We Don't Eat Our Classmates

Penelope Rex starts her first day of school with enthusiasm, but soon encounters challenges as the only T-Rex in her class of human children. Her natural instinct to eat her classmates creates obstacles to making friends. The story follows Penelope's attempts to navigate school life while learning to control her urges and understand appropriate behavior. A classroom goldfish named Walter plays a key role in helping Penelope gain perspective. Ms. Rex must discover how to fit in and make connections with her peers while staying true to who she is. Through trial and error, she works to find her place in the school community. This picture book explores themes of self-control, empathy, and the universal experience of wanting to belong. The story demonstrates how understanding others' feelings can lead to meaningful relationships and personal growth.

Parents and teachers report this book resonates with children ages 3-8, especially those starting school. Many reviews mention kids requesting repeated readings and laughing at Penelope Rex's challenges. Readers appreciated: - The humor around a dinosaur trying to fit in with human classmates - Clear message about empathy without being preachy - Illustrations that capture emotions and facial expressions - Effectiveness for teaching boundaries and kindness Common criticisms: - Some found the "eating classmates" premise concerning for sensitive children - A few noted the resolution felt rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (5,800+ ratings) Sample review: "Perfect for addressing biting/personal space with preschoolers. My daughter quotes it when reminding others to be gentle." - Amazon reviewer "The art style and expressions had my kids giggling through every page." - Goodreads reviewer

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If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! by Elise Parsley A student learns the consequences of bringing a wild animal for show-and-tell.

Teachers Pet by Anica Mrose Rissi A class pet with a taste for students turns a normal school day into chaos.

🦖 Author Ryan T. Higgins originally came up with the idea for this book while watching his own children navigate social situations at school. 🎨 The book's main character, Penelope Rex, is drawn wearing human clothes and carrying a lunch box to help young readers relate to her, despite being a T-Rex. 📚 The story cleverly addresses common childhood struggles like making friends and learning empathy through the unique perspective of a carnivorous dinosaur in a classroom of humans. 🦈 The goldfish Walter, who repeatedly bites Penelope, is based on real scientific evidence that some fish species can remember faces and events for months. 🌟 "We Don't Eat Our Classmates" was so successful that it spawned a sequel titled "We Will Rock Our Classmates," featuring the same beloved T-Rex character exploring stage fright and self-confidence.