Little Dragon and the New Baby

Little Dragon and the New Baby by Deborah Cuneo

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: March 1st, 2018
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Genres & Themes: Picture Books, Animals, Family

BLURB:

Little Dragon just found out he is going to be a big brother… and he’s not happy about it. He doesn’t want to share his parents’ attention, or his room! Little Dragon doesn’t even want to look at the egg. He ignores it, tries hiding it, and even “decorates” it, which just makes a big mess.

But soon enough… Rattle, rattle, CRACK! When the big moment finally arrives, the whole family receives a surprise! Maybe things aren’t so bad after all.

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As far as picture books go, this is a basic one. It’s a necessary story, but also one that has been written many times over. Perhaps if this is your first picture book you will find it wonderful, but experienced readers of children’s books will see right through this one.

Little Dragon is a little bit anxious and conflicted because his parents just announced their family will be welcoming a fourth member soon. Little Dragon isn’t thrilled, seeing that he does not like the idea of having to share everything that used to be his only.

Replace Little Dragon with Little Human and you’ll see that this is not that original. The illustrations are lovely and important. More so than the narration—strange but true enough. The writing is choppy and I dare say amateur-ish. It makes me wonder if the author has read a lot of picture books in her life. It’s fine, I guess, but here too nothing exceptional.

Fortunately Little Dragon is a lovely character with whom it is easy to empathize. Anyone can understand the feeling of fearing the unknown and not wanting things to change, especially the familiar space that is someone’s home. I also enjoyed the little twist at the end. It made reading the story worth it. I may not have been impressed with this book, but it’s pleasant and family-centered—which are always going to be winner elements for me.

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