Douglasaurus and the New Student. This item is unavailable.Douglasaurus and the New Student

Douglasaurus and the New Student is a heartwarming picture book that follows a young boy named Max on his first day at a brand-new school. From the very beginning, Max feels out of place—unfamiliar sights, smells, and faces make him unsure where he fits in. The other kids already know each other, and despite his love for books and dinosaurs, Max can’t seem to find the courage to connect. He spends his day quiet and alone, retreating to the library, the one place he feels safe—especially near Douglasaurus, the school’s towering dinosaur mascot.

But Douglasaurus is more than just a statue. With the gentle mantra, “Kindness begins small,” the mighty dinosaur magically shrinks to Max’s size and becomes his guide. Through quiet encouragement and gentle words, Douglasaurus teaches Max how to take brave, kind steps toward friendship—starting with something as simple as saying, “Hi, I’m Max. Do you want to play?”

As Max finds his voice and makes new friends, he learns the power of kindness—not only for himself but for others, too. By day’s end, Max is the one reaching out to another new student, passing along the same kindness he was given. This touching story is a celebration of courage, inclusion, and how even the smallest act of kindness can help someone feel seen and valued.

About the Author: Phil is a storyteller and producer passionate about uplifting family content. Inspired by his son and a real school mascot named Douglasaurus, he created Douglasaurus and the New Student to help children feel seen, included, and brave. Phil has produced two family films, worked with PBS, and was an All-American track athlete at the University of Oregon. He also supports child-focused organizations, including Kids And Cars, which promotes safety in and around vehicles, and Mobility for Kids, which advocates for inclusion in physical education for children of all abilities. Phil lives with his wife, Cheryl, in a floating home along the Columbia River.

About the Illustrator: Dan Schaefer is a renowned illustrator and storyboard artist whose work has brought stories to life for major entertainment companies, including Marvel, DC Comics, Disney, and Netflix. His early work in comics led to a career in animated television on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With a rich background in visual storytelling, Dan brings warmth, imagination, and heart to every page-helping young readers connect emotionally to the story's message of kindness and belonging. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Sue, a wig master and make-up designer, and their cat, Zoey.

Jennifer Rees is a New York Times bestselling Children's Book Editor, with over 25 years in the NYC publishing industry, specializing in Picture Books, Middle Grade and YA novels, such as Suzanne Collins' unparalleled THE HUNGER GAMES series.