Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons...
Written: May 22 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Colorful illustrations; great story
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: A great book with a wonderful message that often gets little airtime in a child's life.
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| lisaffire's Full Review: Carmen Agra Deedy - The Library Dragon |
"Sunrise Elementary School had a BIG problem."
This is how The Library Dragon, by Carmen Agra Deedy, starts out. What big problem could it be? Well, their new school librarian is a dragon. We're not just talking a mean person we'd call a dragon, no, she WAS a dragon, a REAL dragon. Even her name reflected her station in life, Miss Lotta Scales.
She was hired as a guardian of books. She took her job so seriously that no one was allowed near the books. She guarded them well and kept them all in line. Of course it wasn't so hard, since no one was allowed to touch them and who would with a dragon as guard? Just the very thought of someone doing any harm, however minor, to her beloved books got her all fiery inside.
She was also for censorship. What kind of censorship? Well, any book that depicted dragons in a nasty light, she'd get rid of. And not by simply discarding them, no, by incinerating them.
Soon the children began to dread library day. They were even leaving the library singed by their efforts to get to the books. The principal tried to talk with the librarian and even he came out, torched for his efforts. Even the sweetest of teachers, Miss Lemon, couldn't convince Miss Scales to change her ways and allow the children access to the books.
Even though Miss Scales was getting her way, she found herself lonely. She was tired of protecting her books and defending her cause. She soon found herself napping.
At that moment, a little girl, Molly, came wandering into the library. She had lost her glasses and she couldn't read the signs that said "Do not touch the books, for display only". She stumbled into a shelf and a book fell into her lap. She began to read. Soon, children from all around the school heard her reading aloud. They soon her her reading louder and louder for them all to hear, which of course woke the library dragon up. She was incensed...
She roared at Molly to hand over the book. Molly was unshaken and handed over the book. Miss Scales went over every inch, every centimeter of book to look for a cracked spine or sticky finger prints on the pages. She cleared her throat and proceeded to pick up the story where Molly had left off. Molly sat on her lap as Miss Lotta Scales finished the book.
Slowly a transformation began. Miss Lotta Scales changed and so did the library but how that happened and how the story ends, will be up to you to find out, when you read this book.
This book is a great find. The illustrations, by Michael P. White are fabulous. They have a wonderful airbrushed feel to them that allows for subtle details and crisp lines, lots of color and allows the essence of the dragon herself to really shine through.
The writing is very tongue in cheek. Lots of puns are utilized, my favorite is when Miss Scales talks with the sweet teacher, Miss Lemon: "'Good Knight, Miss Lemon, you slay me', cracked Miss Scales. 'Why the idea of storytime is simply medieval.'" These puns persist throughout the story. Lots of references to dragons and their abilities add to a big touch of whimsy throughout.
Within these pages lie a great appreciation for books, reminding children that books really are treasures to BE treasured. To be utilized by respected. Anyone looking for a book that helps children appreciate books and learn how to care for them will find this book especially helpful, without appearing preachy.
Recommended for all children, ages 6 through 9. Independent readers should have little trouble reading this books themselves, but sharing it with a parent or teacher would be ideal as you can then discuss its message that could run two ways. Don't judge a book (or dragon) by its cover AND treat books with the kindness and respect they deserve. This would also be a great gift for any librarian in your life, whose day you'd like to brighten.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lisaffire
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Location: Pennsylvania
Reviews written: 207
Trusted by: 50 members
About Me:
Changing with the seasons.
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