Super-Dragon

by Steven Kroll

The smallest dragon in the family proves that he's a champ.

Genres: Picture Books, Dragons, Childrens, Fiction, Storytime, Graphic Novels, Family

32 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Stephen Kroll spoke at schools and conferences all over the world. He was married to the journalist, Kathleen Beckett, and they lived in New York City and an old carriage house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. When he was not writing or traveling, he played a lot of tennis and walked around looking at everything.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When criticised that he is too young to enter a flying competition, our protagonist must practice at night to perfect his flying abilities. Little does he know, his figure 8s might bring his family much honour and pride. Neo liked the practicing and dedication to learning, which led to flying. Now, let's hope he does not try to fly off his bed at night!!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic Plot: A baby dragon learns to fly in secret and helps his family win the big dragon flying contest.

This was a cute bit of fluff. There wasn't much to it as far as story. It seemed pretty standard. Some of the illustrations were pretty funny, and they were all consistently good.

[laura (bookies & cookies) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story of a dragon learning to fly

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and light, but not particularly great for storytime. Very comic book-like. Good illustrations.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"One day Drago and his family saw signs for a contest."

Drago's family wants to sign up for the contest and so does Drago, but they tell him he's too little. Plus, he can't fly. Drago has 2 weeks before the contest and he is determined to learn to fly. First he tries by watching his family and copying them. SPLAT! Then, he asks a bird to teach him how to fly. The bird works with Drago and he practices a lot until finally, he can fly! His specialty is figure 8s. On the day of the contest, his family isn't doing very well in the competition, but Drago knows that he is the ace in the hole.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the message of trying hard and being persistent. I also like the graphic novel styled this picture book had.

The plot was well paced but it just didn’t really wow me. I also didn’t care for the fact that the Dragon family was losing to the “Thunderbutts.” That seemed a little bit of unnecessary potty humor that didn’t fit with the rest of the book.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could work for storytime. It has a lot of onomatopoeic words and is not too long, I just don't like it much so I don't think I would be very enthusiastic about it.

[Kristen Thorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

67/365

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/2.5

Themes: Learning Something New, Families, Contests, Dragons

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - The best thing about Super-Dragon, IMO, is the comic book format. Being that this is the first childrens books in this format that I've ever read - and quite possibly the first book in this format ever that I've read - I don't know how much this is done. I'd have to guess that Kroll isn't the first but Julia and I read a lot. So much that we can't walk out of the library without more than one person commenting on the amount of books we're carrying. So much that no one comes to our house, sees her books (or mine) and doesn't comment. So I don't know if this isn't common or if we've just shied away until now but regardless, it works.
The text is about as simple as can be so it'd be quite easy for an early reader to handle this on their own. The ilustrations are blunt and with the colors almost sort of muted and this also works. It's clean with a lot of white background to the pages.
The lesson(s) are there of course. Practicing, always going after your dreams, not listening to your Mom and Dad, etc. (Okay, I added the last one in.)
Not just for boys so if you have a girl, even if she's not into dragons, this little guy is so cute she'll probably adore him.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super Dragon
By
Steven Kroll

My " in a nutshell" summary...

This is the story of a little dragon who wants to learn to fly.

My thoughts after reading this book...

Hmmm...this book was written sort of in a cartoon format and was simply the story of a little dragon who wanted to learn how to fly. And so...he did!
He worked with a little bird and secretly learned to master the art of flying. His specialty was doing crazy eight's!

What I enjoyed about this book...

I liked the message and the illustrations.

What I did not enjoy...

Kids will love the ballooned conversations and the illustrations...I was not in love with them.

Final thoughts...

I found this to be a cute short story with a bit of a message. Probably not a classic!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story in which a youngster's possible contribution to the family is discounted, but he eventually proves them wrong. The pencil, ink and photoshop illustrations are quite good, sort of comic book-ish, with dialogue in dialogue balloons. But the illustrations are not in comic book panels, they cover the entire page. In this case, the littlest dragon can't fly yet, and so will not be entered into the dragon flying competition; but little dragon decides to learn to fly in secret and practices so that he becomes a very good flyer; good enough to save his family's honor.

[Christine]

Pros: No violence!

Cons: Title is exclamation from crowd when Drago flies up to perform in competition with family, but in this book all dragons can fly so the superpower isn't obvious. Drago sneaks out to learn how to fly behind his parents' backs after they tell their young child to wait until next year.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple story, kids will love to see the little dragon triumph

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For dragon-lovers - cartoonlike story about learning to fly, determination, etc.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a picture book/graphic novel. A tale of determination for younger kids.

[Nancy Jo Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for younger kids. A message of determination. The dragon and the illustrations will certainly enthrall kids. The graphic novel type format will also be appealing.

[Penny Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story with wonderful artwork. An excellent dragon book for kids 3-5, especially with older (competitive) sibs.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great pictures about learning a skill on your own.

[Terry]

Read. Not reviewed.