Raising Dragons [Hardcover]

Jerdine Nolen (Author), Elise Primavera (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1998 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up

When a dragon hatches on her pa’s farm, a young girl finds a best friend. At first Ma and Pa are wary of Hank, but it’s not long before they see him as their daughter does--and welcome the baby dragon into their family. As it turns out, Hank is not cut out for farm life, but still, he warms the hearts of those around him and leaves a legacy that no one will ever forget.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"In this enchanting blend of the real and unreal, a spunky girl welcomes a tiny dragon into her family's home," said PW in a starred review. Ages 6-9. (Sept.)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3?A pig-tailed, snub-nosed, African-American girl tells how an egg she finds on a "Sunday-before-supper walk" helps her discover her true calling?raising dragons. Out of the egg comes a hatchling that she names Hank, and until crowds and undue attention force him to leave, he and the girl share everything from bedtime stories to nighttime flights under the stars. Although the narrator boohoos a heap when forced to say good-bye to Hank, she leaves him in his tropical homeland with the hope of seeing him again?and with a wheelbarrow full of dragon eggs to care for. The warm, colloquial narrative has patterns and pacing reminiscent of the oral tradition. Clever supporting details are provided by the acrylic and pastel illustrations, beginning with the Old World-style map that depicts Dragon Island and Oceanus Dragonicus. The changing expressions on the creature's face, the dragon-shaped cloud after Hank has left, and the airline serving Dragon Island (Air Dragon, of course) are all illustrative details that enrich the text. That the girl brings new dragon eggs home to the exact location Hank was forced to vacate because of attracting so many crowds may puzzle some very astute listeners, but most will be absorbed by a joyous tale of friendship and adventure.?Faith Brautigan, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1 edition (April 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152012885
• ISBN-13: 978-0152012885
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #561,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read it slowly and make it a little southern, ya'll., October 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Raising Dragons (Hardcover)

I don't know who enjoys Hank more, me or my boy. For me, the best part about the story is its voice. It kind of stretches out on the front porch and watches the fireflies as it ambles through the tale. My boy loves listening to how Hank pops the cornfield. We both love the fondness between Hank and his girl and, with each page, my young one cuddles up closer to me. It's sweetness and goodness and everything warm. I've bought many copies and given them to my family. Now we all know a little something 'bout raisin' dragons. My thanks to Jerdine Nolen and Elise Primavera.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, simply excellent!, August 19, 1999

By 

Chess Heart "paxbear" (Canton, OH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Raising Dragons (Hardcover)

It's hard to top the pros reviews of "Raising Dragons", and there's little else I can add other than to simply say get the book for your children... NOW.

The amazingly detailed and vibrant oils and exuberant facial expressions of the main character will draw even the most "grumpafied" (to borrow my daughter's term) and stodgy readers (both young and old) right into the pages. The cover art of Hank the dragon being spoonfed some bright yellow...SOMETHING, is worth the price of the book itself. But don't stop at the cover! Be ye warned, however, "Dragons" is habit forming: if the KIDS don't want you to read it again and again and again, YOU will want to do so!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't borrow... buy this book!, July 25, 2005

By 

Irma P. Persoff "jipersoff" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raising Dragons (Hardcover)

We borrowed this book from the library because my 4-year-old son is interested in dragons. The very first time we read it, he asked me to read it again 5 times!!! He loves books, but has never asked that many times!
The illustrations are bright, colorful and lovely. The family is believable and hard-working, and the little girl teaches kids to believe in themselves and their passions. The story is loving, fun and sweet as can be. I love the voice the author uses too. Sort of a "southern country farmer" voice.
We are buying this book for our permanent collection. I see years of happy reading of this book!