The Dragon and the Turtle ~ Book Review

When I was offered the chance to do a book review for the book The Dragon and the Turtle written by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, I jumped on it because I'm working on bringing Giovonnie into the world of reading. I know I've said it before, but I really want all my boys to harbor a love for reading. This book looked like one Giovonnie might like because of the love he has for animals; it seems he is a bit more drawn to books that have animal personification.

When the book came in the mail, I allowed him to open the package. His eyes lit up in delight, as he asked, "Is this book for me?" I said, "Well, yes. Would you like to read it with me?" Giovonnie bounced up and down in delight, and then headed toward the living room couch saying, "Come on." I took a seat next to him and we began to read, me reading one page then him the next page. Soon he was reading every page forgetting to give me a turn. I smiled knowing that he was enjoying the story of Padraig the dragon as he helped his friend Roger the turtle.

Padraig was out looking for bugs to eat when he found Roger who had lost his home. Roger became lost while he was out adventuring as a pirate. Padraig took the time to help a stranger, and became fast friends with Roger as he tried to help him find his way home. Along the way they use the five senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing) to aid them in finding Roger’s home, as well as chat about their likenesses and differences. The illustrations by Vincent Nguyen were dynamic helping to create that personification of the animals giving them a true sense of life and adventure.

In the back of the book there is a quick little book discussion guide that you can go over with your child, which I found to be a nice way to end the story.

We were also surprised to find a recipe in the back of the book. This was great because Giovonnie likes to pretend to be "Chef Giovonnie" when we do a bit of baking or cooking together. It will be a nice way for us to spend some more one on one time together creating a tasty treat for the family.



Giovonnie later reading the book on his own.



*Disclaimer: Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.