1, 2, 3, Roar! Lets Count Dinosaurs (My First Books)

What happens when you combine the timeless fascination of dinosaurs with the foundational skill of counting? You get 1, 2, 3, Roar! Let's Count Dinosaurs by Erin Rose Wage—a delightful, interactive board book that turns early learning into a prehistoric adventure. As a parent, educator, or caregiver, finding books that engage young minds while teaching essential skills can be a challenge. But Wage’s charming book manages to do both with vibrant illustrations, playful rhymes, and a cast of adorable dinosaurs that will have toddlers roaring with excitement.

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore everything this book offers—from its educational value to its storytelling charm—and why it deserves a spot on your little one’s bookshelf.

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1, 2, 3, Roar! Let's Count Dinosaurs is a simple yet effective counting book designed for toddlers and preschoolers. The story follows a series of friendly dinosaurs as they engage in playful activities, each page introducing a new number (from 1 to 10) alongside corresponding dino characters.

For example:

• 1 bright red T-Rex stomping through the jungle.
• 2 goofy Stegosauruses munching on leaves.
• 3 speedy Velociraptors racing across the plains.

The book doesn’t follow a traditional narrative arc but instead uses repetition, rhythm, and visual storytelling to reinforce counting skills. The illustrations are bold and colorful, ensuring that young readers stay engaged while learning.

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While this isn’t a character-driven story in the traditional sense, Wage’s dinosaurs are brimming with personality. Each dino is uniquely illustrated with expressive faces and dynamic poses, making them feel like playful friends rather than static educational tools.

• The T-Rex is goofy rather than scary, with wide eyes and a toothy grin.
• The Triceratops is gentle and slow-moving, perfect for teaching patience.
• The Pterodactyls soar with exaggerated wing flaps, encouraging kids to mimic their movements.

These small touches make the book feel interactive, inviting children to count, point, and even act out the dinosaurs’ actions.

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Wage’s writing is simple yet effective, using rhyming couplets and repetitive phrasing to reinforce learning. For example:

"One big roar, two tiny feet,
Three long tails so very neat!"

The rhythm makes it easy for kids to anticipate what comes next, aiding memory retention. The text is also minimalist, ensuring that young readers aren’t overwhelmed and can focus on the numbers and illustrations.

The interactive prompts ("Can you count the spikes?") encourage participation, turning reading time into an engaging activity rather than a passive experience.

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Beyond counting, 1, 2, 3, Roar! subtly introduces other early learning concepts:

• Color Recognition – Each dinosaur is a different vibrant hue.
• Fine Motor Skills – Pointing to and tracing the numbers aids hand-eye coordination.
• Vocabulary Building – Words like "stomping," "soaring," and "chomping" expand language skills.

The book also fosters a love of dinosaurs, which can spark further curiosity about science and natural history as kids grow.

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As a parent, I’ve read countless counting books, but 1, 2, 3, Roar! stands out for its energy and engagement. My two-year-old immediately took to the bright illustrations and would excitedly mimic the dinosaur sounds. The rhyming text made it easy for her to "read along" after a few repetitions, and the sturdy board book format has survived many enthusiastic page turns.

The emotional impact is clear—this isn’t just a learning tool; it’s a bonding experience. The playful tone makes it a joy to read aloud, and the interactive elements keep little hands busy.

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Compared to other early counting books like:

• Ten Little Dinosaurs by Mike Brownlow (more narrative-driven)
• How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? by Jane Yolen (behavior-focused)

1, 2, 3, Roar! stands out for its simplicity and visual appeal. While some counting books overload with text or complex themes, Wage’s book keeps the focus squarely on fun and foundational skills.

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✅ Engaging Illustrations – Bold, colorful, and full of personality.
✅ Perfect Length – Short enough for toddler attention spans.
✅ Durable Format – Thick board pages withstand rough handling.
✅ Educational & Fun – Makes learning feel like play.

❌ Limited Story Depth – Not a drawback for its target age group, but older preschoolers might prefer more narrative.
❌ No Advanced Counting – Stops at 10, so kids ready for higher numbers will need another book.

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• Ages 1-4 – Ideal for toddlers and early preschoolers.
• Dinosaur Enthusiasts – Perfect for kids who love prehistoric creatures.
• Parents & Educators – A great tool for teaching counting in a fun way.

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"Five dino eggs in a nest so round,
Crack, crack, crack—they’re safe and sound!"

This page was a favorite in our household, with my toddler giggling at the "crack!" sound effects.

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1, 2, 3, Roar! Let's Count Dinosaurs is a winning combination of education and entertainment. Erin Rose Wage has crafted a book that feels fresh, fun, and purposeful—a rare trifecta in early learning books. Whether you’re looking for a first counting book or a gift for a dino-loving toddler, this one delivers.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

• What’s your child’s favorite dinosaur in the book?
• Do you prefer counting books with rhymes or more straightforward text?
• How do you make learning numbers fun for your little one?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 🦖📚

Get this book on Amazon

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