Dragonbreath [Hardcover]

Ursula Vernon (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 11, 2009 | Age Range: 8 and up | Series: Dragonbreath (Book 1) | Lexile Measure: 700L (What's this?)

It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians?especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report . . .

Using a hybrid of comic-book panels and text, Ursula Vernon introduces an irresistible set of characters with a penchant for getting themselves into sticky situations. It's perfect for both the classroom and fans of Wimpy Kid and Bad Kitty.
 

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Vernon's (Nurk: The Strange, Surprising Adventures of a Somewhat Brave Shrew) fiction/graphic novel hybrid stars an audacious young dragon who can't get the knack of breathing fire. After Danny Dragonbreath gets an F on his science paper about the ocean-written at the last-minute on the school bus and describing "the rare and elusive snorkelbat"-his teacher tells him to rewrite it. To research the topic, Danny and his pal Wendell, a timid iguana, head for the Sargasso Sea. Guided by Danny's sea serpent cousin, Edward, the two encounter creatures like an octopus that can become polka-dotted or striped, "mermen" guarding Atlantis and a vampire squid that emits "a cloud of glowing snot." (They also learn about the bends, which Edward equates to "shaking a can of soda, only inside your body.") Illustrated with comic book-style art with a lime-green wash, the story gets some spark from wry asides presented in speech balloons ("Why couldn't you have gone to the library instead?" wails Wendell as a giant squid approaches). But scattered amusing snippets don't quite keep the tale afloat. Ages 8-12.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—Danny Dragonbreath feels like a loser in more ways than one. No matter how hard he tries, he can't muster up even one lukewarm dragon's breath. Now he's in trouble with his teacher at the Herpitax-Phibbias School for Reptiles and Amphibians. He handed in a carelessly written paper on the ocean and received a well-deserved F. Now he must rewrite the paper. To research the topic he talks to his cousin, a sea serpent. Along with Danny's iguana friend, Wendell, Edward takes them on an underwater adventure to the Sargasso Sea. The adventure becomes life-threatening when Danny and Wendell are attacked by a giant squid. Danny must save his friend and does so with a long-awaited fire breath. Not only is Danny a hero but he gets an A on his re-submitted paper. The exchanges between the less-adventurous and nervous Wendell and nonchalant Danny make this a laugh-out-loud read. The text is generously illustrated with engaging, comic-book style cartoons in green, black, and white, many full page and others that cover several spreads. This humorous adventure story will appeal to reluctant readers and children seeking early chapter books.—Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dial (June 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803733631
• ISBN-13: 978-0803733633
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.7 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Frogs & Toads
  • #56 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Bullies

More About the Author

Ursula Vernon is the author and illustrator of "Nurk," "Digger," "Dragonbreath" and a number of other projects. The daughter of an artist, she spent her youth attempting to rebel and become a scientist, but eventually succumbed to the siren song of paint (although not before getting a degree in anthropology, because life isn't complete without student loans, right?). Her work has been nominated for an Eisner award, "Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition" and a number of Webcomics Choice Awards.

Ursula grew up in Oregon and Arizona, went to college at Macalester College in Minnesota, and stayed there for ten years, until she finally learned to drive in deep snow and was obligated to leave the state.

Having moved across the country several times, she eventually settled in Pittsboro, North Carolina, where she works full-time as an artist, writer, and creator of oddities. She lives with her boyfriend, his beagle, a small collection of cats, and a large collection of Indonesian masks, all of which mostly contrive to keep her out of trouble.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Witty text and artwork June 12, 2009

By M. M. McCafferty

Format:Hardcover

"Dragonbreath" is an amusing story that combines witty text and wonderful artwork in the same style that Ursula Vernon employs in her "Digger" series. From predatory potato salad ("A school of potato salad can skeletonize a cow in under two weeks, assuming that the cow doesn't get bored and move...") to burly mermen from Atlantis and vain luminescent deep sea creatures ("Hey! DO I come up to the surface and make fun of your looks?"), this book presents a host of very likeable, bizarre characters. The two main characters, Danny and Wendell, find themselves in enough trouble to keep the story moving along nicely. My nine-year-old and I give it five stars, and we look forward to the next story in the series.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll never view potato salad the same way again June 14, 2009

By Jennifer

Format:Hardcover

Ursula Vernon is a favorite, so I had this ordered on pre-order and knew I'd enjoy it. But once it arrived, I was completely smitten by the snorklebats and vicious rogue potato salad.

A delightful story for kids and adults who are still kids at heart. And it's even a wee-bit educational.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Even Reluctant Readers will Love this Book July 12, 2009

By Julie Peterson

Format:Hardcover

Since I have a nine-year old daughter, I'm always anxious to see what's new in Middle Grade books. The latest book that I've read is DRAGONBREATH written and illustrated by Ursula Vernon. I'm not sure that I'm the best judge of middle-grade books because they aren't really geared towards me, but I have to say that I really liked DRAGONBREATH. I thought the characters were cute, the story was interesting, and the book was really funny -- I think it's just perfect for middle grade readers!

What I really liked about this book was that it was a mix of a comic book and a regular old book. I think the comic panels are very well done, and kids are going to really like switching between the pictures and the normal text. I thought the drawings definitely enhanced the fantasy aspect of the story, and I loved the pictures of the characters on their under-sea adventure. Even the most reluctant of readers should appreciate this story given that it has many comic panels and fairly large text.

I found DRAGONBREATH to be a very cute and entertaining story, yet it also had parts that were actually educational. I think kids will not only laugh a lot at this story and the characters (namely Wendell whom I found to be just adorable), but they will also love the bits of science that are thrown in. I especially enjoyed reading about Danny and Wendell's tour of the ocean and also learning about the various sea creatures. I also liked that the author included some positive messages about bullying, self-confidence, and perseverence.

DRAGONBREATH is the first book in a series, and I wouldn't hesitate to read more stories about Danny and his crazy adventures.... I think that these books are going to be a big hit with young boys, especially those around 8 to 10 years old; however, I also think there are plenty of girls who are going to love these characters too. I really liked that the end of this book gave a few teasers about the next book in the series, namely that there will be ninja frogs. And what kid can resist an adventure with a dragon and iguana that includes ninja frogs?

Here are some of Booking Daughter's thoughts about DRAGONBREATH:

I really liked the parts of the book that took place underwater. Some things really made me laugh like when the characters took "breath" mints so they could breathe underwater and when they kept running into scary sea creatures. I thought Danny's friend Wendell was really funny especially when he was underwater because he was always nervous. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars great escape February 18, 2012

By Missy B

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Read this book to convince my 8 year old it was a great "chapter" book..I was so pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed reading this...After, I finished it and convinced my son to read it...he finished it in 1 day..First "chapter" book he has read...Since then, he read the 2nd of the series in the next 2 days...He absolutely loves the story line...He thinks it is cool that he read the second book before I did. I am actually now ordering the 3rd after writing this review..
Just a really nice adventure series...

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You had me at "Snorkelbats" June 27, 2009

By John Snell Jr.

Format:Hardcover

When one follows Ursula Vernon's art and quirky storytelling sensibilities for as long as I have, one knows what to expect from her work. A respectful knowledge of nature's actual workings mixed seamlessly with the absurdities of her imagination, practical and pragmatic characters coping with singularly surreal situations, and small cute critters overcoming monstrous and weird obstacles. That having been said, there's always SOMETHING in her stories that catches me off guard and stands out in my mind, and in this case, that something is called a Snorkelbat. I won't spoil the surprise, but let me just say that page 23 ALONE was worth the purchase price.

I honestly can't imagine anyone who couldn't get something out of this book. It's stylish, humorous, witty, incredibly inventive, and even a little educational (Snorkelbats notwithstanding...sorry, I still can't quite get over them). If you're a fan of Vernon, this will be just one more reason to love her. If you're not, this will convert you.

I can't wait for the sequel!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Son Loves This Series March 27, 2013

By Acantha

Format:Paperback

I have an 8 year old son with autism. Reading is usually not his favorite thing and is difficult for him. He has loved these books. The graphic novel pages and illustrations lure him in and give him the confidence to tackle the text pages. He likes the silliness, the irreverence, and the monsters. I love it that we have a series that he can enjoy that is appropriate for his age level!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great! February 23, 2013

By Roxy

Format:Kindle Edition

That was a great book. I really liked the imagination and adventure. Can't wait to get the next story, Ninja Frogs.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME February 12, 2013

By It really does suck

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is super super super super super super super super AWESOME and I really recommend it for people who like books that are AWESOME