Dragonboy

July 19, 2021
In this picture book series starter, Dragonboy is a round-headed, white-skinned child who loves to dress up in an impressively detailed dragon suit. Today, he and all his plush toys—a yellow cat, a brown sloth, a gray yeti, and a small green dragon—are heading out on a craft called Adventure. “There’s always something waiting for you if your eyes and your mind and your heart are open,” says artist Napoleoni’s aphoristically inclined narrator. After sailing across a sea, the group frolics on a gently rolling hillside that may remind readers of Teletubbies territory. Encountering a sad unicorn named Karley, they assure her that her supposed deficits (“I’m not magical... And I can’t fly”) are what make her special. “We are already who we are supposed to be,” Dragonboy tells her. “Especially when we are together.” While the self-esteem message covers familiar ground, the debut author-illustrator’s acrylic-on-wood-panel illustrations have a sweet-natured theatricality (the sea’s waves are pointy and layered, like a Victorian stage set) and conjure up a green and sunny world, where even a dark forest of twisty trees looks inviting and there’s all the time in the world to count the daisies. Ages 4–8. Agent: Albert Lee, United Talent Agency.

July 15, 2021
A young, White, perfectly bald boy wakes up and happily announces, "Rise and shine, everyone," as his stuffed animal friends rouse from their slumber. He quickly dresses in a green dragon costume, and, anticipating adventure, they all travel to a fantastical world. Discoveries unfold agreeably until they meet someone new, a rainbow-horned white unicorn named Karley. She is too sad to play, as Karley isn't magical and can't fly like other unicorns. Everyone empathizes with Karley and shares how they are different than expected too. Dragonboy declares, "We are already who we are supposed to be," which brings forth joy and dancing. After a great day, Dragonboy and friends fall back to sleep as Karley heads down a different hall, back to her room. She falls asleep, content with acceptance. In this first of a new picture-book series, debut author and illustrator Napoleoni uses acrylic paints on wood panels to create a vibrant world. Vivid colors and enchanting, emotive characters work seamlessly with the text to take readers on a journey of empathy and compassion. Hearts are hidden throughout the illustrations, culminating in the final spread with Karley sleeping in bed with a pale, black-haired child named Molly. Molly's headboard is rainbow colored, and a sign hangs above, reading "One L♡ve, L♡ve all," opening the door for thoughtful discussion and eager anticipation for Molly's adventure. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A charming journey of discovery, friendship, and acceptance. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 15, 2021
Preschool-Grade 2 A little boy wakes up and climbs into his dragon suit, ready to begin another day exploring as Dragonboy! Off he goes, accompanied by his stuffed animal friends, yellow Kitty, Darwin the yeti, Simon the sloth, and Drako (a small version of his dragon costume). Lush acrylic paints on wood panels illustrate these adorable characters, and the rich vocabulary will stimulate discussion as the characters "plod, run, saunter, amble, dash, prance, march, and rocket along." Their imaginary adventures sailing on a boat and exploring a forest of trees are somewhat reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are, but with no scary monsters and only a gentle (not wild) rumpus. As a reminder to all, Dragonboy says, "There's always something waiting for you if your eyes and your mind and your heart are open." The group realizes that they may all sometimes feel sad or scared, but they all enjoy discovering new things. The underlying message: each of us is exactly as we are supposed to be.

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