most?), or sleeping under the stars (no cot is big enough for a dinosaur). Hoff's simple prose and cartoon illustrations make a delightful book for beginning readers, with enough difficult words--ketchup and pizza--to keep the story interesting, and enough clues in the illustrations to ensure new readers success. Every collection will have room for this welcome addition to the popular series. 1996, HarperCollins, $14.95; PLB $14.89. © 1996 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: HarperCollins (New York NY:), PUBLISHED: 1996.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words):
Both reviewers note the vocabulary Syd Hoff uses, it is simple but as Kirkus mentions it is challenging enough to keep interest. This is an early reader so the vocabulary is meant to be child-pleasing and not to impress the reader but to teach the reader how to read. Both also mention how the artwork also has this level of simplicity to it. The cartoon, childlike aspect connects the text to the images and will keep early readers engaged.
Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words):
As the reviewers mentioned, the vocabulary is simple with a bit of challenging words mixed in to engage the reader. The author also includes dialogue, which will help an early reader understand the story and keep their engagement. The lovely pictures, use bright colors and thick, simple lines that bring out happiness in the reader as he flips each page. An early reader will not be lost in these pictures as they almost look child-like and familiar, additionally each illustration leaves room at the end of the page for the text to be simple, black on a white background, to keep the reader focused on the text.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words):
I would have children read this book independently, if they choose if from the bookshelf. There are many early readers out there, and I want to make sure this one will be engaging to the students. If it is, I will pair it along with other books in the series. As the reader reads these titles, I will have them make note of new vocabulary they come across, for example vacation. After each book, I would have them write down the word in their journals and illustrate what it means, after reading many books in the series their ability to read new words will definitely have increased.
Author: Syd Hoff
Illustrator (if separate from author): n/a
Genre: Early Reader
Theme(s):
• Dinosaur
• Friendship
• Routine
• Camp
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): “Danny went to camp for the summer.”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): This book tells the story of Danny and the Dinosaur and their summer away at camp. It talks about all the normal activities at camp they do together and the small differences the Dinosaur faces from the children, but they have a great time anyways!
Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste):
Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Aug. 1996 (Vol. 92, No. 22))
Danny and his pal the dinosaur have been helping kids learn to read since the first book about them came out in 1958. In the latest series entry, Danny and the dino are off to camp, where the dinosaur fits in, albeit not without problems. He wins races too easily and hogs the ketchup; but when the campers get tired after a hike, it's nice to have a dinosaur's back to climb upon. The vocabulary and concepts as well as the full-color artwork are simple, but child pleasing. Another good start on the road to reading. 1996, HarperCollins, $14.95 and $14.89. Gr. 1-3.
(PUBLISHER: HarperCollins (New York NY:), PUBLISHED: 1996.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste):
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1996)
Danny and his dinosaur (who, although he has been Danny's friend since 1958, has never been given a name) are off again, this time to summer camp, and everyone has a wonderful time, including readers. Danny's dinosaur makes everything more fun--racing (he needs to take only one step to win), rowing (he's the boat), hiking (he can offer all the tired hikers a ride home), eating a lot of toasted marshmallows (guess who eats the most?), or sleeping under the stars (no cot is big enough for a dinosaur). Hoff's simple prose and cartoon illustrations make a delightful book for beginning readers, with enough difficult words--ketchup and pizza--to keep the story interesting, and enough clues in the illustrations to ensure new readers success. Every collection will have room for this welcome addition to the popular series. 1996, HarperCollins, $14.95; PLB $14.89. © 1996 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: HarperCollins (New York NY:), PUBLISHED: 1996.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words):
Both reviewers note the vocabulary Syd Hoff uses, it is simple but as Kirkus mentions it is challenging enough to keep interest. This is an early reader so the vocabulary is meant to be child-pleasing and not to impress the reader but to teach the reader how to read. Both also mention how the artwork also has this level of simplicity to it. The cartoon, childlike aspect connects the text to the images and will keep early readers engaged.
Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words):
As the reviewers mentioned, the vocabulary is simple with a bit of challenging words mixed in to engage the reader. The author also includes dialogue, which will help an early reader understand the story and keep their engagement. The lovely pictures, use bright colors and thick, simple lines that bring out happiness in the reader as he flips each page. An early reader will not be lost in these pictures as they almost look child-like and familiar, additionally each illustration leaves room at the end of the page for the text to be simple, black on a white background, to keep the reader focused on the text.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words):
I would have children read this book independently, if they choose if from the bookshelf. There are many early readers out there, and I want to make sure this one will be engaging to the students. If it is, I will pair it along with other books in the series. As the reader reads these titles, I will have them make note of new vocabulary they come across, for example vacation. After each book, I would have them write down the word in their journals and illustrate what it means, after reading many books in the series their ability to read new words will definitely have increased.
June 8, 2015
Synopsis: "Danny's going to camp––and he's taking the dinosaur! First introduced in 1958 with Danny and the Dinosaur and the recent stars of Happy Birthday, Danny and the Dinosaur, this popular pair is together again in an adventure sure to please beginning readers and happy campers alike. Children's Choices for 1997."
My Review: This one seemed to be a little more advanced for a Level 1 book but as I have mentioned before, the ones published years ago seem to expect more of young readers. That said the dinosaur going to camp adds a fun element to keep kids interested in this longer story. It may also help easy any worries about a first time going to camp, meeting new friends, or sleeping in a new place.
My Review: This one seemed to be a little more advanced for a Level 1 book but as I have mentioned before, the ones published years ago seem to expect more of young readers. That said the dinosaur going to camp adds a fun element to keep kids interested in this longer story. It may also help easy any worries about a first time going to camp, meeting new friends, or sleeping in a new place.
May 31, 2013
Danny and the Dinosaur Go To Camp by Syd Hoff
Audio book about Danny went to camp with his friend the dinosaur for the summer.
Book tells all about the different things they can do: racing, football, rowing the boat,
and then they had lunch. Funny things happen because the dinosaur is there, too funny!
Letters home are just perfect! Other camp things happen to make it a perfect day at camp.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Audio book about Danny went to camp with his friend the dinosaur for the summer.
Book tells all about the different things they can do: racing, football, rowing the boat,
and then they had lunch. Funny things happen because the dinosaur is there, too funny!
Letters home are just perfect! Other camp things happen to make it a perfect day at camp.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
May 12, 2017
In this story Danny takes his dinosaur to camp. They eat together, play together, sail together, and have a wonderful time. At night though, the dinosaur can't share the same bunk since he is so big. The dinosaur gets the pillow off his bed and sleeps under the stars. A sweet story about a boy and his pet dinosaur. This is an AR level 1.8 book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 28, 2018While perfect for our practicing reader, I found it more tedious than others we've read together. [Link to full review.]
June 17, 2012
I loved it so much. It was so exciting. I loved the part where they go to camp. I will go there someday soon. I will miss my old camp, but this one will be a swimming lesson camp. I have a bag and a towel and I am bringing them to summer camp. It will be so fun I bet.
July 30, 2013
(3.5 stars)
Danny takes his friend the dinosaur to camp with him. But the camp has never has a dinosaur before. Are they prepared for one?
This book is meant to be read more as a beginning reader, and because of it, lacks a few story elements.
Danny takes his friend the dinosaur to camp with him. But the camp has never has a dinosaur before. Are they prepared for one?
This book is meant to be read more as a beginning reader, and because of it, lacks a few story elements.
May 31, 2016
I've always really loved Danny and the Dinosaur growing up, so when I found this book knew I wanted to read this to my granddaughter. This book continues Danny and the dinosaur's friendship. They go to camp and have fun together along with their friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews