Author Chat with Suzy Levinson (Dinos That Drive), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!

Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Suzy Levinson (Dinos That Drive)!

Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

Meet the Author: Suzy Levinson

Suzy Levinson is an award-winning children’s author and poet. Her work has been featured in numerous poetry anthologies and magazines, including Highlights and Cricket. She is the author of two picture book–length poetry collections, Animals in Pants (Abrams) and Dinos That Drive (Tundra Books), and she has more children’s books on the way! Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in New York.

Website * Instagram

About the Book: Dinos That Drive

Buckle up for a raptor race, train-faring Titanosaurs and (gulp) a taxi-driving T. rex in this hilariously whirlwind picture book poetry collection for fans of Richard Scarry and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site!

You’ve never seen a dinosaur that’s into driving cars? Well, buckle up! Brontosaurus, Triceratops, Pterodactyl and T. rex are all here to show off their driving, flying and diving skills in this riotous, fully illustrated book of poems about dinosaurs and their favorite things-that-go! From flighty Bambiraptor’s traffic chopper to hardheaded Pachycephalosaurus’s garbage truck to mama Maiasaura’s kid-carting minivan, and even to the stars beyond — these dinos on the go have no time to slow down. Each spread is full of fun details for young readers to pore over, but with our intrepid dino guides providing helpful dino facts on each page, you’ll never need a GPS again!

Includes dinosaur pronunciation guides for every poem.

Purchase * Goodreads

~Author Chat~

YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

Dinos That Drive was originally inspired by a birthday gift I bought for one of my nephews—these toy cars that were basically dinosaur heads on wheels. Weird, but pretty fun? I figured if some toy company could take two random things that kids love (dinosaurs and cars), smash them together, then reel in bucketloads of sweet cash, then hey, maybe I could do the same.

YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?

The concept and title came first, all at once, hitting me like a lightning bolt. Dinos That Drive: wow, that certainly sounds like a book! I do find that my most successful projects often start with a nice punchy title, the kind that really pops, that instantly captures the vibe of the world I want to create.

YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Picture books! Picture books, both PB–length poetry collections and PBs with traditional story arcs, are decidedly my jam. I find the interplay between words and art to be endlessly cool. Plus I’ve found my niche with rhyme. Writing in rhyme isn’t easy; it requires a lot of technical know-how, and it can be downright infuriating…but I LOVE IT.

YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?

As a passionately nitpicky children’s poet, I always strive to present my readers with nothing short of excellent rhyme. On top of that, fun new worlds! Surprising characters! And let’s not forget gorgeous art. I’m no illustrator, but I’m such an art geek, so I take enormous pride in the fact that I’ve had the chance to work with some of the best illustrators out there—including Dustin Harbin, who absolutely crushed Dinos That Drive!

YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?

Ever since my husband and I wisely invested in a SodaStream, rarely a day goes by that I don’t enjoy a good old-fashioned egg cream. Milk, chocolate syrup, seltzer. And egg creams are nutritious, kind of! There’s calcium in there, plus I’m increasing my water intake! I’m nothing if not hydrated.

YABC: What other age group would you consider writing for?

Well, I’m currently working on a middle-grade novel-in-verse. Oof, it’s tough. What a leap of faith, writing in longer forms! I honestly don’t know how novelists do this all the time, working on single projects for years, not knowing if the thing’s even going to pan out. Let’s just say I’m stretching beyond my comfort zone here. But growth! Growth is good.

YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?

Four words: British real estate shows. Yes, I may live in a New York City apartment, but if you’re looking for a thatched cottage in the Cotswolds, I’m practically an expert. Thank you, procrastination!

YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?

I’ve recently become a big fan of Start Lighthouse, a great nonprofit that aims to advance childhood literacy in NYC’s underserved communities. And I’ll always have a soft spot for Bideawee, the wonderful organization that introduced us to our cat, Fizzy!

YABC: What’s next for you?

I have several exciting books in the works, including a second with Tundra! A Year in Clown Town, illustrated by Hsinping Pan, is a poetry picture book about clowns who celebrate each month with humor and heart. It hits shelves in 2027!

Title: Dinos That Drive

Author: Suzy Levinson

Illustrator: Dustin Harbin

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Publisher: Penguin Random House Canada / Tundra Books

ISBN-10: 1774885239

ISBN-13: 9781774885239

Genre: Kids/Poetry

Age Range: 3 to 7 years old

~ Giveaway Details ~

Five (5) winners will receive a copy of Dinos That Drive (Suzy Levinson) ~US/CAN Only!

Tags: Dinos That Drive, giveaway, Interview, Penguin Random House Canada/Tundra Books, Suzy Levinson

4 thoughts on “Author Chat with Suzy Levinson (Dinos That Drive), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!”

Zachary Snyder says:

November 24, 2025 at 10:46 am

This book looks like so much fun! Love the style!
vbartles says:

November 24, 2025 at 10:47 am

I got to read an advance copy of this via NetGalley, and my 2-year-old grandson loved it!!
PageTrekker says:

November 25, 2025 at 8:34 pm

This looks super cute!
ltecler says:

December 21, 2025 at 8:17 pm

This looks so fun!

Comments are closed.

Author Chat with Suzy Levinson (Dinos That Drive), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!

4 thoughts on “Author Chat with Suzy Levinson (Dinos That Drive), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!”

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