A colourful rhyming picture book, asking young children to think before they act and recognise their feelings.
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Mem Fox is an Australian author who needs no introduction. She is Australia’s most successful picture book creator, well known for books such as Possum Magic and Koala Lou.
Our Dragon is her latest picture book, illustrated by Linda Davick, who lives in New Mexico.
It tells the story of a little dragon who is always getting into trouble. His favourite thing to do is breathe fire, but this can cause problems. Dragon has two parents who love him unconditionally, and luckily forgive him for his transgressions. It is hard to not feel sorry for the little dragon, who only wants to do what all dragons do.
This is a difficult book to review. While the illustrations are bright and colourful, they seem to be aimed at the very young child. The text however is confusing. Why do two humans have a dragon as a child? And if you have a dragon baby, surely fire breathing comes with the territory. It feels like there should be more sympathy for the dragon who is just being himself, rather than two adults who have brought a dragon into their home and expect it to act like a human child. And should a young child be lectured at length without pause? This young dragon doesn’t seem to understand why he has done wrong — only that his parents are displeased.
Our Dragon could be used to discuss the dangers of fire (but when a dragon is involved it seems unfair to ask him to stop) and unconditional love despite the occasional mishap. Also, it asks us to think about why we are behaving in a certain way. Are we tired or hungry? Our Dragon seems to be trying to tell us that temper tantrums need to be controlled and there are better ways to deal with problems, but young children will probably not make this connection. And is this story maybe aimed more at the parents, teaching them to love their children unconditionally?
The green dragon is very cute looking and Davick has managed to display remorse, sadness, and love on its face. Very young children will enjoy looking at the illustrations and seeing the dragon playing with his blocks and sitting in a high chair, just like they do.
Those who love Mem Fox may want to add this new book to their collection.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: May 2023
RRP: $19.99
