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    The Children's Book Review

    Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon, by Terry John Barto | Dedicated Review

    Trevor Laurence JockimsBy Trevor Laurence Jockims3 Mins Read Author Showcase
    Nickerbacher
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    The Children’s Book Review | April 16, 2015

    NickerbacherNickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon

    Written by Terry John Barto

    Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

    Age Range: 3-7

    Paperback: 34 pages

    Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 14, 2015)

    ISBN: 978-1496954541

    What to expect: Dragons, Humor, Adventure, Life Lessons … and Stand-up Comedy

    Terry John Barto’s innovative tale presents the story of Nickerbacher, a young dragon who wants nothing more than to be a stand-up comedian. Unfortunately, Nickerbacher’s father insists that a dragon’s place is in front of a castle guarding a princess. When Nickerbacher finally summons the strength to follow his dream, even his father learns that the greatest courage lies in being yourself.

    Nickerbacher the funniest dragon

    One of the great charms of the story is how every character, not just Nickerbacher, is faced with choosing between their dreams and what they have been born into. The princess Nickerbacher is guarding insists that she does not need to be guarded, the prince who arrives seeking to do battle with Nickerbacher for the princess’s hand would much rather be playing baseball, and even Nickerbacher’s own mother displays a fondness for comedy by the story’s end. This presents a sophisticated twist on the misfit tale by offering us characters of esteem (brave dragons, a prince, and a princess) that, despite their noble positions, still wish to follow their own path. And it’s an especially compelling element to have these characters bravely asserting their desires in direct opposition to their overly assertive parents.

    The baseball-loving prince eventually convinces Nickerbacher to follow his dreams. Nickerbacher begins on the long path to a career in stand-up comedy. At last, he gets his big break, and after a slow start wins over the audience with a commanding performance. Backstage, he learns that his parents were in the audience, and they visit him in his dressing room to offer their congratulations as they beam with pride. Nickerbacher becomes a world famous comedian. What happens to a dragon that achieves all his dreams? the book asks. He lives happily ever after.

    Nickerbacher Map

     

    The deft, funny and charming tale is matched by Kim Sponaugle’s rich and colorful illustrations. Kids and parents will laugh out loud and appreciate the book’s positive message. Terry John Barto’s Nickerbacher is sure to bring the house down!

    Available Here: 

    Text, logoBuy on Amazon

    Book Trailer

    About the Author

    Terry John Barto is a director and choreographer of 200+ regional theater productions, industrials, television, and cruise ship shows throughout the United States and abroad. As creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he honed diverse ideas into compelling stories, wrote screenplays for animation features, and inspired a team of artists to develop dolls and action figures.

    He lives in Los Angeles, California and enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshunds, Hunter and Mazie. Terry John Barto is also the author of Gollywood, Here I Come! For more information, please go to tjbkids.com and gollywoodhereicome.com

    For more information, visit: http://nickerbacher.com

    Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon” sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …

    What to Read Next:

    1. A Little Spark, by Chris Parsons | Dedicated Review
    2. A Little Spark, by Chris Parsons | Dedicated Audiobook Review
    3. The Legend of Hobart, by Heather Mullaly | Dedicated Review
    4. Juicy Jack Adventures: Meet the Wild Pack, by Leigh Carrasco | Dedicated Review

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Adventure Books with Life Lessons Dedicated Review Dragons Humorous Books Kim Sponaugle Stand-Up Comedy Books Terry John Barto
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    Trevor Laurence Jockims

    Trevor Laurence Jockims lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and son. He has reviewed books for The Times Literary Supplement, Book Forum, The Believer, and elsewhere. He completed a PhD in Comparative Literature, and teaches writing at New York University.

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