How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen

This charming picture book cleverly uses prehistoric creatures to model positive social skills for young children, showing how dinosaurs navigate the challenges of sharing, taking turns, and managing big feelings during playtime. Through rhythmic, repetitive text, author Jane Yolen poses relatable questions about friendship dilemmas that every preschooler faces, making the lessons feel immediate and accessible. Mark Teague's expressive illustrations bring these enormous, sometimes clumsy dinosaurs to life with humor and warmth, visually reinforcing the emotional beats of each scenario. The book transforms abstract concepts of social-emotional learning into concrete, memorable examples that children can easily grasp and apply.

What sets this friendship story apart is its brilliant use of contrast, first depicting the "wrong" way to handle frustration—like hogging toys or pouting—before revealing the gentle, considerate behaviors that true friends exhibit. This narrative structure provides a safe space for children to recognize their own impulses while learning healthier alternatives, making it an invaluable tool for parents and educators guiding kids through early social dynamics. The combination of a beloved childhood fascination with a critical developmental milestone creates a powerful and engaging read. Young listeners will eagerly absorb these lessons in conflict resolution and empathy, returning to this gentle guide again and again as they navigate their own first friendships.