Puff, the Magic Dragon [Hardcover]

Peter Yarrow (Author), Lenny Lipton (Author), Eric Puybaret (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Puff, the Magic Dragon is simply one of the most beloved songs of all timea classic thats become as much a part of the childhood experience as Mother Goose and fairy tales. Yet singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow and co-composer Lenny Lipton have never allowed

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Yarrow is best known as a singer and songwriter. He believes that music from the folk tradition can bring people together in special ways that reveal how much we truly have in common with one another - and that we can be friends, despite our differences. Lenny Lipton, now a well-known independent filmmaker, wrote the poem which became Puff, The Magic Dragon whilst at university. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and family. Eric Puybaret has already published more than 20 books in his native France. His dreamy, peaceful illustrations perfectly convey the charm of this much-loved story.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; First Edition edition (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402747829
• ISBN-13: 978-1402747823
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 11.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Music
  • #12 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Dragons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless, September 12, 2007

By 

Cherise Everhard (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Puff, the Magic Dragon (Hardcover)

My son just received this book for his birthday and I have to admit I was a little more excited than him about the tale. He had never heard about Puff but once he started flipping through the pages so beautifully illustrated, he was excited to read it.

I decided for his first reading we'd follow along with the song. When I was a child it was a favorite in my house, but it has been a while since I visited Honalee and I was anxious to do so. The music is wonderful and Peter and his daughter Bethany make a fabulous singing duet. I sang a long with the song and turned the pages while watching my son's face light up with the words and the pictures. It was fun to see him enjoy something so much that I did when I was his age. This book is already a favorite in our house.

The only draw back for me was forgetting how the song ended. That part always made me cry when I was little and unfortunately I found out it still does. However, because the book continues where the song leaves off, giving Puff a happier ending, my son didn't shed the tears that I did.

On the CD is another fun song and then the instrumental version of Puff the Magic Dragon. This is a classic tale given new life with wonderful paintings. I think it would make a wonderful gift for any child.

62 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars its just the lyrics - no additional text, October 16, 2007

By 

Robin Lapre (tenn) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Puff, the Magic Dragon (Hardcover)

Maybe this was my own over-expectation of the book. The pictures are nice and it comes with a CD - so if that is all you are looking for, you might as well give it a 5 star rating. However you should know that the entire text of the story is simply the lyrics of the song set to pictures. True to the original song, this involves alot of repetition of the line: "Puff the magic dragon lives by the sea and frolics in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee." There is no additional text, so you don't get to hear any new details of the characters or any of their adventures. Just the original lyrics under some pictures with a CD. That's it. So personally I was a little disappointed - however that's mostly because I was expecting so much more. There is so much untapped potential - I would love to read new stories and developments regarding Puff and Jackie ... but it's not in this book. PS. A word of caution reading the many 5 star reviews: many seem to be based in recognition of a beautiful song and a nod to their childhood memories ... and I agree. I rate the song 5 stars ... but not particularly this book.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a book for all generations to share, July 19, 2007

By 

kids book lover (new york, ny) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puff, the Magic Dragon (Hardcover)

This book is incredible, the music wonderful, and the story of friendship, and the bittersweet aspects of growing up is timeless. Buy for yourself, buy for your kids, grandkids, nieces & nephews, buy for your parents, grandparents and friends. This multi-generational tale will be an evergreen in your family library.