Mamasaurus & Papasaurus

By Ariel

In which Ariel discusses Mamasaurus and Papasaurus by Stephan Lomp. Though she was initially less than enthused these books are perfect for toddler paleontologists. This post contains affiliate links. By using them you help keep Busy Nest News up and running. Thank you for your continued support!

Mamasaurus & Papasaurus
By Stephan Lomp

I will admit, I chose Mamasaurus and Papasaurus by Stephan Lomp based solely on their name. How cute! How clever! But after our initial read, I was less than enthused. It wasn’t the first time that Bean loved a book that I was only half-heartedly amused by and it certainly won’t be the last! She was hooked from the start but I was irritated - for no reason that I could easily articulate. But over a week of repeated rereads I have come to see the charm they hold for a toddler fascinated by dinosaurs.

In Mamasaurus, Babysaurus takes a dive off of his mama’s back only to find himself lost on the forest floor. In much the same way that Baby Bird falling out of his nest starts his adventure in P.D. Eastman’s classic Are You My Mama? Babysaurus finds himself in unexplored territory unable to find his Mamasaurus! Why he doesn’t just look up is beyond me. Along the way, he finds Anky, Ptero, Rex and other colorful characters. He asks them “Have you seen my mother?” But no one has seen her! With each exchange, the reader learns about each type of dinosaur - Ankylosaurus, Pterodactyls, and Tyrannosaurus Rex. With each exchange, Babysaurus gets closer to his Mama.

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Papasaurus follows a similar formula, but instead of a fall, it starts with a hide and seek game gone awry. Papasaurus is really good at hiding! This time Babysaurus meets a new cast of characters - Stego, and many more.  Again as Babysaurus makes his way through the forest asking everyone he meets, “Have you seen my Papa?’ You learn about each dinosaur.

Each page of Mamasaurus and Papasaurus is chock full of information if you are willing to do a little digging with your child. Why is Anky’s name Anky? Because he is an Ankylosaurus! What does Ankylosaurus look like? He has spikes all over. What does Ankylosaurus eat? He is eating leaves. Each page features brightly colored dinosaurs on a stark black and green background. The simply illustrations focus little eyes on the important details, spurring conversation on as the pages turn. Mamasaurus and Papasaurus are three eggs. Not the most thrilling read for you - the adult - but startlingly captivating for toddler paleontologists.

If you enjoyed the rhythm and cadence of Mamasaurus and Papasaurus try P.D. Eastman’s classic Are You My Mama? It follows the misadventures of Baby Bird who cannot find his Mama!

What books are you reaching for in May? May - the month of all things Mama. Will you try Mamasaurus? If you do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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