The Trouble with Dragons (Hardcover)

by Debi Gliori (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4—If only all "message books" could be as winning as this rhyming ode to environmental responsibility. Dragons play the part of humans here, and the troubles they create are many: they keep making more dragons, they take up all the space with their buildings and roads, and they never pick up after themselves. Gliori's trademark whimsy defines the wide-eyed characters, and, in a clever illustrative echo of the textual themes, the other animals only appear in silhouette at the pictures' edges until the moment when the dragons realize that they need to clean up their act. When they start listening to the other creatures, they learn how to leave the trees and wild places alone and reduce, reuse, and recycle. What could have been heavy-handed is magical, thanks to the playful artwork and bouncy rhymes. Though the text sticks to the basics of taking care of the Earth, the illustrations offer fodder for discussion; for example, a picture of Santa Claus, pants legs rolled up as he wades into what used to be a glacier, gifts floating in the water nearby, would be a great starting point for talking about global warming. Teachers and media specialists will find this an ideal book for Earth Day and environmental science lessons.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD
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Review
'Tackles global warming for pre-schoolers: no easy task but beautifully done as an allegory of wasteful dragons who heat the world by breathing fire' Sunday Express magazine --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080279789X
• ISBN-13: 978-0802797896
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #773,393 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars This endearing book packs a powerful message for all people and dragons around the world!, July 7, 2009

By	D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Trouble with Dragons (Paperback)

There were all kinds of dragons and the problem was that there always seemed to be more of them coming along. The dragons just started "spreading all over the place." They were on the roads in cars that spewed out CO2, to say nothing of their factories and their cigarettes. Pee yew! Dragons were all over the place. They were very messy and they just didn't seem to care.

"Dragons chop down the forests,
which melts both the poles
and punctures the atmosphere
full of big holes."

Oh, my! Everything was getting hotter and things were getting out of whack by the day. The seas were rising, and the deserts were becoming larger . . . all because of the carelessness of the dragons. Things were looking very sorry indeed. The wildlife was leaving and things started to look very bleak, but now the dragons were starting to notice the damage they had done. Would it be too late for them to save the world or was there something they could do?

This is a children's picture book with a powerful message about how we need to change or we will lose the world we live in. This story in rhyme will tug at the heart and minds of the adult reader and instill an environmental message in the young child. The art work is very colorful and appealing. And so, as the author says, "Respect all Earth's creatures and cherish the land. Recycle, reuse, and reduce your demands." Perhaps you can buy this book and share it with your friends!

5.0 out of 5 stars the best, June 23, 2009

By	Jennifer C. James - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Trouble with Dragons (Paperback)

this book it great for all ages and it really hits home with how we all need to take care of our planet! beautiful illustrations make it that much more fun to read. LOVE IT

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifuly written with a wise message. The new Lorax!, November 26, 2008

By	jillean - See all my reviews

Reading this reminded me of the Seuss classic The Lorax. It's an important and updated addition to any picture book collection. It's also a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to share the importance of caring for the environment with kids. The illustrations are beautiful, playful yet serious, and I love the rhyming text. Great for children of all ages.