I Came Before the Dinosaurs!

During my visit to the first Permian Fest, I had the pleasure of meeting Holly Simon of the Whiteside Museum of Natural History. She had just recently released her first book, I Came Before the Dinosaurs!, and I made sure to get myself a signed copy. For one reason or another though, I neglected to write a review at the time, but with the arrival of Permian Fest 2025, I figured it now was as good a time as any to finally do so!

Both written and illustrated by Holly Simon, I Came Before the Dinosaurs! focuses on the prehistoric animals of the Permian Period, and in fact stars specific, individual specimens on display at the Whiteside Museum that have been found near the town of Seymour, Texas. The book is narrated by “Abby” the Dimetrodon, who introduces readers to her compatriots, including Sandy the Diplocaulus, Leroy the Edaphosaurus, Joy the Eryops, and more.

In addition to describing the various individual species of the region, the book also introduces readers to the concept of “synapsids”, the category of animal that many of the creatures in this book belong to. It includes a diagram demonstrating the difference between synapsid and diapsid skulls, which shows why Dimetrodon and the others are NOT considered dinosaurs.

After Abby’s introduction to life in the Permian, the book ends with photos and additional information about each specimen mentioned. Seeing the actual fossils along with extra details really adds to the scientific value of the reading experience.

I Came Before the Dinosaurs! is an excellent introduction to Permian life for young kids. With its simple but accurate illustrations and a focus on less-popularized prehistoric animals, this book fills an important niche in the landscape of children’s books on ancient life. I’m happy to give I Came Before the Dinosaurs! my Dino Dad Stomp of Approval! It can be purchased from the Whiteside’s website as a standalone book, or as a box set with sticker versions of the illustrations!