Kumiko and the Dragon

Kumiko #1

by Briony Stewart

Kumiko doesn't like going to bed. She can't sleep, and the reason she can't sleep is because of the giant dragon that sits outside her bedroom window, every single night.
So one night she plucks up the courage to ask the dragon to leave, not knowing that the truth she is about to discover is more thrilling than anything she could ever have imagined.

This delightful story will take the young readers on a soaring dragon adventure, as Kumiko discovers a strength she never even knew she had.

Genres: School, Childrens, Fantasy, Dragons

84 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2007

About the author

Briony Stewart was born in Perth, W.A, back when Ninja Turtles were ‘the coolest’. With a father in Zoology and an artistic mother, Briony decided she was either going to grow up to be a traveling entomologist or a famous artist like Picasso.

After graduating high school with awards for art and writing, Briony received a scholarship from the Art Gallery of Western Australia towards a double degree in Fine Art and Creative Writing at university. While studying, she developed a passion for children’s literature and illustration and quickly came to admit she preferred the theorems of Calvin and Hobbes to Foucault!

Briony’s first book, Kumiko and the Dragon was published by U.Q.P soon after she graduated and won the 2007 Aurealis Award for Children's Short Fiction. Since then, Briony has received an arts grant for artists under 25 to develop as a children's author and illustrator with the May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust in Melbourne, has presented at libraries and festivals and has held three successful exhibitions of her illustrated work.

Briony still lives, paints and writes in Perth and proofreads aloud to a black and white rabbit named Winston.

From Publisher website - UQP

Reviews

[Gabby]

I read this book to my year 2 class but I really just wanted to read it for myself! It was a beautiful tale of bravery with few characters, each with some depth. The elements of Japanese culture intertwined throughout the book were intriguing and we enjoyed researching the new things we read about. A page turning read that always brought on sighs when the siren went and the reading had to end.

[Kathryn]

These wonderfully imaginative books are perfect for early readers and exploring new fantasy worlds in a fun, creative way.

[Anne Hamilton]

Once past the evocative cover with its antique bronze foil highlights, this unusual chapter book blends elements of fantasy and folklore. Kumiko is worried sick about the dragon she can see lurking outside her bedroom window at night. Talking to her grandmother, she discovers she's not the first in the family to suffer from this problem. Her grandmother solved it for herself by telling the dragon, 'Shoo!'

Kumiko isn't sure she's brave enough to do that. But she thinks she might just be up to taping a note to the window. She just hopes the dragon can read.

[Rosanne Hawke]

Gorgeous story about a girl's early fears. Lovely writing and full of folklore. It's difficult to write well for this age group and Briony Stewart has created a gem.

[Dimity Powell]

Beautiful language. Beguiling tale. I love sharing this with Miss 8. Highly recommended.

[Geoff Lynas]

A lovely short read for the younger reader. Perfect bedtime read (Mum or Dad) for even younger. Has all the hallmarks of a classic fairytale. If it isn't based on one, it will probably become one. Timeless. Lovely Japanese folksy feel to it. Nice message about bravery which is not too heavy-handed. Looking forward to some more of Kumiko. Recommended.

[SBC]

A short little chapter book written and illustrated by Briony Stewart. I very much enjoyed the heartfelt writing and the simple but sweet illustrations. Kumiko is 9 years old and terrified of the dragon that sits on the roof outside her house. But there is an adventure waiting.

[CATastrophe]

This is a story I think I read in 2012. I don’t know how to rate it, since it was so long ago my memory of the book has frayed. But basically, the memory of Kumimko and her dragons have lived on in my mind ever since.

[Ice Cream]

It was interesting

[Cathryn Wellner]

A delightful tale of dealing with night fears. Though an original story, it has the feel of an appealing blend of folklore and real life. Good choice for reading aloud to young readers.

[Deb]

Very engaging story for younger students. Feels like a folktale. The illustrations add warmth to the tale.

[Claire]

I love this. It's short and to the point but it's lovely and funny and heartwarming. I love the dragons. They are all so different. It's wonderful.

[Julie McAliece]

I LOVE this book!!!! The story is lovely but it's Briony Stewart's use of language that I adore. I read this to my Year 3's and they sit enraptured. I highly recommend this series.

[anna ♛]

i just remembered reading these books in grade 3 lmao

[Mrs Child]

Lovely gentle story about Japanese dragons.

[Zoya]

Lovely well-written simple story about a girl facing her fear of a dragon, who appears next to her bedroom window every night.

[Simone]

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