The Dragon Who Didn't Like Fire

by Gemma Merino

Overview

"An affirming tale that will inspire readers to embrace their unique selves." — KIRKUS REVIEWS

From the award-winning Gemma Merino, author of the iconic The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water (over half a million copies sold worldwide), The Dragon Who Didn't Like Fire is a deeply funny story about acceptance, difference and unconditional love.

Everybody knows that dragons can breathe fire, but unlike her brothers and sisters, this little dragon is different. She doesn’t like fire but she desperately wants to fly and make her Dad proud. In an attempt at flying, she finds herself plunging into the lake. Being underwater should be wet, cold and horrid, but it feels AMAZING. Could it be that this little dragon isn’t a dragon at all?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529044812
Publisher:	Pan Macmillan
Publication date:	04/29/2021
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.05(w) x 11.25(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Gemma Merino won the prestigious Macmillan Prize for Children’s Illustration in 2011, whilst studying for her MA in Children’s Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Born in Catalonia, Gemma originally studied architecture in Barcelona and has worked in practices in Spain, Dublin, Tel Aviv and now London, where she lives.

Editorial Reviews

"Merino hits it out of the park with delightful artwork that will immediately endear the little dragon to readers and have them giggling cover to cover. She writes with a light, clear hand, letting the illustrations deliver the humor. Readers should look closely for neat little details, adding even more charm to this sweet, funny book about celebrating differences." —School Library Journal on The Crocodile Who Didn't like Water

"The animal-who-doesn’t-belong theme takes on sparkling new life. . . . This is an exemplary picture book."- Sarah Ellis, Booklist on The Crocodile Who Didn't like Water

"What begins as an ordinary story of a young hero not fitting in with his peers takes an unexpected and rewarding detour. . . . [this book] celebrates recognizing one’s strengths over forcing oneself to fit the mold." —Publishers Weekly on The Crocodile Who Didn't like Water
 

"Kids will find plenty to enjoy in the artwork. A pleasing choice for reading aloud in the classroom, the library, or the home."―Booklist onThe Sheep Who Hatched an Egg

"Using soft edges, watercolors, and simple, warm words, Gemma Merino shares the unlikely story of a sheep who lost her silky wool but gained happiness, self-confidence, and a beautiful new friendship."―Foreword Reviews onThe Sheep Who Hatched an Egg

"A dandy tale of self-acceptance . . . Merino's airy style reflects the light message of the book: celebrate yourself and enjoy your imperfections."―Kirkus Reviews onThe Sheep Who Hatched an Egg

"With aplomb, Lola shows that there are good hair days and bad hair days, but self-confidence comes from within. A fun seasonal read-aloud for storytime and one-on-one sharing. ―School Library Journal onThe Sheep Who Hatched an Egg

"Children will enjoy this heartwarming story with its clever artwork that helps illustrate the lesson that one doesn't have to be perfect to be accepted or loved."―School Library Connection onThe Sheep Who Hatched an Egg

From the Publisher

2022-11-29
A dragon who marches to a different drummer comes into her own.

“Once upon a time, there was a little dragon. And this little dragon didn’t like fire.” She even hides between her father’s legs while her siblings create a gigantic fiery orb. Though she tries hard to please her family, she can’t breathe fire—or fly. When her wings don’t grow, she makes some, and when those fail, she even launches herself from a cannon. Finally, she soars, but after a short flight, she lands in the water—the one place her father has warned her a dragon must avoid. Except…the dragon feels amazing in the water. It is even better than flying, and she discovers “other dragons in the water and not one of them [has] wings!” After being fished out of the water by her father, the little dragon apologizes for her lack of dragon abilities, but her father showers her with love and encourages her to embrace her skills—turns out, she’s a crocodile…and a born swimmer (the endpapers explain how this uniquely blended family came to be). Rich, full-color illustrations include both spreads and vignettes. Consistent eye contact between the parent and child dragons shows their strong emotional connection. There’s plenty of humor, too, such as the catastrophic cannon-powered flying experiment. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An affirming tale that will inspire readers to embrace their unique selves. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews