“Night, night,” says Bib’s mummy.
“Sleep tight,” says Bib’s daddy.
But Bib has a better plan.
“Please,” says Bib, “can I have a story? The one about dragons.”
The heart-warming text, gorgeous illustrations and even the slightly textured cover of this picture book are like a warm hug for young readers. Dragon Loves Penguin shares a message of belonging and family through an enchanting and engaging story.
As Bib’s mother reads the dragon story, readers gradually realise that this is a story about Bib’s family. Dragon Loves Penguin is a lovely reminder that there is more to being part of a family than genetics, an appropriate and important message in world where ‘family’ can means so many different things.
Dragon Loves Penguin reminds readers that acceptance and love within our families can give us the courage to be brave and different, to be who we are meant to be. The way the young dragons reject the baby penguin in the dragon story also invites opportunities for parents to talk with their children about accepting and including others.
While there are some meaningful and important messages about acceptance and belonging in Dragon Loves Penguin, it is never moralistic. It is simply a beautifully told story that invites parents and children to snuggle together at bedtime to share one last story before it is time to go to sleep.
Title: Dragon Loves Penguin
Author/Illustrator: Debi Gliori
Publisher: Bloomsbury, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2013
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781408839492
For ages: 0-6
Type: Picture Book
