January 19, 2011

book review–the dragon and the turtle

Recently, I signed up for Blogging for Books, and decided to order a children’s as my first title.  I’m glad I did because The Dragon and the Turtle is fast becoming one of Bennet’s favorite reads!

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The Dragon and the Turtle is a story about two very different creatures – a land-loving dragon (Padraig) and a sea-loving turtle (Roger.)  Padraig comes upon Roger, who has gotten lost and can’t find his way back to his house.  The story progresses as Padraig flies around the area, trying to help find Roger’s house.  The two new friends talk about the ways they are different, and learn quite a bit from each other along the way.  Padraig finally finds Roger’s home, and the pair show up to be greeted by Mama Turtle, who has baked them a fresh batch of Chocolate Chip Snappers – Roger’s favorite cookies.

Bennet has loved reading the story, and as a mom, I love the great message this book sends to little ones.  How wonderful find a book that helps me teach my child that to be a good friend, you have to help those in need and accept everyone’s differences.  The story even ends with a summary that includes Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”  The closing thoughts also include things that we, as parents, can discuss with our children about what it means to be a good friend.  The very last page of the book even contains a recipe for Mama Turtle’s Chocolate Chip Snappers – I know Bennet will be excited to make those!

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Sometimes, having a destructive toddler in the house takes a toll on our books, but I sincerely hope that The Dragon and the Turtle is a book that we keep around our house for a while.  I was excited to find that The Dragon and the Turtle have another adventure – The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari – and I will definitely be picking it up for Bennet in the near future!

“The turtle liked strawberries and cookies, but he was also willing to try crunchy, squishy, nutty bugs.  The dragon liked crunchy, squishy, nutty bugs, but now he also liked strawberries.”

Isn’t that what friendship is all about?  Learning from other people and surrounding yourself with people who build you up and challenge you as a person?  The Dragon and the Turtle sends a great message to kids about just that!

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