Dragon Meets Boy

May 11, 2020
A boy receives a plush purple dragon for his birthday, and the two become inseparable. Digital vignettes by Slack (Sharing Does Not Compute), rendered in warm, muted tones and soft, mottled textures, show the dragon supporting the child in tough moments (the first day of school) and joining with him in vivid pretend play: they “scaled tall mountains” (the playground climbing hill) and “battled the forces of evil” (a schoolyard bully). The boy grows up and goes away to college, while “Dragon stayed the same size”; one day, the dragon is put in a dark box to “guard” the boy’s other prized belongings while he goes on “his most important adventure. “Does Boy miss me?” the dragon wonders as the years pass. Some readers may find the creature’s loneliness hard to take, especially when it falls into a “deep dragon sleep.” But Slack’s calm, measured storytelling doesn’t overplay the pathos, and the relief when the box is finally opened, to reveal that the dragon will now belong to Boy’s daughter, should resonate. Ages 3–6.

April 15, 2020
Old toys aren't discarded: They're re-loved. When a dragon meets a boy, they become best friends and have daring adventures; Dragon is Boy's constant companion. Things change, though: Boy grows, Dragon doesn't. Then Boy places Dragon in a special cave and asks him to guard his treasures. Eventually, after a final hug, Boy leaves. Years pass. Dragon protects the items diligently, then falls into a deep sleep. One day, hands reach into the cave, removing everything, including Dragon. Surprise: The "thief" is a small girl. Dragon receives a bigger surprise when he sees the man with her. Before the page turn, will readers guess who he is? Guess who becomes the child's new BFF in this sweet, heartfelt tale about love transcending generations? Readers can infer that Boy, now a dad, shared happy memories of his favorite childhood plaything, and his reminiscences encouraged his daughter to seek Dragon out for her own exciting, affectionate romps. The charming, expressive, sometimes poignant illustrations, occasionally depicting familiar children's books, present Boy and his blonde daughter as white. As child and adult, Boy has straight brown hair and wears blue glasses; he is freckled in childhood. Purple, smiley Dragon displays two nonthreatening fangs. Boy, girl, and Dragon star on delightful endpapers. Readers will love the idea that beautiful childhood memories last a lifetime. (Picture book. 4-8)

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