Theo loves his parents. After all, they can’t help it if they are human. They have taught him all the things young dinosaurs need to know and he’s very happy – until the first day of school.

Everyone looks different. It seems he is The Only Dinosaur in School. Worried about not fitting in, Theo decides he’s not going to this human school.

Mum has an amazing solution and she works hard all night on it. It is enough to sooth Theo’s worries the next day, so this time he walks through the school gates. No one is looking at him. His worries about not fitting in have all but vanished. But the more confident he gets, and after making a new friend, his secret is finally out.

But wait! The other children aren’t quite what they seem either.

From multi award winning NZ author Leonie Agnew, comes The Only Dinosaur in School. Illustrations by Julia Hegetusch highlight all the fears and worries of the first day of school, fitting in, and finally being able to be yourself.

This delightful picture book shows a child wanting to be the same as his classmates, who in fact are all wanting the same thing. Celebrating differences, first friendships and new experiences are all things that children can discover in this gorgeous story. The surprise that awaits Theo will delight young readers too!

Author – Leonie Agnew

Illustrator – Julia Hegetusch

Picture Book

(2025, Scholastic NZ, New Zealand Author, Aotearoa, NZ Illustrator, School, Fitting in, Confidence, Making friends)