The Popcorn Dragon [Hardcover]

Jane Thayer (Author), Lisa McCue (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 1989 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

You could hardly blame Dexter, ordinarily a well-behaved young dragon, for showing off when he suddenly found that he could make clouds of smoke. The temptation is irresistible, but Dexter quickly becomes insufferable. First he watches his own reflection in the river in order to admire the smoke. Then he puffs it in the faces of his friends: the zebra, the giraffe, and the elephant. He even blows smoke rings around his own tail to prove how clever he is.

Soon Dexter has no friends left. He is a very lonely dragon indeed, until quite by accident he discovers a way his talent can be used to win back his playmates.

This wonderful story -- first published in 1953 -- will delight both young readers and their parents, and so will Lisa McCue's appealing new pictures of this lovable show-off.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- This new edition of the much-loved story of Dexter, a young dragon who loses all his friends when he shows off blowing smoke rings, retains its charm despite the pointed moral. McCue's new full-color illustrations capture the whimsical mood of the fable. The animals, although too coy, have appealing humanlike expressions which convey their envy and contempt. Dexter is a small creature with whom youngsters will readily identify. The resolution, in which he wins back his friends by sharing with them his new found ability to pop corn straight from the husks, will thoroughly delight a new generation of children. --Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jane Thayer is the pen name of Catherine Woolley. She grew upin Passaic, New Jersey, and began writing children's books in 1953. Ms. Woolley lives in Truro, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (August 22, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688083404
• ISBN-13: 978-0688083403
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #617,429 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, January 4, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Popcorn Dragon (Hardcover)

This is one of my three-year-olds favorites! We borrowed it from the library and she liked it so much, we had to buy it. Dexter the dragon learns the consequences of showing off, but also learns what it means to have friends. You'll read this one over and over.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can't beat good popcorn, March 24, 2002

By 

Teresa (Portland,ME) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Popcorn Dragon (Hardcover)

This book is about a little Dragon named Dexter and the day he realizes he can make clouds of smoke come out of his nose. When he sees his friend's, Dexter begins showing off. But soon Dexter becomes unbearable. First he watches his own reflection in the river in order to admire the smoke. Then he puffs it in the faces of his friends. His friends decide that they don't want to play with him anymore. Dexter becomes very sad and runs into the cornfield. He falls asleep there and when he wakes up, he is surrounded by popcorn... I liked this book for two reasons: the pictures and the moral behind the story. The author does a very good job of getting across the fact that nobody likes a show off. The illustrations in this book are very colorful and go along with the story very well. I think it is a great story to use to teach children a good lesson about friends.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This book can be used as a great introduction to friendship, July 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Popcorn Dragon (Hardcover)

Although the pictures are simplistic, the message in the book can be expanded in several ways. The dragon discovers what happens when you show off to your friends. He learns how to make friends again with the animlas by using his special talent- breathing hot air. Overall, The Popcorn Dragon is a light hearted book with a super message. It would be a great addition to any library.