Duncan, the Story Dragon

by Amanda Driscoll

A charming story about the joys of reading that is perfect for fans of Dog Loves Books and Stellaluna.

Duncan the Dragon loves to read. When he reads a story, his imagination catches fire! Unfortunately…so does his book.

Fire breath is great for roasting marshmallows, but it’s not so great for reading. Duncan just wants to get to those two wonderful words, like the last sip of a chocolate milk shake: The End. Will he ever find out how the story ends?

This bright, warm tale champions determination, friendship, and a love for books. And milk shakes!

Genres: Picture Books, Dragons, Childrens, Friendship, Storytime, Books About Books, Fantasy

40 pages, Hardcover

First published June 9, 2015

Reviews

[sAmAnE · Rating 4 out of 5]

خیلی خوب بود. داستان اژدهایی که هر کتابی رو که باز می‌کنه تا بخونه، بخاطر آتشی که از دهانش بیرون میاد، نمیتونه اون کتاب رو تمام کنه...
نویسنده خیلی حرفه‌ای و عالی به تفاوت‌های فردی و تلاش برای دوست‌یابی و پذیرفته شدن از سمت دیگران اشاره کرده بود.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the cover — featuring an adorable dragon sporting classic Chuck Taylor Converses (shoelaces untied, naturally!) — readers can tell what a special treat they have in store with Duncan the Story Dragon.

“When Duncan read a book, the story came to life … and his imagination caught fire. Unfortunately, so did his book.” Booklovers of every age will love finding out how this fellow bibliophile solves his dilemma. Highly, highly recommended because fine children’s books aren’t just for children.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE IT! What an adorable story--and all about reading! With friends, too. So, so good. Can't wait to read this in storytime. Could work with mice, dragons, books, friends, solving problems. Love the pictures, too. Very cute.

1/27/16 Used in D is for theme. They really liked the story. Might have missed a couple of the "aww" parts, especially the end. But overall they still really liked it.

Fall 2017: I am sure I did this in movement. After, it resided at home where my stepdaughter enjoyed having it read during our campout.

10/18/18: Opener for preschool Dragon theme. Lots of smiles. Had them join on scared, playing dead, angry, sad. Wonderful.

[Zeynab · Rating 4 out of 5]

اژدهای کتاب‌خوان
انتشارات زعفران

برای معصومه(برادرزاده ۶ ساله ام) خوندم و خوشش اومد، مخصوصا از شکل و قیافه اژدها و اینکه وقتی از کتابی هیجان زده می‌شد آتیشش در میومد :)

[Rachel Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening Move #1

Today we are going to read a book called, "Duncan, the Story Dragon". Who here likes dragons? [children raise/don't raise hands]. I like dragons too. Dragons can do something really cool when they breathe. Can anyone tell me what that is? [choose one child to answer that dragons breathe fire]. That's right! They breathe fire! Did you ever think that maybe breathing fire might cause a problem or two for a dragon? [children respond yes or no]. Hmm. . . interesting. What about this: Did you ever think that a big, scary dragon could make a tiny friend? [children respond]. Well let's find out the answers to all these questions Miss Rachel has for you this morning! [begin reading story].

One of the opening move tactics I used in this example was rasie interest in a topic or theme by asking them if they like dragons and what they know about them. I also rasied many questions throughout to spark curiosity such as asking if a scary dragon can make a tiny friend, and foreshadowed that the dragon's fire breath causes a problem for him.


Opening Move #2

Alright students, what is the theme for class this week? What have we been learning a lot about? [students answer: fairytale creatures!]. That's right, kids! We sure have. Now, this morning we read a story about a princess, and there was an evil creature guarding her tower. Can anyone tell me what that creature was? [children raise hands and one answers that it was a dragon]. Exactly! A dragon. Did you know that Miss Rachel used to be very scared of dragons? They are huge and breathe fire! Well, in this story, the dragon isn't very mean, and I'm not scared of them anymore! Let's read about him and I'm sure you won't be scared of dragons anymore either. [I open the book and begin to read it].

The first opening move tactic I used was asking the children to make the connection of this story about a dragon to the one I had read earlier in the morning. At the end of my opening move, I used my own personal experience to say that I used to be scared of dragons but am not anymore after reading about this particular dragon. This also foreshadows the story a bit in implying that the dragon is not evil.

[Callie Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan the story dragon is about a dragon who loves to read books. Unfortunately, from his crazy imagination he would get so excited that he would breathe fire destroying every book he read. All he wanted was to get to the end of a book. He tried his best to keep his cool but it never worked. He decided to search far and wide to find a friend to read it to him. Everyone he went up to were either scared of him or scared him. He became very discouraged and sad that he couldn’t find anyone until he found a mouse. The mouse was very glad to read to him because he loves books. So together they were able to finish the book which was only the beginning of their friendship.

I thought this book was very sweet. It was hard to not be sad for the dragon because all he wanted was to finally finish a book. It was easy to get attached to the characters. I loved how when he finds the mouse to read to him, the mouse is holding a book that says, “The Friendly Dragon” on it. This book could be used in a classroom to show the children a love for books, friendship, and determination.

[Nikki Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

To open this book to the audience, I would begin by telling them, "this book is named 'Duncan, the Story Dragon'. Can anyone guess what this story is about from the cover?"
After having the audience discuss the question a little, I will open the book to the cover page inside the book, which has a little more to work with and point out the supplies in the picture. I'll ask, "after seeing these supplies, can anyone make any new guesses about this story? What about the milkshake, what do you think that's about?" Then I'll close my ending by saying," let's read this story Amanda Driscoll wrote for us and find out about this milkshake."

[Dax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is ridiculously adorable and man does this dragon have styling shoes!

[B.A. Malisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! So cute! It makes my librarian heart happy.

[Riley Thomas]

Opening Move: Read some of the text to engage attention
This book begins with the sentence: Duncan the Dragon loved to read. This is a short and easy-to-understand sentence and by using it to introduce the book is a good way to grab attention. The short statement will engage listeners to find out more about this reading dragon.

Opening Move: Prompt hypothesizing based on the situation
Building off of the above opening move, I would add to their curiosity by asking students to predict or hypothesize what the book will be about just based on the first page and sentence. The students could predict the importance of the milkshake on the first page, or the significance of the mouse on the cover. All these things would lead into the story to find out if their hypothesis were correct.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this one are great. I like the expressions the various animals show on their faces. Duncan has a problem and the mouse saves the day. I like how the book shows we are co-creators with stories too.

[Matthew Hoffart]

1) Raise interest about the topic: "The story we are going to be reading next is about dragons. What are some things you know about dragons from other stories, movies, tv., etc.?" (Predicted responses: they are scary, they breathe fire, they can fly people are scared of them).

2) Prompt predictions based on the title (and cover): "'Duncan the Story Dragon'...Look at the picture on the cover. What do you think this dragon likes to do?" (Predicted response: It's a dragon that loves to read books!) "What do you think might be some problems for Duncan the Dragon if he likes to read books?" (Predicted responses: He might burn them with his breath. People would be scared to read him stories.)

[Megan Orchard]

Boys and girls, raise you hand if you love to read or love to have someone read to you. I love getting to read, whether it is just reading for fun, reading for school, or even reading aloud to you. I want you to think of something that you really love to do, it may be reading, playing a sport or instrument, or anything else you can think of. How would you feel if you weren't able to do that anymore? Today, we are going to read a story about a dragon who has that very same problem.

-Share a personal connection you have with the text.
-Raise questions to spark curiosity.

[Lauren Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book we are going to read today is called Duncan, the Story Dragon. Does anybody know what a dragon is? Does anybody know a dragon breathes and blows out of his mouth? Fire. What do you think happens to the paper in the book when Duncan blows the fire from his mouth? Let’s find out if Duncan can find a way to read a book and finally get the the word, “The End.”

2018 Picture Book Nominee-Golden Sower Award.

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan the Dragon loves to read books. Being a dragon poses a problem for him. Duncan breathes fire, and accidentally burns his books. In his quest to find a friend who can read to him, he meets a small mouse who loves reading as much as he does. Through the stories they read, these two friends go on epic, unforgettable adventures together.

We loved this book! It's a great story about friendship and the imaginative world of reading that brought two friends together. Duncan The Story Dragon is a must have for any children's picture book reader. With adorable, colorful illustrations that capture the magic of reading, this is the perfect book for story time, and bedtime reading.

Review here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2016/0...

[Sara Grochowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan the Dragon loves to read. When he reads his imagination catches fire... unfortunately, so does the book. He tries everything to keep his cool - reading in the refrigerator, the bathtub, and in front of fans - but nothing works. Finally, he sets out to find a friend willing to read to him. When he finally succeeds, the book loving pair work together and are finally able to read those satisfying final words: The End. Driscoll's colorful illustrations beautiful portray Duncan's disappointment and happiness, as well as the magic of reading. This one will be a great pick for storytime.

[Genetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read aloud book with a lovable dragon for a main character. Kids will delight in the idea of a dragon who loves to read but can't finish a book because it burns up from the fire he breathes when engrossed in a story. When Duncan finds help from the most unlikely of sidekicks, readers discover the power of learning to read. This is one of those books kids will ask parents to read over and over again. And parents will enjoy re-reading it just as much as the kids.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan the Story Dragon by Amanda Driscoll – What a terrible problem Duncan has- he loves his books so much and gets so lost in the story, the burns them up. He begins looking outside of himself to try to finally read a complete story and hear the words “the end”. Great story, love this this book from first time picture book creator…

[Bmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute book about a dragon named Duncan who wants to read a book but he gets so excited he burns the book before he has a chance to finish it. He goes to many animal friends but they are too scared to help him read the end of the book until he finds book loving mouse. Great story about loving to read and friendship

[Debbie E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan's dream of finishing a story before he sets it on fire leads him to a new friendship and a happy ending. The illustrations of this adorable creature lure your heart into Duncan's quest. I love this brave soul who finds a way to make his dream come true.

[Kayla Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Duncan! I cannot imagine being unable to finish a book and, to make matters worse, not being able to find anyone to read it to me. This is an adorable story that I will definitely be sharing with all my classes!

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gentle friendship story. Disappointing, didactic, and predictable. Text is lackluster and wordy.

[Dani Kraft]

Duncan The Story Dragon//Amanda Driscoll

First, I will sit down in a reading corner that I presume will be in my classroom. I will have all the children sit down on the rug and sit quietly in preparation for the story time. I am going to assume this is the first story time I have ever had with this group of students. I will start by saying “Who here knows what an author is?” they will all raise their hands and I will choose someone. Once somebody answers and gives an answer saying something like “Someone who writes books.” I will continue saying “Who here has heard of the author Amanda Driscoll?” Once the children all put their hands down I will [grab the book and put it on my lap, showing the cover to the children] then I will proceed in saying “Here is her book, Duncan The Story Dragon”. Once the children all quiet down from probably ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ at the cover I will present them with my next question [while opening the book to the first page] This page has Duncan the Dragon sitting reading a book. I will then say, “How many of you love to read?” I will then say, “How many of you love to read with your friends?”. The book is about a little dragon who can’t read on his own because he destroys the books. I will then continue to say “Well, Duncan likes to read with friends too! He just can’t read alone. Do any of you have guesses why he can’t read books alone?” Once I hear all of their answers I will turn to the next page and start to read the book to the class.

Rationale Portion:
I choose the actions that I did because I felt that in the beginning of school since these books should be for k-3 I should explain to them the basics of a book. I explained what an author is because if children have that question in their head I want it answered. Then I will show them the cover while I read the title so they can see what the story is really going to be about. I will ask them about reading with friends because Duncan the Story Dragon destroys all of the books he touches. In the book, he needs to find a friend who will read to him. That is also why I ask them if they like to read. I think this book is a great story for kids because it talks about helping a friend and how fun reading really can be!

[Leah Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Duncan, the Story Dragon" by Amanda Driscoll is the story of a young dragon named Duncan who loves to read books. Unfortunately, when Duncan starts imagining his stories, he accidentally lights them on fire. He tries his hardest to keep calm while reading but it doesn't work. He is never able to read the end of his books. He wants to meet a person who can read his stories for him. He is able to meet a mouse who also shares his passion for reading. Together they are able to go on many adventures by reading the many books they both enjoy.
This is a encouraging story for students who are struggling with reading. Some Students who are having trouble with the text maybe able to relate to Duncan and his trouble with reading books. Children will see Duncan's trouble with book and see him preserve. This book is also a good story about helping one another out. The mouse is able to help Duncan and becomes very close friends. I would recommenced this book for students in preschool to third grade. The illustrations are colorful and cute. Duncan and his mouse friend look like cartoon characters. I loved the bright green of Duncan and how Driscoll used a different color to represent Duncan's imagination. Students will be captivated by the story and find Duncan relatable for his love of reading.

[Emma Lallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hello friends! I am so excited to read this story today with all of you. Our story today is about a very sad dragon. Our dragon loves to read books, but he can never finish a story. He always gets too excited and breathes his fire breath all over the book before he can finish it. He decides he needs help in finishing his book so he asks for help from other friends. Have you guys ever needed to ask a friend for help? Who can tell me a time in their lives when they needed to ask a friend for help? Alright friends. Let’s see if our little dragon can find a friend to help him finish his book.”
I utilized two opening moves. I chose to foreshadow the problem of the story and to prompt brief sharings of personal experiences related to the topic or theme.
I decided to foreshadow the problem of the story because I thought it would go well with the idea of the students sharing personal experiences that relate to the story of the dragon. I think it would be a good lesson in having the students talk about a time in their lives when they needed help from a friend. This could allow the students to think of the story as a lesson in asking for help. The students could then listen to the story and reflect on how sometimes it is important to ask for help, and then we could do some sort of activity reflecting on the idea of using our friends to accomplish a difficult goal.

[Kinley Schnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: There was this big, green, friendly dinosaur who loved to read books but had a problem. Every time he got excited about what was happening in the story, he would set it on fire from his breath and never found out the ending. So, he sought out to find someone who would read the book to him. Some of the animals told him no because he was too scary, or because he was too scared of them. Just as he thought there was no hope left, he met a friendly mouse who loved reading as much as he did and went on to read stories together.

Response: I loved this book because not only does it talk about reading, but it deals with the problems kids can face socially whenever their classmates or friends tell them no when they need help. The images were intriguing, colorful, and well developed. The book not only created a sort of spark for students to want to read but also created the image of a friendship that was built on selflessness.

Classroom ideas: I would use this in my classroom to have my students share about one of their favorite books with a classmate of theirs. I think this would give the students to opportunity to brag about their favorite book and inspire their classmates to read it too. I would have them pick out a picture book, or graphic novel to participate in a book trade where they get to explore the stories their classmate’s love.

[Maria Mascalco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan The Story Dragon, written and illustrated by Amanda Driscoll, is the perfect read aloud for any classroom of students from grades 1-3. The story is a funny tale of Duncan, who is a dragon that loves to read, but unfortunately his books catch fire with his imagination. He comes across many animals, but every animal he asks won't read it to him, except for a teeny tiny mouse. They read the story together, which allows their imaginations to fly together.

This story is perfect for young children because the story is simple yet hilarious, and no one can help but love Duncan. Duncan's enthusiasm for reading shines through each page, which will in turn help inspire students in a classroom. His determination to finish his book shows his passion The phrases are short and the illustrations go perfectly with the writing. The illustrations are large, colorful, and realistic making it the perfect read aloud for any classroom. This book would be a great introduction to partner reading for students, and showing how much fun it is to do with friends. Overall, I chose this book because I personally loved reading it, and feel as though it would get a lot of laughs from students of all ages.

[CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely charming story with absolutely adorable art, about a book-loving dragon named Duncan. Duncan just wants to finish a book, but every time he reads he gets so excited he accidentally sets his book on fire, and never gets to read "The end." So Duncan goes on a quest to find a friend who will read to him. After a succession of animals who avoid his request in humorous ways, he finally finds a fellow book lover brave enough to read to him, and together they enjoy books all the way to the end....carefully. There's a clunky line about the end of a book being like the "last sip of a chocolate milk shake" that was surprisingly difficult to read aloud smoothly, but otherwise I felt that the art and story flowed and complimented each other wonderfully.
Aside from just being adorable and charming, I think this book reinforces positive ideas about friendship and cooperation, as well as a love of books (and, probably, a need to take care of the books). I read this to a class of third graders--it was their first choice, and they all enjoyed it. I highly recommend sharing Duncan, the Story Dragon with the kid(s) in your life. Great for sharing aloud with one or many kids.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan the Story Dragon is an adorable story about a dragon that loves books but when he reads them, his imagination catches fire and every book is destroyed before he can finish. He is desperate to know the endings so he goes in search of a friend to read to him. He asks a raccoon and a possum and a very angry bull but no one is willing to help... until he meets a friendly little mouse who loves to read just as much as Duncan!

This is such a cute story! I love books about books (and dragons!) and this one warms my heart! It touches on loneliness and helplessness and then adds a beautiful friendship and a happy ending.

The illustrations are wonderful! Duncan is an adorable dragon with a big imagination and the author/illustrator has done an amazing job of incorporating lots of dream-like adventures that represent the stories that Duncan is reading or imagining.

This was our favorite of all the picture books we read on World Read Aloud Day this year!

This picture book review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature.

[Paige Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Duncan is a kind, gentle dragon who just wants to read a story, and actually finish one. "His imagination caught fire," along with his book. He tried everything he could think of to keep his cool, but then he had a bright idea. What if he had a friend to read to him? Will he find a friend to see past their fear of the dragon and be willing to help? This is a charming story of fortitude, books, friendship and don't forget, milkshakes.

Activity:
* Bring in mini milkshakes for the students to enjoy after the lesson.
Do an art project with the students. Use toilet paper rolls, pom poms, googly eyes, and tissue paper to make a dragon. The students can color or paint the toilet paper roll green then add pom poms and googly eyes for the eyes and tissue paper for the fire coming out of the mouth. These will be a blast to make and the students will enjoy showing them off. You can even hang them in the classroom.

Citation:
Driscoll, A. (2015). Duncan the story dragon. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.