Additional information
by Linda Rigby (Author), Tanaya Lahrs (Illustrator)
Deano the Dinosaur is a warm and playful children's picture book that supports young, fussy and picky eaters through gentle, play-based food exploration. The story follows Deano, a curious young dinosaur who wakes up hungry and needs a bigger breakfast. He stomps over to the veggie patch, where he finds plenty of delicious goodies.
Created by an SOS-Trained Feeding Therapist and Early Childhood Teacher, the book draws on principles of responsive feeding, early childhood development and healthy habits for children. Through rhythmic storytelling, soft language, and rhyming verse, Deano the Dinosaur helps young readers build confidence around food long before they are expected to taste. By presenting vegetables as friendly, approachable and part of everyday life, the story encourages food curiosity in a pressure-free way that supports fussy eaters and helps families create calmer, more connected mealtime experiences.
The narrative celebrates sensory exploration-colours, shapes, movement and textures-while gently modelling how children might approach new foods with curiosity rather than worry. Deano's journey through the garden makes vegetables feel familiar, playful and safe, supporting food confidence for children who are learning to try new foods at their own pace.
Ideal for children ages 2-7, Deano the Dinosaur is well suited to homes, early learning settings, classrooms and feeding therapy environments. It offers families, educators and therapists a developmentally informed resource that blends story, sensory learning, and positive food experiences. With its combination of dinosaur appeal, gentle food exploration, and supportive mealtime themes, this picture book is a valuable tool for helping little eaters build healthy, confident relationships with food.
