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Dinotrux
Dinotrux
The original, rip-roaring mash-up of dinosaurs and trucks that inspired the Netflix TV series!
Millions of years ago, DINOTRUX ruled the earth! These mighty part-truck, part-dino demolition dynamos rumbled, plowed and bulldozed their way through the centuries. In this toddler-friendly adventure, Chris Gall guides readers on a safari through the wild world of these mechanical monsters of prehistoric times, from the nosy Craneosaurus and the mega-hungry Garbageadon to the big bully of the jungle, Tyrannosaurus Trux!
Look out for a fold-out surprise at the end! And when you're done, check out the next books in the Dinotrux series, Revenge of the Dinotrux and Dinotrux Dig the Beach .
Millions of years ago, DINOTRUX ruled the earth! These mighty part-truck, part-dino demolition dynamos rumbled, plowed and bulldozed their way through the centuries. In this toddler-friendly adventure, Chris Gall guides readers on a safari through the wild world of these mechanical monsters of prehistoric times, from the nosy Craneosaurus and the mega-hungry Garbageadon to the big bully of the jungle, Tyrannosaurus Trux!
Look out for a fold-out surprise at the end! And when you're done, check out the next books in the Dinotrux series, Revenge of the Dinotrux and Dinotrux Dig the Beach .
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Chris Gall
29 books26 followersChris Gall has been drawing pictures for as long as he can remember. When he was caught doodling on his desk in second grade, his teacher suggested that he might become an artist some day, then made him clean all the desks in the classroom. In seventh grade, Chris won a Read Magazine Young Writers Award, and that inspired him to create stories to go with his art. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Chris became an award-winning, internationally recognized illustrator, and his artwork has been shown in almost every publication in America, including Time, Newsweek, People, Fortune, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
In 2004, his first picture book, America the Beautiful, became a Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year, and his career in children’s publishing began. Since then he has authored and/or illustrated 16 more books, including the acclaimed Dinotrux, a 2009 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s book; Revenge of the Dinotrux; Awesome Dawson; Substitute Creacher; Dog Vs. Cat and The Littlest Train. For grownups, he also illustrated and designed the PDT Cocktail Book, the 2012 Best New Cocktail Book, awarded by Tales of the Cocktail.
Chris has also worked as an adjunct professor of art at the University of Arizona and spent four years as a professional stand-up comedian. He currently lives in Tucson, Arizona, where in his spare time he works as a volunteer for the Southern Arizona Rescue Association (Pima County Search and Rescue).
In August of 2015, after 5 years of development, Dreamworks Animation brought Dinotrux to Netflix as an animated television show for children.
In 2004, his first picture book, America the Beautiful, became a Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year, and his career in children’s publishing began. Since then he has authored and/or illustrated 16 more books, including the acclaimed Dinotrux, a 2009 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s book; Revenge of the Dinotrux; Awesome Dawson; Substitute Creacher; Dog Vs. Cat and The Littlest Train. For grownups, he also illustrated and designed the PDT Cocktail Book, the 2012 Best New Cocktail Book, awarded by Tales of the Cocktail.
Chris has also worked as an adjunct professor of art at the University of Arizona and spent four years as a professional stand-up comedian. He currently lives in Tucson, Arizona, where in his spare time he works as a volunteer for the Southern Arizona Rescue Association (Pima County Search and Rescue).
In August of 2015, after 5 years of development, Dreamworks Animation brought Dinotrux to Netflix as an animated television show for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
May 21, 2019
I work at a small local bank. Our branch in particular is very invested in the community. We raise money every couple of months for different local charities/causes. Last month we donated books and then set them up in our conference room for people to browse. If they found anything they liked they could just put a donation in the bucket and all proceeds were donated to the local food pantry. We raised over $125.00! Not too shabby for a few weeks of collecting.
So what does this have to do with the book I'm attempting to review? Well, it was a few days before Easter and I was taking the mail out when I saw this sitting on the table. I thought to myself- Boy, I bet Ryder would like that. Ryder loves anything that has wheels and anything that roars which makes this book his holy grail. It made its way into his Easter basket and he immediately wanted Mommy to read it to him.
Mommy happily obliged.
This book is about dinosaur/truck hybrids- cyborgs? It's the story of how they once were fierce, wild and untamable creatures that ran the world. They did so right up until a crazy storm came crashing through and the Dinotrux were drowned and rusted and unable to function...except for the few that made their way down south to better weather. They shed their teeth and claws along the way and became the super helpful trucks we all know and love today: delivery trucks, semis, cranes and rollers, Oh my!
Added bonus, the paver and oil trucks poop constantly according to the story and that happens to be the cherry on top for Ryder. "Pootin', Mama! Pootin'!" he yells while laughing and gauging my response to this miraculous event.
Ryder has two bookshelves that are literally overflowing. He even has a couple decorative baskets that have books stashed in them. No matter where I put this book, it is the one he brings to me when it's time for "book please" and "sittin'" with Mama. I have now read this book so many times I could recite it by heart.
While there are times that I think reading this book even one more time will make my head explode, I can't turn my boy away. The days of Mommy reading to Ryder are going to come to an end one day and I want to get as many of them in as I can before it does. So tonight after dinner, a shower and the brushing of his teeth he will seek out Dinotrux and bring it over to me. Then he'll grab his cup of milk and ask for a blanket while climbing up into the chair with Mommy. And Mommy will read it 3 or 4 times before he's satisfied and ready for bedtime.
It's not my favorite, but he enjoys it and that makes ME happy.
So what does this have to do with the book I'm attempting to review? Well, it was a few days before Easter and I was taking the mail out when I saw this sitting on the table. I thought to myself- Boy, I bet Ryder would like that. Ryder loves anything that has wheels and anything that roars which makes this book his holy grail. It made its way into his Easter basket and he immediately wanted Mommy to read it to him.
Mommy happily obliged.
This book is about dinosaur/truck hybrids- cyborgs? It's the story of how they once were fierce, wild and untamable creatures that ran the world. They did so right up until a crazy storm came crashing through and the Dinotrux were drowned and rusted and unable to function...except for the few that made their way down south to better weather. They shed their teeth and claws along the way and became the super helpful trucks we all know and love today: delivery trucks, semis, cranes and rollers, Oh my!
Added bonus, the paver and oil trucks poop constantly according to the story and that happens to be the cherry on top for Ryder. "Pootin', Mama! Pootin'!" he yells while laughing and gauging my response to this miraculous event.
Ryder has two bookshelves that are literally overflowing. He even has a couple decorative baskets that have books stashed in them. No matter where I put this book, it is the one he brings to me when it's time for "book please" and "sittin'" with Mama. I have now read this book so many times I could recite it by heart.
While there are times that I think reading this book even one more time will make my head explode, I can't turn my boy away. The days of Mommy reading to Ryder are going to come to an end one day and I want to get as many of them in as I can before it does. So tonight after dinner, a shower and the brushing of his teeth he will seek out Dinotrux and bring it over to me. Then he'll grab his cup of milk and ask for a blanket while climbing up into the chair with Mommy. And Mommy will read it 3 or 4 times before he's satisfied and ready for bedtime.
It's not my favorite, but he enjoys it and that makes ME happy.
July 28, 2009
Dinosaurs... Trucks... What's Not to Love!
This is a cute book that young children who like dinosaurs and mechanical things (cars, trucks, trains) are going to love. Dinotrux , you see, are critters that are part dinosaur and part mobile equipment, and Chris Gall's premise is that millions of years ago Dinotrux ruled the earth, giving cave people something to think about.
The text is on the 2nd Grade level, and generally an easy read except for the amalgamated names. Here's a sample:
Look! High in the branches...
Craneosaurus!
He was always sticking his nose
where it didn't belong.
Crack, Munch.
Look out, birds, it's time for lunch.
By far though the best part of the book is Gall's wonderful artwork. His pallet is colorful and rich, and Gall's creatures are friendly with just the right hint of fierceness.
Kids will enjoy the likes of Dumploducus and, of course, the fearsome Trannosaurus Trux. They'll also like the foldout at the end of the book which shows how the raucous wild Dinotrux gradually became the domesticated species we all know and love
With it's glossy pages and attractive cover, I can easily see giving Dinotrux as a birthday gift to someone in the 5-and-under crowd. (Older children will like perusing the book, but for them I recommend it as a Library Find.)
Pam T~
mom and reviewer for BooksForKids-reviews
This is a cute book that young children who like dinosaurs and mechanical things (cars, trucks, trains) are going to love. Dinotrux , you see, are critters that are part dinosaur and part mobile equipment, and Chris Gall's premise is that millions of years ago Dinotrux ruled the earth, giving cave people something to think about.
The text is on the 2nd Grade level, and generally an easy read except for the amalgamated names. Here's a sample:
Look! High in the branches...
Craneosaurus!
He was always sticking his nose
where it didn't belong.
Crack, Munch.
Look out, birds, it's time for lunch.
By far though the best part of the book is Gall's wonderful artwork. His pallet is colorful and rich, and Gall's creatures are friendly with just the right hint of fierceness.
Kids will enjoy the likes of Dumploducus and, of course, the fearsome Trannosaurus Trux. They'll also like the foldout at the end of the book which shows how the raucous wild Dinotrux gradually became the domesticated species we all know and love
With it's glossy pages and attractive cover, I can easily see giving Dinotrux as a birthday gift to someone in the 5-and-under crowd. (Older children will like perusing the book, but for them I recommend it as a Library Find.)
Pam T~
mom and reviewer for BooksForKids-reviews
March 26, 2009
Once in a while a picture book author will mix dinosaurs in with another popular genre. The logic behind this is clear. If dinos sell and trains sell, why not write something like All Aboard the Dinotrain? As a result, dinosaurs have been mixed together with everything from bedtime stories (How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight) to ballet (T. Rex at Swan Lake). One mixed-pair that hasn’t really happened before, as far as I know, is trucks and dinosaurs. I can just see various authors pondering the possibilities. Would the dinosaurs drive the trucks? Would the trucks be designed with different dinosaurs painted onto them? But where’s the story? I mean the only way dinosaurs could really be combined with trucks would be if they were . . . were . . . were actually physically COMBINED with them! Trust author/illustrator Chris Gall to make that final leap in logic. His Dinotrux strikes a slightly younger chord than his previous picture book outings (Dear Fish and There’s Nothing to Do on Mars), but kids and parents of all ages will take pleasure in the sheer amount of thought and creativity the man had to work up to come up with names like Dumploducus or Rollodon.
They were here long ago. When the world was a vast wild place, dinotrux ruled. They are the ancestors of the gentle benign trucks we know today, and their ways were harsh and strange. If a caveman wasn’t running for his life from the dangerous (and incredibly fast) Semisaur then he was trying to avoid a Cementosaurus’s smelly leavings. It was the world of the Craneosaurus, the Blacktopadon, and the ever terrible Tyrannosaurus Trux. Of course that was before the great flash of light and terrible storm. Dinotrux rusted and sank into the mud, while a few managed to escape southward into warmer climates. Since that time they have domesticated, and the remains of the old Dinotrux are dug up at the oddest of times. Now only one things is certain. Dinotrux are always on the job. “And they never, EVER quit!”
The trux themselves are rather clever. Gall has figured out the logistics between combining the reptilian with the industrial. He has considered such details as how a Craneosaurus or a Garbageadon would eat. And I don’t think any adult who sees the two-page spread of brown Deliveradons asleep in a lazy pile won’t instantly think of UPS and late deliveries. Gall clearly studied up on both dinos and actual trucks to get the right feel for his mechanical monstrosities.
There’s a lot of repetition in the pictures as well. The three primary cavepeople who appear in the past are reimagined as contemporary humans when we see one of the final shots in the book. The endpapers too show some nice differences between now and then. On one page you will see trucks as normal, dull, standard entities, sitting without much flair or show. On the opposite page those trucks appear once again, only now in their newly dinotruxed state. Kids will have quite a bit of fun matching one truck to another and then, presumably, finding the dino-like similarities in trucks in the real world.
I think this might mark the first time I’ve ever seen a cheeky publication page. Sometimes a book’s design will incorporate its serial number in an amusing fashion, but this was the very first time I looked to see what the illustrations were made of only to read, “The text was set in Cafeteria Black, and the display type is hand-lettered. The artwork for this book was created using bearskins and stone knives.” Below those words you can see a caveman carving the Little, Brown and Company logo into the side of a boulder. If we can assume that Mr. Gall hasn’t changed his style any then it this book could be a mix of engravings, paint, and ink. It’s hard to know, though. At the very least the pictures in Dinotrux are filled with movement, action, and shifting perspectives. There’s a black, almost dusty fog that lies over the prints, giving this prehistoric world the feeling that it’s engulfed in truck-tastic soot and smoke. Believable.
The text is also rhythmic and bouncy. You can’t help but like a sentence that says “they shed their teeth and their toenails and their misbehaving ways.” Interestingly Gall has chosen to pepper his pictures with exclamations by the routinely fleeing cavepeople. Some of these work better than others, suggesting that they were a last minute additions. For example, while the Caveman saying “Yuck” when trapped in dinotrux muck makes sense, the next page shows two cavepeople cooking a fish with hugely worried looks on their faces. The text below them reads, “Let’s have a barbecue!” which is a doggone cheery thing to see under two such worried souls.
Craziest argument you’re going to hear when this book is looked at? It’s twofold. I suspect that some parents will believe that this book will twist their young children’s minds, causing them to think that dinotrux really used to exist millions of years ago. And maybe that’ll be true for the odd child here and there. Fun fact: They’ll get over it. Seriously. Kids are savvy critters, and a lot of them are going to accept this book for what it is: fun. Besides, do kids read Babar and then assume that all elephants wear spats? I don't think so. The second objection whipping about in the future? I can actually hear someone saying that this book promotes the mistaken belief that dinosaurs and cavemen existed at the same time. It’s patently ridiculous since there are no dinosaurs even in the book. Zippo, zero, zilch. I mean, these are probably going to be the same parents who let their kids watch The Flintstones, and isn’t THAT just a hotbed of historically accurate fact finding? So if you’ve objections on either counts here, lay them to rest. I can’t acknowledge either.
As strange as it sounds, this book may act as a perfect complement to Jon Scieszka’s Truck Town series. In both cases the artists working on the books had to figure out the logistics involved in adding eyeballs and personalities to welded bits of steel and rubber. And Dinotrux is perfect for that kid who wants trucks and dinosaurs just a little more dangerous than usual. It’s not the usual dino-laden title out there, a fact that will definitely serve Dinotrux well in the future. Fine, frightening, fun, fantastic fare.
Ages 4-8.
They were here long ago. When the world was a vast wild place, dinotrux ruled. They are the ancestors of the gentle benign trucks we know today, and their ways were harsh and strange. If a caveman wasn’t running for his life from the dangerous (and incredibly fast) Semisaur then he was trying to avoid a Cementosaurus’s smelly leavings. It was the world of the Craneosaurus, the Blacktopadon, and the ever terrible Tyrannosaurus Trux. Of course that was before the great flash of light and terrible storm. Dinotrux rusted and sank into the mud, while a few managed to escape southward into warmer climates. Since that time they have domesticated, and the remains of the old Dinotrux are dug up at the oddest of times. Now only one things is certain. Dinotrux are always on the job. “And they never, EVER quit!”
The trux themselves are rather clever. Gall has figured out the logistics between combining the reptilian with the industrial. He has considered such details as how a Craneosaurus or a Garbageadon would eat. And I don’t think any adult who sees the two-page spread of brown Deliveradons asleep in a lazy pile won’t instantly think of UPS and late deliveries. Gall clearly studied up on both dinos and actual trucks to get the right feel for his mechanical monstrosities.
There’s a lot of repetition in the pictures as well. The three primary cavepeople who appear in the past are reimagined as contemporary humans when we see one of the final shots in the book. The endpapers too show some nice differences between now and then. On one page you will see trucks as normal, dull, standard entities, sitting without much flair or show. On the opposite page those trucks appear once again, only now in their newly dinotruxed state. Kids will have quite a bit of fun matching one truck to another and then, presumably, finding the dino-like similarities in trucks in the real world.
I think this might mark the first time I’ve ever seen a cheeky publication page. Sometimes a book’s design will incorporate its serial number in an amusing fashion, but this was the very first time I looked to see what the illustrations were made of only to read, “The text was set in Cafeteria Black, and the display type is hand-lettered. The artwork for this book was created using bearskins and stone knives.” Below those words you can see a caveman carving the Little, Brown and Company logo into the side of a boulder. If we can assume that Mr. Gall hasn’t changed his style any then it this book could be a mix of engravings, paint, and ink. It’s hard to know, though. At the very least the pictures in Dinotrux are filled with movement, action, and shifting perspectives. There’s a black, almost dusty fog that lies over the prints, giving this prehistoric world the feeling that it’s engulfed in truck-tastic soot and smoke. Believable.
The text is also rhythmic and bouncy. You can’t help but like a sentence that says “they shed their teeth and their toenails and their misbehaving ways.” Interestingly Gall has chosen to pepper his pictures with exclamations by the routinely fleeing cavepeople. Some of these work better than others, suggesting that they were a last minute additions. For example, while the Caveman saying “Yuck” when trapped in dinotrux muck makes sense, the next page shows two cavepeople cooking a fish with hugely worried looks on their faces. The text below them reads, “Let’s have a barbecue!” which is a doggone cheery thing to see under two such worried souls.
Craziest argument you’re going to hear when this book is looked at? It’s twofold. I suspect that some parents will believe that this book will twist their young children’s minds, causing them to think that dinotrux really used to exist millions of years ago. And maybe that’ll be true for the odd child here and there. Fun fact: They’ll get over it. Seriously. Kids are savvy critters, and a lot of them are going to accept this book for what it is: fun. Besides, do kids read Babar and then assume that all elephants wear spats? I don't think so. The second objection whipping about in the future? I can actually hear someone saying that this book promotes the mistaken belief that dinosaurs and cavemen existed at the same time. It’s patently ridiculous since there are no dinosaurs even in the book. Zippo, zero, zilch. I mean, these are probably going to be the same parents who let their kids watch The Flintstones, and isn’t THAT just a hotbed of historically accurate fact finding? So if you’ve objections on either counts here, lay them to rest. I can’t acknowledge either.
As strange as it sounds, this book may act as a perfect complement to Jon Scieszka’s Truck Town series. In both cases the artists working on the books had to figure out the logistics involved in adding eyeballs and personalities to welded bits of steel and rubber. And Dinotrux is perfect for that kid who wants trucks and dinosaurs just a little more dangerous than usual. It’s not the usual dino-laden title out there, a fact that will definitely serve Dinotrux well in the future. Fine, frightening, fun, fantastic fare.
Ages 4-8.
September 25, 2017
This is a must read, multiple times a day for my son. He loves the Dinotrux. Almost as much as Cars.
February 27, 2020
My 3 year old son absolutely loved this! He clearly is the target audience ;-)
June 11, 2009
The Scene: A packed courtroom.
Judge: We will now hear closing arguments in the case of Young Readers vs. Dinotrux. Mr. Scope Notes, representing Young Readers, will be first.
Scope Notes: Thank you your Honor. Members of the jury, I trust that when you review the facts of this case, you will find that Dinotrux by Chris Gall (Dear Fish, There's Nothing to Do on Mars) is so appealing to children, especially boys, that it constitutes an infringement on free will. Children will want to read this book. The premise that hybrid dinosaur/trucks used to rule the earth ignites curiosity, while the brief, expressive text all but demands repeat reading.
Dinotrux Lawyer: Objection! That's his personal opinion, your Honor.
Judge: Overruled. He's making some good points here. Proceed.
Scope Notes: Even without the illustrations, this story would be a crowd pleaser - with them it's a crime. Gall's motion-filled artwork will pull readers in from page one. Sporting his signature crosshatching and rich colors, children will not, I repeat, will not be able to look away.
The conclusion is also a winner. The idea that some dinotrux survived extinction and evolved into the trucks that roam the earth today just brings it all home. Kids who read this book will certainly look at bulldozers, dump trucks, and cement mixers in a new light. The fact that they are turning this book into a movie only supports my argument.
In closing, I urge you, members of the jury, to find in favor of young readers everywhere and declare Dinotrux criminally appealing.
Judge: Thank you, Mr. Scope Notes, the attorney representing Dinotrux may now make closing arguments.
Dinotrux Lawyer: Thank you. It is clear that this book will be clamored-for among children. It is also clear that it will be enjoyed immensely. Since I can't deny any of the claims presented against my client, I would like to move that parents, teachers, bookstores, and libraries be allowed to add the book to their collections so that young readers can decide for themselves.
Judge: This is unprecedented. Mr. Scope Notes, are you willing to comply with this request?
Scope Notes: I will comply.
Judge: I hereby declare this trial adjourned.
Judge: We will now hear closing arguments in the case of Young Readers vs. Dinotrux. Mr. Scope Notes, representing Young Readers, will be first.
Scope Notes: Thank you your Honor. Members of the jury, I trust that when you review the facts of this case, you will find that Dinotrux by Chris Gall (Dear Fish, There's Nothing to Do on Mars) is so appealing to children, especially boys, that it constitutes an infringement on free will. Children will want to read this book. The premise that hybrid dinosaur/trucks used to rule the earth ignites curiosity, while the brief, expressive text all but demands repeat reading.
Dinotrux Lawyer: Objection! That's his personal opinion, your Honor.
Judge: Overruled. He's making some good points here. Proceed.
Scope Notes: Even without the illustrations, this story would be a crowd pleaser - with them it's a crime. Gall's motion-filled artwork will pull readers in from page one. Sporting his signature crosshatching and rich colors, children will not, I repeat, will not be able to look away.
The conclusion is also a winner. The idea that some dinotrux survived extinction and evolved into the trucks that roam the earth today just brings it all home. Kids who read this book will certainly look at bulldozers, dump trucks, and cement mixers in a new light. The fact that they are turning this book into a movie only supports my argument.
In closing, I urge you, members of the jury, to find in favor of young readers everywhere and declare Dinotrux criminally appealing.
Judge: Thank you, Mr. Scope Notes, the attorney representing Dinotrux may now make closing arguments.
Dinotrux Lawyer: Thank you. It is clear that this book will be clamored-for among children. It is also clear that it will be enjoyed immensely. Since I can't deny any of the claims presented against my client, I would like to move that parents, teachers, bookstores, and libraries be allowed to add the book to their collections so that young readers can decide for themselves.
Judge: This is unprecedented. Mr. Scope Notes, are you willing to comply with this request?
Scope Notes: I will comply.
Judge: I hereby declare this trial adjourned.
November 8, 2011
One of my sons favorite books. Makes trucks look like dinosaurs. Gives them funny names like Deliveradons and Firesaurus. Great book for students who love either trucks or dinosaurs. Teachers could have students that are artistic draw other similar type of translations. Would be interesting to see what female students could develop.
This book could be used for male students who are reserved or shy in class (hopefully allow them to talk about a passion of theirs).
This book could be used for male students who are reserved or shy in class (hopefully allow them to talk about a passion of theirs).
July 4, 2009
Dinotrux breaks the mold by bringing together kids’ two favorite themes: dinosaurs and trucks! Ever wonder what trucks and cars were really like billions of years ago? They weren’t as nice as they are today. Chris Gall once again amazes with his attention to detail as he guides kids through the evolution of Dinotrux!
September 18, 2011
Millions of years ago, DINOTRUX ruled the earth! These mighty part-truck, part-dino creatures rumbled, plowed and bulldozed their way through the centuries, demolishing anything in their path.
I was not too impressed with it. I thought the pictures would interest young boys, but the story was above their heads and convoluted - the pictures had to be explained.
I was not too impressed with it. I thought the pictures would interest young boys, but the story was above their heads and convoluted - the pictures had to be explained.
January 24, 2013
Yeah, this was fun the the first couple of times we read it, but Sam's insistence to read this and the sequel every day for the past 4 weeks is starting to wear on me. I do enjoy the potty humor, though.
June 1, 2009
A good fit for fans of I'm Dirty! and I'm Bad!.
July 4, 2009
This book was eye catching and enteresting to read ! Viberent and fun at the same time . I give it a 4.0
October 5, 2011
1st Grade Read-Aloud: Fiction or nonfiction. Just a fun book that the boys especially loved.
February 1, 2018
I give this book a 3 star rating.
This book is about all the dinotrux that use to rule the world. The are all different types of dinotrux that are based off of cars everyone knows. This makes it very relatable for the student reading. I especially think that male readers will like this book because they love this kind of stuff. This also ties in a little science too.
Ways to use in the classroom
1)Have the students come up with their own dinotrux
2) Research different types of dinosaurs
3) Have students learn about the beginning of time
4) Have students try to draw the dinotrux that are in the book.
This book is about all the dinotrux that use to rule the world. The are all different types of dinotrux that are based off of cars everyone knows. This makes it very relatable for the student reading. I especially think that male readers will like this book because they love this kind of stuff. This also ties in a little science too.
Ways to use in the classroom
1)Have the students come up with their own dinotrux
2) Research different types of dinosaurs
3) Have students learn about the beginning of time
4) Have students try to draw the dinotrux that are in the book.
March 8, 2018
Did you know that dump trucks used to be Dumploducus' and they were litter bugs? And garbage truck used to be Garbageadon's and they ate everything!
This is the story of heavy duty trucks and how they began as Dinotrux. When a terrible storm hit and wiped out the sun, the Dinotrux became very sick and sank into the mud. But the smart Dinostrux went south looking for better weather. Over time they evolved into the useful creatures we have now.
This will be a favorite of dino and truck lovers alike. Great for storytime.
This is the story of heavy duty trucks and how they began as Dinotrux. When a terrible storm hit and wiped out the sun, the Dinotrux became very sick and sank into the mud. But the smart Dinostrux went south looking for better weather. Over time they evolved into the useful creatures we have now.
This will be a favorite of dino and truck lovers alike. Great for storytime.
August 10, 2017
While there is little to no substance to this story, I think it is adorable and I know a few little boys who would have been very into this story growing up. It is no surprise that there is a toy line today built off of the characters in this book. It’s a gold-mine of an idea for a young male audience. Take two of a little boys favorite things and put them together; it sounds like instant success to me.
November 29, 2018
Meet Craneosaurus, Dumploducus, Rollodon, Garbageadon, Digasaurus, Tyrannosaurus Trux, and many more part dinosaur, part truck characters that ruled the earth and terrorized cave people millions of years ago. A terrible storm almost obliterated all the Dinotrux, except for the smart ones, who travelled south in search of better weather, survived, and evolved to become modern day working vehicles.
November 16, 2020
My boys loved this book. They loved all the trucks and how they added the dinosaurs to each page. They enjoyed the book and thought it was one of the best books. My girls were not as interested in the book. I felt like it lacked some story and felt it was rather boring. We loved the illustrations in the book and felt like that is what kept the kids attention. I would recommend checking this book out for boys and little girls that love trucks.
January 6, 2026
We have been reading this book since my son had the board book copy as a baby!
It is a favourite in our house, and has now become a favourite in our school library too.
Dinosaur lovers will enjoy :)
If you love this story as much as we do, we've got a lesson plan & activity ready to go on TPT:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/P...
It is a favourite in our house, and has now become a favourite in our school library too.
Dinosaur lovers will enjoy :)
If you love this story as much as we do, we've got a lesson plan & activity ready to go on TPT:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/P...
May 5, 2017
Fun story about the dino trucks, and all the rude/careless things they did before they sank in the tar pits. The little cavemen on the sides of the illustrations are cute, and add humor to the already fun text. A few of the dinotrux's names are hard to say, but otherwise a good book for a small group storytime.
July 1, 2017
Upon reading the title I was not impressed nor was I expecting to love it. It's funny and just fun to get into. The entire family enjoys it. My complaint is no female pronouns for any of the dinotrux. The only female pronoun in the entire book was for one cavewoman. At this age mine can't read yet so I alter things to make it more non gender stereotyped and more representative of the population.
October 10, 2017
This book is about a bunch of different dinosaurs. But in this book the dinosaurs were like trucks also. They talked about how each of these dinosaurs did and how they acted. Some of the dinosaurs that he had in the story looked really and some of them didnt to me.
For my class I would read this if we were talking about dinosaurs and what they were all about.
For my class I would read this if we were talking about dinosaurs and what they were all about.
January 6, 2022
I thought that this book would be a funny combination of dinosaurs and trucks, but the emphasis on millions of years and the vehicles evolving into nicer versions of themselves meant that the dinotrux were rather mean and destructive. My four-year-old son didn't really seem to enjoy it either even though he likes both dinosaurs and vehicles.
January 10, 2026
My son was interested in this book because he likes the Dinotrux TV show. I guess the book is sort of the intro of the show in a way. It’s alright, very middle of the road… illustrations are kind of crude for my liking (just not the style I enjoy) and the plot was kinda just eh. Overall, 3/5 stars ⭐️ wouldn’t recommend.
August 30, 2019
It won’t win awards for its literary prose, but Chris sure wins a prize of sheer childhood delight with the combining of two obsessions to toddler boys (and girls) EVERYWHERE: dinosaurs and trucks.
February 8, 2020
TJ picked this out himself from the library's prize box. He loves trucks and he loves dinosaurs, so obviously he loves this mash-up. For a kid already familiar with the cartoon, though, it might be a disappointment as it's quite different.
January 19, 2018
creative idea nice pictures.
February 12, 2018
All about trucks of prehistoric times! Who knew?!
Great illustrations of the way trucks were in their wild state before they evolved into what we know today.
Great illustrations of the way trucks were in their wild state before they evolved into what we know today.
September 9, 2018
The illustrations got me hooked
February 8, 2019
January 2019 - Ben brought home a sequel from the school library, so then we found this one and he loves the concept.
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