This updated “Beginning-to-Read Book” is another title in the “Dear Dragon” series. Dragon and his human companion are seen cavorting in the snow as this early reader opens. Dragon’s fire breathing trick is very handy for snow removal. Employing the restricted vocabulary suitable for the target age does not hamper the delight with which the little boy and Dragon prepare for Christmas by cutting down “something for the house” that is “not too little…not too big.” Of course, they have a great time decorating the tree, making cookies, and simply enjoying being together. Dragon puts on a beard and a Santa hat for an amusing scene. To finish off the day Dragon lights the logs in the fireplace. “Here you are with me. And here I am with you. Oh, what a merry Christmas, dear dragon.” The cartoon illustrations utilize bold colors, with red and green predominating the clothing and scenery. The message is subtle, and presents are not featured in this useful little reader. New readers will feel empowered with the success of reading this story about friends at the Christmas season. Picture clues abound to help carry the story forward and provide hints to struggling readers. The back matter includes reading reinforcement activities for caregivers and a word list. Children's Literature
Who doesn't love that first snowfall that arrives just before Christmas.... hurray it's going to be a white Christmas after all! Donning his winter gear a young boy and his pet dragon engage with the new visitor in town... welcome Winter!!
Together they shovel, play games and make tracks in the snow, help a poor stranded woman who's car is stuck, hunt down the perfect Christmas tree to take home and decorate, and then curl up in front of a warm cozy fire sipping hot chocolate and eating yummy cookies (with sprinkles on top of course). All-in-all the perfect rewards after all the Christmas hustle and bustle and busyness!!! Whew!!! MMMMMMM.... nice!!!
The illustrations are beautifully done. They are crisp, vibrantly coloured and they invite the reader in to a magical Christmas adventure. I especially like at the end of story the reading activities and a word list that is included. Kids can use these to practice and strengthen their beginning reading skills. This series is reminiscent of the "Dick and Jane" readers that I grew up reading. Sometimes teaching reading comes full circle and you find that the older, more traditional methods of doing so are still the best. As a former primary school teacher, having taught beginning reading in Kindergarten, Grades 1 and Grades 2, I can endorse these books wholeheartedly. NetGalley December 2016
I love this series, so do my students. The dragon is so versatile and very well illustrated. NetGalley user, March 2017
This book concetrates on helping the beginning reader by making them familiar with repetitive words, therefore enabling them to read on their own. The story centers on a boy, his dragon, and the fun that they have in the snowy Christmas season. The book contains engaging illustrations, a word list, and a section on reading reinforcement. Book Buzz
