Beware the Dragons! - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3 This charmingly illustrated yarn brings the idiom of the folk tale into the 20th Century. No strong and handsome princes here, but a small and fearless girl bound for adventure. Tildy sets out by herself across the open water of Spooner Bay to visit the general store. Warned by her mother about dragons in the bay, she dismisses the idea and is soon caught in a storm. Finding herself surrounded by dragons, she is not frightened but orders them to put her down. Armed with the information that they are bored, not dangerous, she goes to the town and asks the shopkeeper to supply the dragons with kites and beach balls. The ensuing scenes of romping and cavorting dragons in the town's harbor are hilarious. The townspeople happily accept Tildy's explanation that they have nothing to fear from the now-happy dragons and vote to allow the dragons to live in their harbor. Most enchanting about this modern literary folk tale is the language. The descriptions are almost poetic in their use of metaphor and alliteration. Even more charming is Tildy's childlike mimickry of a seaman's blustery exclamations. Phrases like "Great Snapping Sea Turtles!" and "Leaping Lobsters!" are generously scattered throughout the tale. A book that will especially delight listeners when used for storytelling. Nancy Schmidtmann, Our Lady of Mercy School Library, Hicksville, N.Y.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Tildy discovers that a group of supposedly fearsome dragons just needs a good romp. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.