The Night Dragon

Before I can begin with the story, I have to stop and appreciate the stunning cover and end pages of this book, every bit as beautiful as described. I know that we should &'never judge a book by its cover' but I am wondering if it would be a little OTT to say I was blown away by my initial flick through the pages at the images and my love at first sight of the front cover. Howarth's style of illustration is first-rate, lush watercolour images of Maud (the brightest Dragon I've seen!) adorn and contrast duller images of the other dragons on each page until she shines in her own light! This is an origin story, whereby we discover a cute explanation for colourful sunsets at night. Maud is a timid dragon; irrespective of her bold colouring, she is unlike her four siblings. Maud has little confidence in herself, she didn't fly, didn't breathe fire or fill the sky with sooty clouds and her brothers and sisters took great delight in teasing her for this. Maud consoles herself in her one friend 'Mouse' who always tries to pick her up, telling her she just needs to be herself and not listen to the others. When one night, however, nightfall was nowhere to be seen and there was no other choice but for Maud to fly and put things right. She takes off with her tiny friend by her side whispering words of encouragement. Maud travels, soaring through the air, and she finally realises she actually can fly and she can breathe fire too, leading to my favourite double page spread. A delightful treat filled with colourful happiness. This is a you-can-do it story! A must read to children to encourage self-belief and determination; that anything is possible as well as the fact that in school and at home there is always someone else believing in you too and backing your achievements. Lots of artwork could be based around this story in the style of Howarth creating multicoloured water-colour images against a stark contrasting background. Children love stories about Dragons and this is a little gem to add to the collection. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Nikki Stiles, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 3+