Skip to main content

If You Like...Dragons

I have a family member who LOVES dragons. It is one of his most favorite things. He wishes that there were real dragons in the world. I have another family member who really likes dragons because of how fierce and scary they are (though he also likes the dragons that aren’t scary). If you also have a dragon fan in your home, here are five picture books that are great reads for fans of the giant and mystical beast! 
Written by David LaRochelle 
Illustrated by Lian Cho 
New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book. 

This is a humorous story about counting dragons…who all happen to be named Broccoli. Readers start with 100 dragons, but then wind or adventure or other things pull various numbers of dragons away. Readers then have to figure out just how many dragons are left. Kids who love dragons and being silly will enjoy reading this book. 

Written by Scott Rothman 
Illustrated by Pete Oswald 
New York: Random House Children’s Books, 2020. Picture Book. 

If you were to ask me what my all-time favorite dragon picture book is…this one may just be the one I tell you about. It has the scary factor, the silliness of saying underwear to preschoolers, and it has a fun character named Cole who is a knight’s assistant that is left with defending the kingdom against an attacking dragon! Readers who love adventure with a bit of mirth thrown in will enjoy reading this book. 

By Barney Saltzberg 
Hippo Park, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book. 

So, this story may not seem like it has a dragon in it (but it does, I promise!). In the story there are two mice. The bigger mouse happened to eat the story (it was delicious). The smaller mouse is hoping that the bigger mouse can make up a new story for them to share. And eventually there is a story…and a dragon! This is the best type of book to share with kids who love dragons…because they don’t have any idea that there is a dragon in the book. I would love to re-read this book with a little one who thinks it is just a book about two mice…only to find a surprise dragon at the end. Read this to dragon lovers who love surprises! 

Written by Charlotte Cheng 
Illustrated by Dan Santat 
New York: Rocky Pond Books, 2024. Picture Book. 

In this particular story, a dragon is sick. His friend phoenix comes over to help dragon feel better—only dragon isn’t as receptive to all of phoenix’s remedies as phoenix would hope. This is a fun story with amazing illustrations. This is the type of book to give to readers who want to see all the details of mythical creatures and to see them in everyday situations (like getting over a cold). 

Written by Julie Leung 
Illustrated by Hanna Cha 
New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2023. Picture Book. 

This is a magical story that captures the essence of wonder about such mighty beasts. In the story a mother tells a child about two different forests and two different types of dragons (western or eastern). This story has gorgeous illustrations that show the majesty and power of dragons as seen by two different cultures. Readers who love the idea that dragons are different around the world will enjoy this tale.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Funny Farm by Mark Teague 2009

There are things I liked about Mark Teague's newest book, Funny Farm , and things I didn't like. Where should I start? I'll do the "didn'ts" first. The illustrations show animals personified. Well, some of the animals are. The main characters, Edward, and his farm family relatives, all dogs, are humanized. They stand upright, do farm chores, eat at a table, wear clothes, knit (yes, with paws) and sleep in beds. Most everybody else on and around the farm, who are also animals, act like animals. They are outside, roll in mud, live in the barn, and require care from their owners. It struck me the most on the page spread where there are pigs playing in puddle in the rain and Edward, a black and white boxer, watches from inside the house. I thought "You're a dog! Go play with them!" But, alas, he can't, seeing as how he goes through his entire visit to the farm wearing a suit and red bow tie. Another picture that bothered me was the maple syrup pa...

Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) by Pamela Espeland & Elizabeth Verdick

If there's one book today's kids need to read, it is Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) . The authors provide a fun format for teaching etiquette to children. They discuss proper behavior at home, at school, at other people's homes and in public places. The information is completely up-to-date with cellphone manners and netiquette included. Fun, cartoony illustrations are on practically every page giving the book great visual appeal. This book is perfect for boys and girls in the fourth grade or older. WARNING: Bodily functions are discussed.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester 2008

J Fiction 328 pages I almost didn't finish this book. I got to Chapter 4, and was just about ready to quit (a kind of slow story about a girl, name of Piper McCloud, who discovers she can fly, parents freak out, she becomes a social outcast, yadda, yadda) but suddenly, right there in Chapter 4, the story takes a sharp turn and becomes really interesting . Piper finds herself in the company of others like her, but not "fliers", and under the care and authority of Dr. Hellion. I won't even tell you any more. Read this book. Forester does a great job of keeping you wondering who's the good guy and who's the bad? Piper is a likeable, strong, endearing character that girl readers will enjoy. But don't NOT give it to boys! The main male character is an extremely intelligent young man who is one of the ones you wonder about . . . good or bad? This is a good one, well worth your time.