Daddy Doesn't Believe in Dragons!

When Daddy has finished work, his daughter takes him out on a walk. However, as they encounter magical creature after magical creature, Daddy is too engrossed in his phone to believe in all the wonders around them. Is there anything which will make him take notice?

Celebrating the power of imagination, Daddy Doesn't Believe in Dragons! is a lovely story, encouraging adults to enjoy time spent with their children to the full! The story is delightful on many levels. Children will love being in on the joke as Daddy, focused on his phone, is oblivious to all the close encounters he has with trolls, pixies, giants and so on as he and his daughter go for a walk. However, the story might also make parents realise that this could easily be them - I am sure some children will be quick to point this out!

As different magical creatures appear, there is plenty of opportunity for talking about other stories in which they appear, perhaps leading to the discovery of some new favourites. Children and their (now phoneless!) adults could create their own imaginative walk maps, deciding on and naming the places where other creatures live, inspired by the end papers. Walks may suddenly become more exciting as they decide which creatures might live where along the way. The local pond might suddenly become home to a mermaid or a gurgling drain the place where a friendly monster lives . . .

The illustrations are delightful. Full of detail and wonder, they are perfect for lingering over and enjoying as there are many things to spot. The expression on the face of each creature as Daddy fails to notice them says a lot about how they are feeling from disappointed to upset to annoyed!

The final pictures are full of humour, sure to make readers giggle, but also perfect for inspiring some imaginative storytelling about what happens next. A joy to read aloud, this is sure to become a firm favourite!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+