Dino-School: An Interview with Author Lisa Wheeler
The bell rings, the doors fly open, and in come the dinos! Diplo, Compy, the Twins and more return to the page in Dino-School by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott. Whether they’re decorating the classroom, celebrating the 100th day of school, or racing across the schoolyard during Field Day, the dinos of Room 3 are always busy.
Today author Lisa Wheeler joins us to share her love of the Dino series, her process of writing this cheerful picture book, and her hopes for all the incoming students as they start the new year.
Dino-School is the first in a new series of dino adventures! What brings you back to these dino characters time and time again?
Two things.
The characters—I’ve fallen in love with these crazy dinosaurs. We’ve been together for many years, and I love writing about their exploits. It’s just fun!
The readers! — I receive so many wonderful letters from kids, parents and grandparents about the Dino books. I love hearing from families who read. It’s great to see kids get excited enough about books to write to me—and in many cases offer suggestions for new titles. Schools have focused lessons around the Dino books, including wonderful art projects. I’ve even heard from schools where the dino books made their March Madness reading brackets.
I’m so honored to be a part of all that wonderful book love.
The dinos have played sports and celebrated holidays, and now they’re going to school! How did you first imagine the dinosaurs interacting with a school setting? Did it change when you began writing?
I didn’t consider writing about the first day of school because I wanted to show the whole school experience. This is the first book in the new Dino-World series and I wanted it to show what that world might look like as time went by.
As a kid, I loved school. To this day, when I think of the year, I always want September to be the first month. I can still name all my elementary teachers going back to HeadStart! So, Dino-School is near and dear to my heart. The wonderful Ms. A is based on all my favorite teachers.
Over the years, the dinosaurs have been developing their own personalities. From the start the PteroTwins were pranksters. So having them pull an April Fool joke at school was a given. I also like that T.rex has a soft side and Tricertops is a born leader. There are always changes to be made along the way. With the help of Leila Sales and Carol Hinz, my two editors, we always get there in the end.
Dino-School has an adorable story within-the-story of a new classmate, Yi, finding friendship with Diplo. How did that storyline develop?
I enjoy bringing new dinosaurs into the series. Yi qi bones were discovered as recently as 2007 in China. When I read about this winged tiny dino, a lightbulb went off and I thought about introducing him as the ‘new kid’ in class.
Since Yi was such a small dinosaur, I thought it would be fun to show the biggest dinosaur in class trying to make friends with him and the relationship dynamics that might happen. It was a great plot point and the turn-around as their friendship develops is so satisfying. Sweet Diplo is such a kind soul and seeing him invite Yi to play and never giving up on his shy classmate touched my heart.
What made you decide to take readers through the entire school year instead of just focusing on the first day?
When I first imagined Dino-School, I had two ideas in mind. Either write a school year from Sept. to June or write a school year in four seasons. I discussed with my editor and she felt that the entire school year sounded fun. I agreed! I had been hoping she’d say that.
I hadn’t seen many picture books that take us through the school year and all its touchstones. Balancing academics and activities proved a little tricky. But I wanted to write about a well-rounded year that hits on all the highlights that I looked forward to as a kid.
What do you hope readers learn from the story?
Inclusivity.
Being a new kid is hard. I changed school for my sophomore year of high school. I recall how painful it felt to walk into the hallways, classrooms and cafeteria not knowing anyone. I took my lunch break in the library and hid behind books. It took many months before I came out of my shell enough to start making friends.
If I would’ve had a kid like Diplo, who took initiative to invite me to something—anything!—I would’ve been elated. I wanted Yi to have the opportunity I never had.
What’s up next in Dino-World?
As kids know, each Dino book gives a sneak peek at the next book in the line-up. I get a kick out of seeing kids receive a copy of a Dino book and immediately turning to the last page. Every school I’ve visited I’ve seen it happen.
The next book will be Dino-Helpers due out Fall of 2026. It’s a great way to showcase professional helpers in our neighborhoods as well as ways that kids and friends can be helpers as well.
Praise for Dino-School
“With its blend of humor, heart, and prehistoric fun, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of dinosaurs, rhyming books, and school stories.”—School Library Journal
Connect with the Author
Lisa Wheeler is the award-winning author of the Dino-Sports and Dino-Holidays books. When she isn’t running around the country visiting schools, standing at podiums, and eating airport snacks, she resides in Michigan.
Comments