Book Review of A New Friend for Dragon
The Children’s Book Review
A New Friend for Dragon
Written by Bianca Schulze
Illustrated by Samara Hardy
Ages 3+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Clever Publishing (August 20, 2024) | ISBN-13: 9798888670934
What to Expect: Unexpected Friendships, Stereotypes, and Interactive Elements
In her latest addition to the beloved Dragon series, Bianca Schulze delivers a charming tale that gently challenges stereotypes and celebrates the power of unexpected friendships. A must-read for children aged 3-7, A New Friend for Dragon is a delightful picture book that will captivate young readers while imparting valuable life lessons.
The story follows our familiar friend, Dragon, as she encounters a new character in town—Sir Fiero, a knight with gleaming armor and a sparkling silver sword. Dragon’s immediate desire to befriend Sir Fiero is met with skepticism, as the knight holds onto the traditional belief that dragons and knights cannot be friends. What unfolds is a sweet narrative that encourages children to look beyond first impressions and challenge preconceived notions.
At its core, A New Friend for Dragon is a timely story that addresses the importance of open-mindedness and inclusion. In a world where divisiveness often makes headlines, this book offers a refreshing perspective on friendship and the danger of making assumptions based on appearance or reputation. The story provides an excellent springboard for discussions, encouraging young readers to question stereotypes and approach others with kindness and curiosity, regardless of apparent differences.
Parents and educators will appreciate the book’s gentle approach to teaching valuable social lessons. While the book’s message is clear, Schulze never falls into the trap of being preachy. Instead, she allows the characters’ actions and growth to speak for themselves, trusting young readers to draw their own conclusions.
Schulze’s storytelling shines in its simplicity and directness, making complex themes accessible to young minds. The author skillfully weaves in interactive elements, a hallmark of the Dragon series, inviting readers to engage actively with the story. This participatory approach not only enhances the reading experience but also helps children internalize the book’s messages more effectively.
Samara Hardy’s illustrations bring the characters to life with vibrant colors and expressive details. The visual contrast between the friendly Dragon and the initially stern Sir Fiero cleverly underscores the story’s theme of bridging differences. Hardy’s artwork complements Schulze’s narrative perfectly, adding layers of emotion and nuance to each page. It’s a book that children will enjoy reading repeatedly, discovering new details in the illustrations and deepening their understanding of its themes with each reading.
A New Friend for Dragon is a worthy addition to the Dragon series and stands strong on its own merits. It reminds us all – young and old – that friendship can bloom in the most unexpected places if only we open our hearts to the possibility.
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About the Author
Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children’s Book Review—a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy—and the host of The Growing Readers Podcast.
Bianca is also the author of the popular Don’t Wake the Dragon series (translated into 20 languages) and the bestselling 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (an Amazon “Book of the Month”). She is a reader, reviewer, mother, and children’s book lover.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.
For more information, visit biancaschulze.com
About the Illustrator
Samara Hardy is an experienced illustrator and designer. She has created artwork for clients worldwide for greeting cards, stationery, homewares, children’s books, and more. She lives in Surrey, England.
For more information, visit samarahardy.com
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