Review of How to Wash my Dragon
Posted: 08 Aug 2022, 14:01
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "How to Wash my Dragon" by Terry Gunn.]
If you have ever tried to bathe your pet, you can sympathize with this tale. The task requires perseverance, patience, and love. In How to Wash My Dragon, Terry E. Gunn blends fantasy and playful illustrations to tell a story about responsibility and hygiene.
This first-person narration starts with a little boy and a smelly problem: His pet dragon is stinking up the house. So much so that it is hard to breathe around him. He needs a good soapy bath. How will our tiny protagonist get his enormously heavy dragon to cooperate? With lots of love and imagination, the little boy tries various tricks: First, he carries his dragon into the tub. Then, he grabs him in a bear hug. Afterward, he coaxes him with his favorite toy. When all fails, the little boy makes a trail of dragonfruit! Will the dragon ever take a bath?
As a positive aspect, the plotline is nothing short of splendid. Gunn drew up imaginative situations for the protagonist to overcome. It cannot be easy to conjure natural everyday conflicts with a fire-breathing pet—I appreciated that effort. In addition, the sentences are written using clever end rhymes, which sound even better read aloud.
Another positive aspect is the key themes of responsibility and kindness towards animals. I noticed how patient and kind the little boy was with his headstrong pet. Instead of using force, he brainstormed gentle ways to solve his problem (my favorite trait). There is also a subtle message about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness. These small notes will make a lasting impression on children long after the book is closed.
Milan Samadder’s illustrations get thumbs-up for creativity and adorableness. They conveyed details on top of those mentioned in the text. The hues complemented each other, such as the indigo and carrot colors. The characters’ facial expressions were emotive. I especially liked the dragon’s facial expressions, which revealed a cuddly side—even when he roared. Also, seeing his concerned face when the little boy took away his rubber duckie was heartwarming.
I disliked nothing about this book. The only negative aspect was that I couldn't find a hardcover version. Overall, I enjoyed the mixture of fantasy and real-world elements. As a result, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It contains valuable themes for children’s growth, beautiful artwork, and a surprising ending. I found one minor error; therefore, this book was professionally edited.
I highly recommend it to anyone with a penchant for fantasy creatures, such as unicorns and mermaids. I recommend it to educators as an upbeat story with which to begin the new school year. Readers in upper elementary may find this story too short but could enjoy it.
******
How to Wash my Dragon
View: on Bookshelves
If you have ever tried to bathe your pet, you can sympathize with this tale. The task requires perseverance, patience, and love. In How to Wash My Dragon, Terry E. Gunn blends fantasy and playful illustrations to tell a story about responsibility and hygiene.
This first-person narration starts with a little boy and a smelly problem: His pet dragon is stinking up the house. So much so that it is hard to breathe around him. He needs a good soapy bath. How will our tiny protagonist get his enormously heavy dragon to cooperate? With lots of love and imagination, the little boy tries various tricks: First, he carries his dragon into the tub. Then, he grabs him in a bear hug. Afterward, he coaxes him with his favorite toy. When all fails, the little boy makes a trail of dragonfruit! Will the dragon ever take a bath?
As a positive aspect, the plotline is nothing short of splendid. Gunn drew up imaginative situations for the protagonist to overcome. It cannot be easy to conjure natural everyday conflicts with a fire-breathing pet—I appreciated that effort. In addition, the sentences are written using clever end rhymes, which sound even better read aloud.
Another positive aspect is the key themes of responsibility and kindness towards animals. I noticed how patient and kind the little boy was with his headstrong pet. Instead of using force, he brainstormed gentle ways to solve his problem (my favorite trait). There is also a subtle message about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness. These small notes will make a lasting impression on children long after the book is closed.
Milan Samadder’s illustrations get thumbs-up for creativity and adorableness. They conveyed details on top of those mentioned in the text. The hues complemented each other, such as the indigo and carrot colors. The characters’ facial expressions were emotive. I especially liked the dragon’s facial expressions, which revealed a cuddly side—even when he roared. Also, seeing his concerned face when the little boy took away his rubber duckie was heartwarming.
I disliked nothing about this book. The only negative aspect was that I couldn't find a hardcover version. Overall, I enjoyed the mixture of fantasy and real-world elements. As a result, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It contains valuable themes for children’s growth, beautiful artwork, and a surprising ending. I found one minor error; therefore, this book was professionally edited.
I highly recommend it to anyone with a penchant for fantasy creatures, such as unicorns and mermaids. I recommend it to educators as an upbeat story with which to begin the new school year. Readers in upper elementary may find this story too short but could enjoy it.
******
How to Wash my Dragon
View: on Bookshelves
, you sympathies with the young child but also love the relationship dynamic between the dragon and them. Great, friendly kids book I highly recommend!
BOTD congratulations