How to Be Friends with a Dragon

by Valeri Gorbachev

Wouldn't it be fun to have a dragon for a friend? But that's not going to happen if you don't know the rules. Simon's big sister, Emma, knows them all: DON'T poke a dragon when he's taking a nap; he might sneeze fire. DON'T be surprised if the dragon fries some eggs with his breath. DO be sure to wear a seat belt should you ever ride on his back . . .
Simon is determined to master every last rule, because then maybe, just maybe, he'll get the chance to embark on what is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime.

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

18 pages, ebook

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Valeri Gorbachev is the author and illustrator of a number of children's books, both in the United States and Europe, including Nicky And The Big Bad Wolves and Where is the Apple Pie? Mr. Gorbachev immigrated to the United States from the Ukraine in 1991 and now lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York.

(from harpercollins.com)

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon loved dragons. He loved reading books about them, drawing pictures of them, and playing with dragon toys. When he confides in his sister Emma that he intends to befriend a dragon, she makes sure that he knows all the rules about such encounters, from not showing fear to wearing your seat-belt, when riding upon the dragon's back. Simon promises to follow the rules... or, at least to try...

Using a wonderfully fantastic premise - who doesn't love dragons?! - author/artist Valeri Gorbachev spins a tale here that is as much about friendship, and how to be a good friend, as it is about loving those magical draconite figures. The artwork in How To Be Friends with a Dragon is colorful and engaging, capturing the jolly humor of Simon and the dragon's interactions, even as the more staid text, in the form of big sister Emma's strictures, paints a less adventurous picture. Recommended to all young dragon lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about friendship, and how to be a good and considerate playmate.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades Pre-K to 1. When a boy wishes he could meet a dragon, his friend tells him what not to do. Lovely illustrations, but wanted a little more from the story. Cute.

[Decha Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, there isn't much to like about this book. The idea is cute, but the only memorable moment is the dragon using his mouth as a kitchen burner to make eggs. The illustrations were ugly, lazy, and distracting. There was a lack of contrast between characters and settings. Everything appeared as a mismatch of crosshatches over muted colors. I also didn't care for the story layout of mundane dialogue. Sister tells Simon to do/not do something, and he says "ok." I returned this book to the library within one day because I had no desire to read it more than twice to my son.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantasy series begins with a premise that could seem pretty darned comical to an adult.

Simon needs to learn "the rules" so that he can be friends with a dragon.

Big sister Emma does her best to educate him. For instance:

"Don't act surprised when the dragon fries a few eggs in his mouth. After all, dragons can breathe fire," said Emma.

FIVE STARS for imagination plus fun. And yes, as always, I'm a big fan of Mr. Gorbachev's writing and illustrations.

[Mrs Heet -Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not terribly impressed with this story. The sister seemed a bit bossy telling the little boy all the rules he needed to follow if he ever met a dragon. The illustrations were also just a bit bland.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma's brother LOVES dragons. Emma gives her kid brother some advice on how to become friends with a dragon, from being brave to sharing lunch.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice loved this book that she could read all by herself about a boy whose sister gives him advice and rules to follow (or not to follow) when making friends with a dragon.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good messages about friendship, slightly too long for storytime (would need to be first book).

[Stephanie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rules for being friends with a dragon.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so much fun for my 4-year-old who is fascinated by the idea of dragons! Quick read. Fun enough to read a few times in a row.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

i would love to have a dragon as a friend. any dragon out there looking?? what fun. great illustrations. so fuN!!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon really wants a dragon. His sister, Emma, gives him instructions for being with a dragon. Humorous concepts and fun illustrations.

[Hallie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a cute book on a boy who befriends a dragon and I think younger students who like drangons would enjoy this book.

[Savannah Harpster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon loves dragons. He loves them so much that he wants to have one as friend. But his sister Emma says there are certain rules you have to follow first. She knows that you don’t poke a dragon when he’s napping because he might sneeze fire. You don’t be surprised if the dragon fries some eggs on his breath and don’t forget to wear a seat belt if you ride on his back. Rules like these are told to Simon to help make and keep a friend. This story is great for children trying to make friends. This story allows children to have a funny way of trying to make friends because if Simon can friends with a dragon than anyone can make friends. By reading this book children will have a bit of courage to try and make friends whether they are old or new ones.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Summer Reading Day 67: Today’s book was How To Be Friends With A Dragon by Valeri Gorbachev, a fantastic little tale about a boy who loves dragons so much that he hopes to someday befriend one. Upon telling his sister this, she extols the various rules to remember for those who want to become a dragon’s friend.

This is a really sweet and light story. There’s no real morals or grand lessons, it’s just meant to be a fun story about dragons and the little kids who love them. Though it was just a little long for baby bookworms (JJ was definitely getting antsy by the end), it would be a perfect length for slightly older kids, especially those who love dragons. The illustrations are very cute, and the story is relaxed and fun. Thumbs up from us!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Simon loved dragons. He loved dragon toys. He loved books about dragons, and drawing dragons. In fact, he loved everything about dragons.

Premise/plot: Simon would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to make friends with a real dragon. When he tells his secret to his older sister, Emma, she tells him EVERYTHING there is to know about making friends with dragons. Some things she's encouraging him to do; some things she's warning him not to do. Simon listens carefully as his sister dispenses wisdom.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. It was cute and funny at times. I like Emma and Simon very much. The dialogue seemed just right.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy loves dragons and would like to befriend one. His sister tells him the rules about befriending a dragon. This dragon story is shorter and a little bit more accesible for preschoolers than some of the other recent dragon picture books that have been published. Artwork is not my favorite, but does work with the story. Pen and ink plus watercolor just doesn't have as finished of a quality to it as other styles. Still, I am looking forward to reading this story at an upcoming storytime!

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get frequent requests for books about dragons for preschoolers and surprisingly, there are very few of them.
This fits the bill nicely and works beautifully. Simon loves dragons and wants to meet one. His slightly bigger sister Emma tells him all he will need to know when he does meet that dragon, explaining things like "Don't act surprised when the dragon fries a few eggs in his mouth" and "..if the dragon takes you flying on his back, don't forget to wear your seat belt".

Imaginative and nicely illustrated. Probably need to buy another copy for the dragon fans....

[Sunnyvale Librarian]

Simon loves dragons and confides to his sister, Emma that he would like to befriend one; luckily, Emma knows all the rules. Emma imparts her big sister knowledge by warning Simon to always be nice and behave well in the dragon's presence. She advises her brother not to play jokes on a sleeping dragon and when riding on a dragon's back, "don't forget to wear your seat belt." Gorbachev combines a friendly dragon and positive sibling relations to create a story that will be enjoyed by brothers and sisters.

[Bridget R. Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon loves dragons so much that he'd like to make friends. Luckily, Simon's sister Emma knows all the dragon befriending rules.

What I thought: Another good dragon picture book. In the fall, I'll pair How to Be Friends with a Dragon with Dave and Violet and Me and My Dragon for a great preschool story time. The illustrations are nice. I like all the colors. My favorites are dragon sleeping and saying good night.

Story Time Themes: Dragons, Friendship

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon's big sister Emma explains to him all the rules of being friends with a dragon. This simple, imaginative story captures the pros and cons of befriending a dragon. Despite all of his sister's warnings, Simon still longs for an adventures with his own dragon friend.

Recommended as a bedtime story. There are so many dragon stories out there and while this is a fine story, I don't think it will ultimately be a favorite for dragon lovers.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy loves dragons and has decided that he would like to meet one. His older sister gives him all kinds of advice about making friends with a dragon and ways to be nice to them. In reality his sister has given him a guide for being a good friend. Cute imaginative story about making and keeping friends.

[Deana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this for my dragon-loving nephews. This book was just too cute, I almost got a copy for myself. The little boy wants to befriend a dragon, and his sister explains all the rules to him -- don't show the dragon you are scared, don't tickle his nose (dragon sneezes are fiery!), don't bring him in the house, etc. I love it!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon loves everything, and all things about dragons. So when he tells his sister Emma that he wants to be friends with a dragon, she tells him the rules, and do's and don'ts to making friends with a dragon. A colorful tale about manners, and being a good friend.

[ReadingWench · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are great and the story good. This book would appeal to any child who loves dragons.

AR 2.3

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

oh bossy big sisters - why couldn't Emma let Simon pretend a little too?

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cute story about a boy who wants to befriend a dragon and his sister who tells him the rules of being friends with the creatures.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read aloud for small children about the rules one must know when wishing to befriend a dragon.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Nice and short, cute story and great illustrations. I might use this for storytime.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read. Wonderful illustrations. If you want to be friends with a dragon there are rules.....