When Dragons Are Dreaming by James Mayhew and Lindsey Gardiner
| When Dragons Are Dreaming by James Mayhew and Lindsey Gardiner | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
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| Summary: A gentle bedtime book about a dragon who doesn't want to go to sleep, and his newfound fairy friend. It's perfect for quietly reading to the very youngest book fans as they nod off. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: July 2009 |
| Publisher: Orchard | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1846164231 | |
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When the dragons are asleep, the fairies come out to fly, dance and play. There's one little dragon who hasn't fallen asleep. He sees what the fairies are up to and wants to join in.
When Dragons Are Dreaming is a perfect bedtime book. The dragon might not want to settle down at first, but after a short and gentle adventure, he snuggles down to snore. The simple tale makes it perfect for the very youngest of children to understand. There's a strong rhythm throughout, a little like the waves of the sea, that gives it a soporific effect (in a good way!)
Lindsey Gardiner's illustrations are lovely. I particularly enjoyed the collage effect of the leaves, which gives the book a style of its own. The dragons and fairies are exciting and varied and do bear poring over. They strike the perfect tone: engaging and interesting enough to bear repeated reads, yet mellow and muted enough to suit the last book of the night.
As bad as stereotyping is, it'd be silly to admit it never happens. When Dragons Are Dreaming doesn't fall into the trap though - the dragons aren't too boyish for stereotypical girls, nor are the fairies too girly for stereotypical boys. It's just a pleasant, neutral book that will sit comfortably on any bookshelf. Recommended.
My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.
One More Hug For Nutmeg by Caroline Jayne Church is another enjoyable bedtime book, but with a gentle comic twist in the tail. It Was Bedtime In The Jungle by John Butler has glorious illustrations and a sedate, traditional pace to it, which suits bedtime perfectly.
You might also enjoy Boy by James Mayhew, Have You Seen My Dragon? by Steve Light or Flight of the Last Dragon by Robert Burleigh and Mary Grandpre.
When Dragons Are Dreaming by James Mayhew and Lindsey Gardiner is in the Top Ten Picture Books For Overcoming Bedtime Woes.
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You can read more book reviews or buy When Dragons Are Dreaming by James Mayhew and Lindsey Gardiner at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy When Dragons Are Dreaming by James Mayhew and Lindsey Gardiner at Amazon.com.
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