Waking Dragons
Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Derek Anderson
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2012
Ages 4-8
Themes: Dragons, Common Childhood Experiences (morning rituals), rhyme
Synopsis: (from Goodreads) From tumbling out of their humongous blankets to devouring a breakfast of catapulted waffles, these characters and their loveable antics fill the pages with luminous color and dragon-size fun. A joyful collaboration between two bestselling talents, author Jane Yolen and illustrator Derek Anderson, this book will make any young reader fly out of bed.
Opening Lines:
Dragons wake up,
dragons rise.
Dragons open
dragon eyes.
Resources: HERE is a cute YouTube video on brushing teeth and eating foods that are good for healthy teeth. HERE are instructions for a paper bag dragon puppet.
Why I Like This Book: I loved the rhyming text and the beautiful illustrations. The book is humorous from the beginning, starting with a young knight reading a note on one of the front end pages. The note says: Don’t forget to wake the dragons before school. Love, Mom. Isn’t that great? Standing right there with the young knight is his dog who helps the young knight throughout the story. The book continues to delight with the young knight (and dog) overseeing the morning routine of the dragons, and successfully getting out the door and off to knight school on the backs of the dragons. Kids will LOVE it.
Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, or just looking for a great book to read. Here is a list of books by category. Each book listed has a link to a review, information about that book, and resources for activities. There is also an alphabetical list.
Penny Parker Klostermann 
I need to go out and get a bunch of Jane Yolan books…this one sounds precious. I love your review and activities, Penny. 🙂
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She is a great one to study for writing purposes. Thanks for coming by Vivian!
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Looks like Ms Yolen is a favorite! She’s one of my favorites, too! And this looks like a cute, rhyming, dragon story. All good elements. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, I certainly believe she is a favorite. She has contributed so much to kidlit. I love her writing.
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I think I need to make a visit to the library… 😉
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I think so, too. This is a quick read…very few words, but cute!
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I was surprised by how quiet the book was and how few words it had and how simple it was. It’s just one of those I’ll have to pick up a few more times.
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It was pretty quiet for having dragons, but the dinosaur books have a quietness to them, too, I think.
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As Sue mentioned… Jane Yolen plus dragons, an unbeatable combination. Love it!
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Yolen has written some amazing books. I love Owl Moon!
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This one was a big hit at our house, too! My son really enjoyed it. It’s beautifully illustrated and I love the pacing and rhythm. 🙂
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Glad to hear it was a hit with a kid since I don’t have mine around anymore 🙂
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Oh, yeah. I liked this one a lot, too. I admire how she incorporated a lot of imagination in a relatively quiet story – terrific!
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Yep! Goes to show it doesn’t take many words to get our story across. This one is a good one to study.
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Do you type the text up, from ones like this? I do it, esp. for the sense of pacing.
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I love Jane’s dragon series and how she achieves HUGE pictures with so few words!
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She’s an expert, isn’t she?
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I love Jane Yolen and this sounds like a very entertaining and educational book at the same time. Beautiful cover!
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It would be great to use with young ones to encourage brushing teeth, putting clothes in hamper, etc… and getting out the door in the morning.
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Jane Yolen + Dragons = unbeatable combination. Thanks for sharing – gonna add this to my read pile.
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Sue!
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I love Jane Yolen and I love tight rhyme. Add adorable illustrations and a cute premise and you’ve got a winner! Thanks for sharing this neat book with us.
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You’re welcome. When I closed the back cover, I sighed. When that happens, I flip it right over and read it again!
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Not surprised to see Jane Yolen and great rhyme in the same sentence. This is on my “to read” list now, Penny.
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Good! I’m glad I gave you one to add to your list. Enjoy!
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I heart Jane Yolen! I’ll get to see her again at the next conference I go to. This book sounds as adorable as her “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” I’m going to check it out ASAP. Thanks, Penny!
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How great that you get to see Jane Yolen! That is a special treat.,
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I love the idea of catapulted waffles!
Our library recently featured many of Jane Yolen’s books in a beautiful display. She is incredible!
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Me too! I loved that illustration.
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The opening lines really grabbed my attention. I love rhyming books and have great respect for authors who are able to do them. Rhyming is hard!
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Heather,
I love rhyming books, too! And kids love them! But they do have to be done right, and perfect rhyme is difficult.
I hope you find this book and get to read it soon! It’s a good one.
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How fun, cute and I bet the illos are gorgeous too! Great find, Penny!
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Thanks, Catherine. The illos are gorgeous! Really eye-catching. They make the dragons look like creatures I would want to hang out with…very friendly 🙂
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