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Kenny And The Dragon (2008)

by Tony DiTerlizzi(Favorite Author)

3.9 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

1416939776 (ISBN13: 9781416939771)

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

review 1: Young rabbit Kenny befriends a dragon named Grahame who appears on his family farm, and discovers that they share a love of reading and art. When the townspeople learn about Grahame, they fear he will destroy their village and they send a dragonslayer—who just happens to be a bookseller and Kenny’s only other friend in the world—to kill him. Kenny must come up with a plan to protect both of his friends, and show the townspeople that they have nothing to fear from Grahame. This is a retelling of the story of The Reluctant Dragon, and is a heartwarming tale of friendship and breaking stereotypes.This is a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It is straightforward enough for reluctant readers to enjoy—with great illustrations to supplement the story�... more�but is engaging and vocabulary-rich enough for stronger readers to enjoy as well. The story is sweet without being saccharine, and older readers may enjoy the literary references to the story of St. George and the Dragon, The Reluctant Dragon, The Wind in the Willows, etc.This would work well in a folklore unit, and would pair well with the classic Disney movie, The Reluctant Dragon. It would also be good for fans of Redwall, though it is a great deal less challenging.
review 2: You know that feeling you get when you realize that someone in the world is incredibly gifted in art? And writing? At the same time? And you feel kind of small thinking about someone with so much talent, but at the same time you're really glad you get to enjoy his gifts. That was my experience with this book. The illustrations (and story) take you to a magical place filled with talking, book-loving animals who overcome setbacks to save a kind, intelligent dragon. The characters discuss Beowulf and King Lear (which is likely over the heads of the intended audience but it made me happy - that 12 grade reading of Beowulf was not for nothing!) Oh, and its set in this King Arthur sort of place. For those who've read my other reviews of children's literature, you know this is hitting all my requirement for a great kids' book. Loved it. I'm now interested in reading more DiTerrlizzi. (How is it fair that this guy can draw so well AND tell stories?) less

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