Mom's Review
Everything that made Don't Wake the Dragon an excellent picture book for endless read-alouds is also present here in the 5th Dragon book:
1. relatable and loveable characters (Dragon, princess, Sir Fiero)
2. an engaging storyline (how will Dragon handle Fiero's rejection?)
3. invitations to the reader to get in on the action (wave to Sir Fiero!)
4. a comfortable pace and turn of phrase for reading out loud
5. delightful illustrations full of color and expressive characters
In this new installment, Dragon wants to befriend a new knight in the neighborhood, but to no avail - intially. After reasurrance that knights and dragons aren't required to be enemies, and after some soul searching, Sir Fiero gives Dragon a chance.
Schulze keeps the Dragon stories new and interesting, which is awesome if you have a kiddo who wants every book in a series, but what I particularly like is how she imparts life lessons without a hint of condescension. And it's all packaged in fun, fantastical stories. It's also important to point out that the character here who grows and learns, whose experience will resonate with young readers, is human and very easy to identify with. I recommend the series in general and A New Friend in particular. It's one your little one will want on repeat, and one you will enjoy too!
Oh! I can't forget to mention the cat! Don't overlook the cat!
And even one more thing! Dragon apparently still holds appeal for older kids who recall her from years past. When T saw me with A New Friend, he casually mentioned having read it while it was sitting out. Even though he's reading chapter books now, he must have fond memories of Dragon. I will not be surprised when this gets read to a certain little cousin.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed copy of A New Friend for Dragon, two Hydro Flask cups (one for a child and one for an adult), and Dragon stickers to decorate them.
A New Friend for Dragon: Book Giveaway
Note: Per FTC guidelines, I disclose partnership with The Children’s Book Review, who sponsored this post. All thoughts are my own.
Comments
Post a Comment