Baby Dragon [Hardcover]

Amy Ehrlich (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2008 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Amy Ehrlich spins a resonant tale of separation anxiety, pluck, and reassurance, aided by Will Hillenbrand's charming, lush illustrations.

Baby Dragon knows he must wait for his mother by the red fern. He knows she'll be back by morning. So he counts his claws, draws in the sand, takes a nap, and otherwise bides his time, never budging even when friends coax him to run off and play. But as night falls, Baby Dragon starts to worry. What if his mother doesn't come back? Should he climb on sly Crocodile's back and try to find her? Blending just the right amount of excitement and apprehension, this deeply satisfying story confronts a child's common fear, and offers the ultimate comfort.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—When Baby Dragon's mother must leave him alone overnight, she warms his face, tickles his tail, and tells him she will return in the morning. He must wait by the red fern near the river for her, and he does. He does not play with Frog or go away with Weasel, but he becomes sadder and sadder as he waits. When Crocodile offers to take Baby Dragon to his mother, he climbs on Crocodile's back. The wind sings to him in his mother's voice, and he escapes the reptile's trickery by jumping onto a log. Then step by weary step he follows the riverbank through moonlight and starlight back to the familiar red fern. His mother finds him there in the morning. As he curls up with her and warms her face with his breath, she assures him that she will always come back. Hillenbrand's illustrations, done with ink, colored pencil, finger paint, gouache, and collage, and digitally manipulated, bring to life Baby Dragon's misty tropical forest where water buffaloes wander and storks splash in the river. The crocodile's heavy-lidded, yellow eyes and large jaws contrast sharply with the gentle faces of the dragons. Young children—especially those who have been sad and lonely in their parents' absence—will find comfort in this lovely, reassuring tale.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN
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About the Author

Amy Ehrlich has written more than thirty books for children, including JOYRIDE (a Booklist Best Book of the Decade) and RACHEL: THE STORY OF RACHEL CARSON. She is also the editor of the award-winning anthology WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE. She lives in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

Will Hillenbrand is the illustrator of many children's books, including THIS LITTLE PIGGY, edited by Jane Yolen, and KISS THE COW! by Phyllis Root. He is also the author-illustrator of DOWN BY THE STATION. He lives in Terrace Park, Ohio.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763628409
• ISBN-13: 978-0763628406
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.4 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #798,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Will Hillenbrand has illustrated many beloved picture books, including "Kiss the Cow by Phyllis Root"; "Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash!" by Barbara Odanka; and "What a Treasure!" by Jane Hillenbrand. He also wrote and illustrated another Christmas story, "Asleep in the Stable". Will enjoys visiting classrooms to talk about the creative process involved in making a picture book. He lives with his wife, Jane, and their son, Ian, in Terrace Park, Ohio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect gift for any child, January 19, 2012

By 

Tom Brooks (massachusetts) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Baby Dragon (Hardcover)

this was a great gift idea, i got it for a friend who like me competes in the SCA and the gift was for my friends daughter who was welcomed into the world and i figured my friend would get his daughter into medieval times and thought this would be a stepping stone to introduce her to dragons.