  | Once upon a dragon's fire Author: Blue, Beatrice | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Find out how two kids' determination to save their village led to a friendship that will warm the hearts of dragon lovers everywhere in this illustrated celebration of the magic of kindness.
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Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (01/15/21)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 02/01/2021 PreS-Gr 3—An inventive fantasy featuring Freya, who is tan with brown hair, and Sylas, who is black-haired with pale skin, who are terrified by dragons until they set upon a quest that becomes an origin story. The villagers live in fear of dragons, spreading stories of horror and tragedy amongst themselves, though none have ever seen one. The intrepid protagonists discover just how wrong all this information is this during a cold storm, when the villagers believe the dragon is responsible for their circumstances. When Freya and Sylas meet the dragon face-to-face, all of what they read and heard melts away when faced with the truth. Bright digital artwork accompanies the text with hidden visual gems for those who seek it. VERDICT Themes of friendship, truth, and believing what one sees rather than what someone else says are valuable lessons imparted and shared. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship and discovery, and a compelling read-aloud.—Rachel Zuffa, Case H.S., Racine, WI - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 03/01/2021 Everyone in the village except young Sylas and Freya fears the dragon that lives nearby, because he is reputed to be mean, scary, and evil. Assuming that he has caused a terrible snowstorm, the children set out to confront the beast and are surprised to discover that he is actually cold, scared, and lonely. To make him feel better, the kids concoct a story about a kind dragon. The creature is so touched by this tale and the kids' friendship that he discovers his fire, which he uses only for good—to melt snow and warm up the village houses. Montreal-based Blue (who has also worked as an animator) recounts this original story with a strong emphasis on the importance of kindness and friendship. Her cartoon art features richly saturated colors and numerous small details and makes use of yellow stars to signify movement or a change in the story's direction. Although a bit didactic, this will be welcomed by teachers looking for values-education read-alouds. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
