squidjum's review against another edition
4.0
Cute story told in rhyme, and excellent illustrations.
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
3.0
What is it about parents not seeing magic? This is such a common thing in children's literature, it is getting old. I love it when parents do see magic. It can change the story and keep it fresh.
But this is not that story. This is the story of two brothers, who lose their dog to a dragon, and must get it back. The pictures showing the dragon are splendid, but the ones of the kids and their mother are toned down. Was there a dragon? Or did their mother just not see what the kids could see?
It is a good enough red. Kids might enjoy the prospect of dragon hunting (or rather dog hunting, since that what who they were really looking for).
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
But this is not that story. This is the story of two brothers, who lose their dog to a dragon, and must get it back. The pictures showing the dragon are splendid, but the ones of the kids and their mother are toned down. Was there a dragon? Or did their mother just not see what the kids could see?
It is a good enough red. Kids might enjoy the prospect of dragon hunting (or rather dog hunting, since that what who they were really looking for).
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
A rainy day. Two siblings. Their beloved dog. And...a dragon? Yes, Flynn and Paddy and their chocolate lab, Coco, are stuck inside due to bad weather. But when Coco is sent outside, she is carried off by a dragon while the boys helplessly watch through the window. Mom doesn't believe them, so the boys have to stage a rescue themselves. Can two small boys really vanquish a mythical beast and retrieve Coco?
James Russell's jaunty rhyming text swoops us up and carries us into the story just as easily as the dragon snatched poor Coco. Parents and teachers will be pleased to see words such as wondrous, brandishing, fearsome, and scampered. Young readers will be expanding their vocabularies while they delight in the story. But there is also a great message in their quest to rescue Coco, "...never underestimate a boy's ability." The brothers may be smaller and younger than the dragon, but they have their own skills.
Link Choi's illustrations bring the story to vibrant life. Full color artwork captures moments such as Paddy's cheek mashed against the window glass as he stares open-mouthed at the dragon flying out of sight, or the brothers gathering their supplies by night. There are also pencil sketches showing Flynn tugging Paddy's hat into place, or giving him a hand up the steep slope to the dragon's lair. My favorite scene is the last double-spread showing the results of the boys' efforts (I can't tell you what that is without spoiling things).
But beyond all that, there is even more. Using the AR Reads app, readers of all ages may explore the world of Flynn and Paddy's island in interactive 3D. The large map found in the endpapers of the book comes alive with motion and sound. The giggles of the boys, the whoosh of the dragon's flames, the roaring of a waterfall, all drift out of the scene. And we can see the dragon swoop in and out of view, the boys running down the mountain from the cave, or the flickering on the Ridge of Rising Flames. There is a video demonstration available at http://bit.ly/2eQbQeD.
Young readers who have enjoyed tales such as Dragons Love Tacos, This Book Is Not About Dragons, or Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library will love having a new dragon story to read and re-read. They will be even more thrilled to learn that this is only the first in a series of adventures starring these brave brothers.
Highly recommended for ages 4+. I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
James Russell's jaunty rhyming text swoops us up and carries us into the story just as easily as the dragon snatched poor Coco. Parents and teachers will be pleased to see words such as wondrous, brandishing, fearsome, and scampered. Young readers will be expanding their vocabularies while they delight in the story. But there is also a great message in their quest to rescue Coco, "...never underestimate a boy's ability." The brothers may be smaller and younger than the dragon, but they have their own skills.
Link Choi's illustrations bring the story to vibrant life. Full color artwork captures moments such as Paddy's cheek mashed against the window glass as he stares open-mouthed at the dragon flying out of sight, or the brothers gathering their supplies by night. There are also pencil sketches showing Flynn tugging Paddy's hat into place, or giving him a hand up the steep slope to the dragon's lair. My favorite scene is the last double-spread showing the results of the boys' efforts (I can't tell you what that is without spoiling things).
But beyond all that, there is even more. Using the AR Reads app, readers of all ages may explore the world of Flynn and Paddy's island in interactive 3D. The large map found in the endpapers of the book comes alive with motion and sound. The giggles of the boys, the whoosh of the dragon's flames, the roaring of a waterfall, all drift out of the scene. And we can see the dragon swoop in and out of view, the boys running down the mountain from the cave, or the flickering on the Ridge of Rising Flames. There is a video demonstration available at http://bit.ly/2eQbQeD.
Young readers who have enjoyed tales such as Dragons Love Tacos, This Book Is Not About Dragons, or Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library will love having a new dragon story to read and re-read. They will be even more thrilled to learn that this is only the first in a series of adventures starring these brave brothers.
Highly recommended for ages 4+. I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
ergriffin's review against another edition
5.0
A very cute and beautifully illustrated book for children with fun rhymes and plenty of adventure. Flynn and Paddy go on a quest to rescue their dog, Coco, from a dragon who has stolen him away in the night. They travel to the dragon's lair and must use their resourcefulness to rescue Coco.
decafjess's review against another edition
5.0
A well-illustrated and light-hearted dragon adventure told in rhyming epic verse, sure to entertain the fantasy crowd.
Between the rhyming words and the full-page illustrations, this would make a great story of group readaloud or bedtime.
The 3D augmented reality app was difficult to use via ebook, but I can tell it should be a neat experience for the printed copy of the book.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Between the rhyming words and the full-page illustrations, this would make a great story of group readaloud or bedtime.
The 3D augmented reality app was difficult to use via ebook, but I can tell it should be a neat experience for the printed copy of the book.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
Need to read it again and see how it works with the app
librarianryan's review
5.0
There are at least 2 more books due in this series and I need them. The first book is adorable. It’s about two brothers who wander far from home to rescue their dog from a dragon. It has a bit of a different layout from most picture books and that is okay. It’s fun, the rhymes are spot on, and the illustrations both colorful, and when just sketches, still joyful.
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