A DIY shadowbox activity for Dinosaur Lovers

Lights out

This spectacular activity is inspired by our magical new book, Kingdom of You. In the story, your kid gets to create their own sparkling kingdom, filled with dinosaurs as far as the eye can see.

With this shadowbox tutorial, you can bring that obsession to life – in the dark! Once you’ve cut out the shapes, simply turn down the lights, get the torch out and let your dino-enthusiast immerse themselves in their own fantastical world of towering dinosaurs.

Download template

All you need is:

Downloadable template
White card
A large matchbox
Paint
Craft knife
Cutting board
Masking tape
Torch
Your best dinosaur roar

It’s showtime

Prep your materials

Best to keep the lights on for this bit, otherwise you might find yourself in a spot of bother with the craft knife.

Step 1

Paint the matchbox. We chose this Tyrannosaurus Green but you could go with your little one’s favourite.

Step 2

Using the masking tape, secure the template to the first piece of card to make cutting easier. Remember to do the same with the palm-tree page and the second piece of card.

Step 3

Once you’ve carefully carved out the shapes (grownups, save your table surface by using a cutting board), you should have all the props for your little one to start planning a spectacular dinosaur shadow show.

Step 4

Get the stand ready by carefully cutting three long slits along the painted matchbox. Your dinosaurs will slot into these.

Step 5

Stow your dino shapes away in their box, so they can get their rest and come out to play once the sun goes down.

Step 6

It’s starting to get dark! Get your dinosaurs in place by slotting them into the matchbox, and don’t forget to get your torch ready too. Then position the box so the shadows can project onto a wall, or other upright flat surface.

Step 7

The sun’s finally gone down (or you’ve closed your dinosaur curtains) you can start having fun with the shadows. Move the torch side to side for a dinosaur dance party. Bring it closer to the shapes to make the shadows grow humungous. And watch them turn tiny, as you move the torch back

At the flick of a switch

If your young enthusiast has enjoyed being surrounded by dazzling dinosaurs, they’ll love their own impossibly personalised book, Kingdom of You. In the story, your kid conjures up their own kingdom and fills it with their favourite things – including more dinosaurs than you could ever imagine. What could be more exciting?