Dinosaur Douglas for schools, nurseries and health teams
A rhyming picture book is the easiest way to start a conversation with a four-year-old about teeth, hands, sunshine, sugar or worries. Councils and NHS trusts have already put over sixteen thousand copies into children's hands, and the Beastly Bugs book is highlighted in the Government's Tackling Poor Oral Health in Children.
Chosen by the people who look after children's health
Dinosaur Douglas and the Beastly Bugs has been bought in bulk to put a copy into the hands of young children across whole boroughs.
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5,250 copies
Hammersmith and Fulham Council
purchased copies to give to young children across the borough.
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3,500 copies
Doncaster City Council
added the book to oral health packs for children.
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1,750 copies
RDASH NHS Foundation Trust
purchased copies for children in its care.
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Cited
Department of Health
the book is highlighted in the Government document Tackling Poor Oral Health in Children.
That is 10,500 children who have their own copy, before a single bookshop sale.
Where the books earn their place
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Oral health programmes
Dental decay is the most common reason under-fives are admitted to hospital. The Beastly Bugs book was written with a consultant in paediatric dentistry to change that, one bedtime at a time, and goes into oral health packs alongside a toothbrush.
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PSHE and early years literacy
Rhyme, repetition and Alex Godwin's pictures make the books a natural fit for story time, PSHE and phonics. Teachers report discussions that follow on to vitamin D, sugar and how we look after each other.
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Family support and health visiting
Difficult Days for Dinosaur Douglas was created with Hammersmith and Fulham Family Support, the NSPCC and FrameWorks to help families talk about stress and resilience in the first five years.
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Dental practices and waiting rooms
The Big Book edition is made for reading aloud to a group and for a waiting room table. Growing Smiles stocks the series for practices and settings.
For story time
The Big Book edition
The Big Book edition is ideal for group work, story time and teaching. Buy one for £18.99, or two for £34.00.
I was really impressed with the way the children were able to connect to the books, even about something as complex as vitamin D. The discussions that resulted were really fruitful. The themes, covering healthy lifestyle choices, are unlike any that I have been able to find for children in a fictional text, so I found it really useful.
Our boys and girls loved Dinosaur Douglas, and it inspired us to be creative with the curriculum: we played with dinosaur small toys, brushed toy dinosaur teeth, painted pictures of dinosaurs and, in role play, we created a dental surgery.
Questions schools and health teams ask
Can we pay by invoice or purchase order?
Yes. Councils, NHS trusts, schools and nurseries can order on a purchase order and Heather will invoice you. Use the bulk order form and include your PO number if you have one.
Is there a discount for bulk orders?
Yes. Pricing depends on the titles and quantities, so tell Heather roughly how many copies you need and where they are going, and she will send a quote, including postage or delivery.
Which ages are the books for?
The series is written for early years children, roughly ages 3-6, and works well for older reluctant readers. Each book is told in rhyme so children can join in.
Are the health messages checked?
Each book was written with clinical input: paediatric consultants at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, a consultant in paediatric dentistry, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and family support and children’s mental health organisations.
What is the Big Book edition?
A large-format edition of Dinosaur Douglas and the Beastly Bugs for reading to a whole class or in a waiting room. It is ideal for story time, PSHE sessions and dental practices.
Can Heather visit to launch the books?
Often, yes. Heather runs readings and creative writing sessions in nurseries, primary schools, libraries and teacher training, in London, Norfolk and further afield. See the author visits page.