- a dragon becomes stronger the more the boy whines and misbehaves
- the boy (Sir Badalot) eventually has a magnificent change of heart
- crisp rhymes very fun to read aloud
- convo: play on words with “wine”*, mild name calling (these sticks are dumb, this tree is rude, etc.)
- excellent illustrations
Type: picture book
Ages: 3-8
Author: Rachel Jankovic
Illustrator: Forrest Dickison
I increasingly enjoyed this book the more times I read it. Rachel’s clear mastery of English makes it a joy to read words that aren’t normally used in picture books yet are completely accessible for the intended age group.
*The page mentioned above reads:
Now this Cranky Danky Dragon
Liked to drink a dragon whine
That he made of boys’ complaining
Brewed in a bitter brine.
It’s such a clever story and one that might become memorable in your home! Books like this can be powerful tools for parenting if used at the right time. Perhaps even mentioning the Cranky Danky Dragon can turn a little ‘tude around and get a child back on track. Its poignant message is good for all ages; in fact, I get something new out of it each time I read it! And who doesn’t like stories with knights and dragons? A really solid book.