The Peace Dragon

Written by Linda Ragsdale
Illustrated by Marco Furlotti
Published September 12, 2018

Why we chose this book:
Dragons? Promoting peace? How could we not choose this book? Flowerpot Press provided a review copy.

Mom's Review

A message to look past initial impressions to understand who another person really is.

Omani is a dragon whose mission it is to spread peace and love, but Sherwyn is terrified when he first meets her. Because he is also curious, he allows Omani to introduce herself before he flees. He quickly comes to know that she is kindhearted, and a friendship is born. When he tries to introduce her to his friends in the village, however, they react in fear. Sherwyn stands between the armed mob and Omani, stopping their assault and entreating them to accept Omani's friendship. One person pauses to listen to Omani's pleas, starting a domino effect that finally ends with Omani's acceptance.

I have read several books with T that promote peace or encourage effecting positive change in one's community (like Wangari's Trees of Peace), and I think that The Peace Dragon is a worthy addition to the genre. The optimistic tale explicitly encourages readers to look beyond a first impression and remain open to knowing others who may be different. The tone remains lighthearted, appropriate to the fanciful plot of a boy and dragon becoming friends. The final lines of the story express a hope for the world to turn toward peace without a judgement rendered against today's people. And the dragon is, quite frankly, lovely. T asks for this book, and wants it read back to back. Sherwyn and Omani are enjoyable to know, whether you are a kiddo listening or the one reading aloud.

The author's reason for writing this book is explained in the back: Friends of hers were killed in a terrorist attack (she was wounded) in 2008. Since then, she has made it her mission to promote peace and help people view the world without pre-judging others.

Son's Review
(Age: 3 and 1/2 years)

Mom: Have you ever been scared of something at first, but then found it was okay?

Son: Nose Frida.
(It's a tool for sucking congestion out of a little one's nose.)

Mom: What would you do if you met a giant dragon?

Son: I would see if its heart was turned to love or death.

Mom: What would you do if you saw a dragon running into the middle of Worcester?

Son: I would see if its heart was turned to love.

Mom: Is your heart turned to love? How do you show people?

Son: Yes. By being friendly.

Mom: What would say to a crowd of people if they were afraid of something new?

Son: Like if I brought a dragon to my house, then my mommy would be scared so I would shield my dragon.

Mom: Actually, I would think that would be really awesome. I would love it if you brought a dragon to the house, T.

Mom: If you were playing with a friend, what might you say if he or she were afraid of meeting a new person?

Son: "Don't be afraid of meeting new persons."

Mom: Why not?

Son: Because there's nothing to be afraid of in meeting a new person.

Mom: When it might be helpful to read about Omani, about not being afraid of something or someone new?

Son: Like when I'm about to meet a new person.