Review by Booklist Review
With delightfully rhyming text and brightly colored illustrations, this breezy picture book showcases the experiences of two human parents and their newest family member: a baby dragon. The little one enjoys "breathing out fire / wherever he goes," but when he inadvertently singes Mom's slipper, the parents are moved to talk about fire safety. Though remorseful and endeavoring to be better, he is, after all, a dragon and sometimes can't control himself, emitting flames when he's hungry, tuckered out, or even just happily playing. But Mom and Dad are a reassuring presence, not just putting out fires (the results of which comically appear in the artwork) but providing guidance and understanding, too. Davick uses bold shapes and varying perspectives in her cartoon artwork to depict the expressive green dragon's activities and surroundings, including, somewhat humorously, a toy firetruck. Both sweet and silly, this provides a fanciful, supportive approach to the challenges and joys of "almost brand-new" babies--and their inevitable messes--in a lively read-aloud perfect for newly expanded families.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The proud human parents of a new baby dragon soon discover that settling into life with their little one is all about putting out fires--literally. When the tiny green dragon breathes flames, the caretakers, portrayed with light skin, calmly tidy up a singed shoe and broken flower vase while firmly explaining "all the dangers/ that fire can cause." But despite his best efforts, the dragon accidentally coughs up a crackling burst that sets his toys ablaze. On the verge of tears, he finds that his mom and dad are on the spot with a hose, a low-voiced message "of terrible dangers/ and making strong choices," as well as a kiss, a cuddle, and a bottle. Fox's rhyming text bounces through Davick's bright digital scenes, which are filled with brightly colored playthings. Though the comparison between child development and innate dragon physical needs doesn't feel quite parallel, new parents everywhere will relate to the challenge of decoding the language of a baby's needs and responding when "accidents happen." Ages 3--5. (May)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Human parents gently teach their "almost brand-new" dragon to suppress his natural but dangerous fire-breathing ability. Fox's well-turned rhyming quatrains clearly link these fiery lapses with toddlers' own naughty tendencies, so much the focus of early parental guidance. The tiny dragon's damaging exhalations result in collateral damage and real danger, which Davick depicts as a singed shoe and, dramatically, burning toys. (The parents are shown dowsing the playtime fire with a hose and water pitcher, though a final spot illustration, more appropriately, does hang a fire extinguisher next to the dragon's cradle.) Fox clearly demonstrates that the dragon's innately fiery outbursts, consistently and lovingly addressed by the parents, are unintentional: "And he also tries hard / to behave as required, / but flames often spout / when he's hungry or tired." Text and illustrations deftly convey the dragon's bewilderment, fear, sorrow, relief, and contentment. Using flat color, simple patterns, and generous amounts of white space, Davick depicts the parents as large-bodied with light brown skin. One has shoulder-length brown hair and wears pink capri pants and a pompom-trimmed top; the other has short black hair and sports periwinkle windowpane-checked trousers. The wee dragon is portrayed with multiple shades of green, with spots, stripes, and diaphanous green wings. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Lightheartedly instructive, this collaboration will delight parents and young children alike. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
