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Once Upon a Tail (Once Upon a Tail #1): A Horse and Dragon Graphic Novel
Full of heart and humor, this early reader graphic novel series stars two best friends in a fantastical medieval setting, perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly and Peter & Ernesto
Wallace is a knightly horse who loves rules. Poppy is a free-spirit dragon who loves adventure.
These two unlikely pals disagree on most everything—but still manage to have a lot of fun-filled shenanigans together in the Land of La-Dee-Dah.
Told in three short and silly stories with subtle social-emotional themes, this young graphic novel follows the everyday adventures of two best buds as they step out of their comfort zones, discover hidden powers, and eat a LOT of banana pudding. With a high-interest fantasy setting, accessible reading level, and kid-perfect humor, this series is designed for emerging and reluctant readers alike.
Wallace is a knightly horse who loves rules. Poppy is a free-spirit dragon who loves adventure.
These two unlikely pals disagree on most everything—but still manage to have a lot of fun-filled shenanigans together in the Land of La-Dee-Dah.
Told in three short and silly stories with subtle social-emotional themes, this young graphic novel follows the everyday adventures of two best buds as they step out of their comfort zones, discover hidden powers, and eat a LOT of banana pudding. With a high-interest fantasy setting, accessible reading level, and kid-perfect humor, this series is designed for emerging and reluctant readers alike.
72 pages, Hardcover
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
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September 6, 2025Narwhal and Jelly readalike.
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April 18, 2026See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/once-upon-...
ONCE UPON A TAIL is an entertaining early graphic novel with plenty of humor and themes of friendship. The book is broken into three stories with a roundtable at the end. In the first story, Poppy the dragon wants to be a superhero, but Wallace says that dragons are supposed to be the villains. Once they shrug off societal expectations, they decide that their skills are pretty super - and they are both superheroes! In the second story, they try new foods, and in the third, Poppy gets a haircut.
What I loved: These are fantastically fun stories, perfect for early independent readers. The graphic novel features large panels, short dialogue, and plenty of color and detail. This is great for early independent readers who are moving on from picture books, but not fully into chapter books (or anyone who loves to laugh!). The dialogue is easily attributable and written in a clear font, so it is easy to follow and read.
The stories themselves have great themes of friendship, being true to yourself, and not bearing the weight of social expectations. Across the stories, these are all conveyed well, with plenty of humor and good fun. A goat that appears throughout provides extra humor and delivers some of the funniest lines and faces! Poppy and Wallace are both charming characters that children will enjoy - a delightful new graphic novel duo!
Final verdict: ONCE UPON A TAIL is a delightful new graphic novel with strong themes, charming characters, and easy-to-follow text that is perfect for early independent readers!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
ONCE UPON A TAIL is an entertaining early graphic novel with plenty of humor and themes of friendship. The book is broken into three stories with a roundtable at the end. In the first story, Poppy the dragon wants to be a superhero, but Wallace says that dragons are supposed to be the villains. Once they shrug off societal expectations, they decide that their skills are pretty super - and they are both superheroes! In the second story, they try new foods, and in the third, Poppy gets a haircut.
What I loved: These are fantastically fun stories, perfect for early independent readers. The graphic novel features large panels, short dialogue, and plenty of color and detail. This is great for early independent readers who are moving on from picture books, but not fully into chapter books (or anyone who loves to laugh!). The dialogue is easily attributable and written in a clear font, so it is easy to follow and read.
The stories themselves have great themes of friendship, being true to yourself, and not bearing the weight of social expectations. Across the stories, these are all conveyed well, with plenty of humor and good fun. A goat that appears throughout provides extra humor and delivers some of the funniest lines and faces! Poppy and Wallace are both charming characters that children will enjoy - a delightful new graphic novel duo!
Final verdict: ONCE UPON A TAIL is a delightful new graphic novel with strong themes, charming characters, and easy-to-follow text that is perfect for early independent readers!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2026
These two best friends are ready for adventure thanks to their amazing imaginations, a bit of humor, and a few, unexpected revelations along the way.
Wallace is a horse, and Poppy is a dragon, and these two are as good of friends as friends can be. Poppy also embraces fun with a good portion of fantasy, but then, she is a dragon. Or a superhero? Or a banana pudding fan? Poppy is ready to be whatever she wants to be, but Wallace reminds her that dragons should follow some rules. The two go back and forth in enjoyable ways as they discover who they are and who they want to be.
There are three, short tales in this book, each one heading through a small adventure. A Table of Contents in the beginning helps readers immediately go to their favorite one. The first follows Poppy as she wants to prove to Wallace that she, a dragon, can be a superhero...and maybe, horses like him too. The second dives into preconceptions and yummy foods. The last slides by with pure fun and misunderstandings to round everything off with smiles pure. Oh, and there's a final scene with a last, cute interview of the characters. Each tale promises giggles while working in a bit of a message, but it stays silly, adorable, and, for all things, highlights how amazing friendship can be.
The illustrations are bright and bold, bringing across the personalities of Wallace and Poppy nicely. They let the humor work in right along with the text and help beginning readers follow the story while they read the words. The text is set for those readers who are pretty sure of their words but could use a little more practice. It's kept short and to the point to keep even more reluctant readers from growing frustrated.
It will be fun to see what this enjoyable duo will be up to next.
Wallace is a horse, and Poppy is a dragon, and these two are as good of friends as friends can be. Poppy also embraces fun with a good portion of fantasy, but then, she is a dragon. Or a superhero? Or a banana pudding fan? Poppy is ready to be whatever she wants to be, but Wallace reminds her that dragons should follow some rules. The two go back and forth in enjoyable ways as they discover who they are and who they want to be.
There are three, short tales in this book, each one heading through a small adventure. A Table of Contents in the beginning helps readers immediately go to their favorite one. The first follows Poppy as she wants to prove to Wallace that she, a dragon, can be a superhero...and maybe, horses like him too. The second dives into preconceptions and yummy foods. The last slides by with pure fun and misunderstandings to round everything off with smiles pure. Oh, and there's a final scene with a last, cute interview of the characters. Each tale promises giggles while working in a bit of a message, but it stays silly, adorable, and, for all things, highlights how amazing friendship can be.
The illustrations are bright and bold, bringing across the personalities of Wallace and Poppy nicely. They let the humor work in right along with the text and help beginning readers follow the story while they read the words. The text is set for those readers who are pretty sure of their words but could use a little more practice. It's kept short and to the point to keep even more reluctant readers from growing frustrated.
It will be fun to see what this enjoyable duo will be up to next.
June 3, 2026
The first story in this very junior comic has the friends Poppy the dragon and Wallace the horse (who likes line fishing, of course) decide to be superheroes, and try and force their way against type into the pages of a kids book. Then, just as they quibbled about who writes the superhero stories that don't represent them, they kvetch over lists defining what each should eat. Poppy then gets a new haircut and takes all the compliments directed at Wallace for his new glasses, and that's about it.
It's rather on the disposable side, but it does definitely have a woke side of things, with representation, being shoved into stereotype-shaped boxes, and unconditional friendship being the subjects here. To that end it certainly does what it wants to achieve, being brightly-coloured, easily-read fun that actually could launch a surprising amount of classroom or home-learning discussion. And luckily you can also take this at face value, and not worry about the deeper meaning of it all – this certainly never once reads like a lesson, and builds a nice layer of whimsy over everything (partly with the help of the characters' favourite puddings). Three and a half stars, for I do think it a touch too forgettable, but this is one of those books that could grow to a decent set that ultimately encourages a fondness for them deserving four stars.
It's rather on the disposable side, but it does definitely have a woke side of things, with representation, being shoved into stereotype-shaped boxes, and unconditional friendship being the subjects here. To that end it certainly does what it wants to achieve, being brightly-coloured, easily-read fun that actually could launch a surprising amount of classroom or home-learning discussion. And luckily you can also take this at face value, and not worry about the deeper meaning of it all – this certainly never once reads like a lesson, and builds a nice layer of whimsy over everything (partly with the help of the characters' favourite puddings). Three and a half stars, for I do think it a touch too forgettable, but this is one of those books that could grow to a decent set that ultimately encourages a fondness for them deserving four stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this for free. All opinions are purely my own.
6 STARS!!! We will be preordering this....enough said.
But seriously, just order it, you wont be disappointed.
This is a first reader comic for young kids. It contains three separate stories of a pink dragon and a horse. This captures all the magic of the Elephant and Piggy books, but with a fantasy twist. We loved it. My oldest son devoured Elephant and Piggy a few years ago, and he was immediately asking if we could buy it, and are there more.
What I thought: At first I thought this was merely an elephant and piggy knockoff, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was hilarious. It was easy to read, and whats more it kept both my kids interested and engaged. Anything that my oldest will read by himself is a win in my book. Definitely mom approved here.
What my 8 year old thought: 10 stars, one of the best books I've ever read. Loved it.
What my 4 year old thought: 7 stars, the hair cut story was hilarious.
(Clearly neither my children or I understand the 5 star rating system here.)
6 STARS!!! We will be preordering this....enough said.
But seriously, just order it, you wont be disappointed.
This is a first reader comic for young kids. It contains three separate stories of a pink dragon and a horse. This captures all the magic of the Elephant and Piggy books, but with a fantasy twist. We loved it. My oldest son devoured Elephant and Piggy a few years ago, and he was immediately asking if we could buy it, and are there more.
What I thought: At first I thought this was merely an elephant and piggy knockoff, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was hilarious. It was easy to read, and whats more it kept both my kids interested and engaged. Anything that my oldest will read by himself is a win in my book. Definitely mom approved here.
What my 8 year old thought: 10 stars, one of the best books I've ever read. Loved it.
What my 4 year old thought: 7 stars, the hair cut story was hilarious.
(Clearly neither my children or I understand the 5 star rating system here.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In a fantastical, medieval world, two unlikely creatures become best buds despite the rules and the shenanigans that follow. Meet Poppy, a fun-loving adventure follower, who’s also a pink dragon. Then there’s Wallace, a strict follower of the-things-that-are (aka a rule follower), who’s a knightly horse. Through disagreements of what desserts taste better to the standards of who you’re meant to be, these best friends start their story like any other… with humor and some definite magical powers.
Why is this graphic novel so cute? I absolutely adored it and definitely want some more stories of these two best friends: a dragon and a horse. Bright pinks and creamy yellows come together to paint a tale of Wallace and Poppy in three short adventures and a lot of banana pudding. Drawing on the side, getting to know one’s emotions and the power of friendship, these two are silly and fun, with a dash of humorous magic.
In a fantastical, medieval world, two unlikely creatures become best buds despite the rules and the shenanigans that follow. Meet Poppy, a fun-loving adventure follower, who’s also a pink dragon. Then there’s Wallace, a strict follower of the-things-that-are (aka a rule follower), who’s a knightly horse. Through disagreements of what desserts taste better to the standards of who you’re meant to be, these best friends start their story like any other… with humor and some definite magical powers.
Why is this graphic novel so cute? I absolutely adored it and definitely want some more stories of these two best friends: a dragon and a horse. Bright pinks and creamy yellows come together to paint a tale of Wallace and Poppy in three short adventures and a lot of banana pudding. Drawing on the side, getting to know one’s emotions and the power of friendship, these two are silly and fun, with a dash of humorous magic.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This adorable early graphic novel is perfect for elementary school readers. It follows Wallace, who is a horse with a penchant for following rules and Poppy, a dragon who thinks outside of the box. These two friends balance each other out in multiple different scenarios. In one segment, Poppy teaches Wallace about trying new foods and figuring out how to use his everyday personality as a superpower. Likewise, Wallace teaches Poppy about how to have uncomfortable conversations, as for example when he explains that he did not see the difference in her haircut even though they spent time together all day. The characters have cute quirks: Poppy loves bananas while Wallace gets a new pair of glasses. The book is loosely set in medieval times, although the characters talk and act like they might in the present day. The illustrations are wonderful and draw the reader into the story, adding bright and cheerful elements. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
May 26, 2026
MAKE MORE NOW PLEASE!
My students are going to go absolutely crazy for this series, and I already know they will completely fall in love with Wallace and Poppy. These characters are so lovable, funny, and full of personality, and their friendship is incredibly heartwarming.
I especially loved how the book is divided into three short stories. Each one tells a completely different story with its own message, while still keeping the same humour, warmth, and wonderful friendship dynamics throughout. The themes of acceptance, friendship, being yourself, and stepping outside your comfort zone were handled in such a meaningful way for younger readers.
The fantasy setting makes this feel extra fun and imaginative, while the graphic novel format and shorter stories make it perfect for emerging and reluctant readers. There’s humour, adventure, emotion, and even banana pudding. What more could you want?
Get this one! (and again, MAKE MORE PLEASE!)
My students are going to go absolutely crazy for this series, and I already know they will completely fall in love with Wallace and Poppy. These characters are so lovable, funny, and full of personality, and their friendship is incredibly heartwarming.
I especially loved how the book is divided into three short stories. Each one tells a completely different story with its own message, while still keeping the same humour, warmth, and wonderful friendship dynamics throughout. The themes of acceptance, friendship, being yourself, and stepping outside your comfort zone were handled in such a meaningful way for younger readers.
The fantasy setting makes this feel extra fun and imaginative, while the graphic novel format and shorter stories make it perfect for emerging and reluctant readers. There’s humour, adventure, emotion, and even banana pudding. What more could you want?
Get this one! (and again, MAKE MORE PLEASE!)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
[Read as an electronic prerelease from NetGalley] If your young reader likes Elephant and Piggy, but isn’t challenged, or they enjoy the antics of Narwhal and Jelly but have read them all, here’s a new series for you! Audrey and Charlene have created a full-color graphic novel about two best friends set in a medieval fantasy world. Word choices are more difficult, humor is more subtle, and there’s a random 4-wall-breaking goat (love the goat, although he doesn’t appear to have a name). Is it fun? Yes. Is it cute? Sure. Is it groundbreaking and new? Um, not really. Are the kids going to like it? You bet. I will be recommending this to my patrons ages 1st-4th grade right alongside Narwhal and Jelly and The Bad Guys. 3/5 stars - Decent but probably won't read it again. Nice to have an alternative recommendation for its particular genre
March 31, 2026
ONCE UPON A TAIL is an adorable and humorous early reader graphic novel that follows two unlikely friends—Poppy, a dragon, and Wallace, a horse—as they navigate their everyday adventures. They don’t always see eye to eye, whether it’s about their favorite pudding or what counts as a superpower. And they sometimes miss the obvious, but that’s what makes their friendship feel so real and enduring. At its heart, this graphic novel celebrates the joy of differences and the strength of true friendship. Young readers will enjoy the playful humor and relatable moments between these two friends. Fans of Elephant and Piggy and Narwhal and Jelly will absolutely fall in love with the charming duo of Poppy and Wallace!
April 28, 2026
Audrey coked with this one!!!
One thing I love about Audrey's books is that she absolutely NAILS IT when it comes to blending humor with heart! And ONCE UPON A TAIL is no exception!
Also the at?? So freaking fun! I want to live in this universe with Poppy (the dragon) and Wallace (the horse!)
The reader in your life whose ready for early readers NEEDS this book. The graphic novel format is so accessible to kids building their reading skills, and the adventures these two get into from the very first page are so much fun! Poppy and Wallace are such a compelling duo, and if you want a book that makes reading feel fun, then this book is IT.
One thing I love about Audrey's books is that she absolutely NAILS IT when it comes to blending humor with heart! And ONCE UPON A TAIL is no exception!
Also the at?? So freaking fun! I want to live in this universe with Poppy (the dragon) and Wallace (the horse!)
The reader in your life whose ready for early readers NEEDS this book. The graphic novel format is so accessible to kids building their reading skills, and the adventures these two get into from the very first page are so much fun! Poppy and Wallace are such a compelling duo, and if you want a book that makes reading feel fun, then this book is IT.
April 30, 2026
In true Audrey Perrott fashion, she can take serious messages like not being bound by others' opinions about who you should be or what you should do, and set them in a slightly absurd setting, give us absolutely endearing characters that we love immediately, give us one laughable scenario after another (like, I seriously laughed out loud.) and in the end, bring it all full circle to recognizing the power of who we are at our core. Amazing! Kids will love the humor. Parents will love the wholesome reminder to be yourself, believe in yourself and don't be afraid to think outside of the box people try to put you in.
August 15, 2025
This is a great early readers graphic novel with a simple artwork and stories. I like that it has three stories. The fourth walling thing worked in the two stories is good. However, the last story in this book takes the cake. It's not just about cute, witty and humorous, it's has that heartwarming and "made you smile" vibes in it that will resonate to the readers more than the two early stories. But that doesn't mean that the two first stories are not good. For a kid, they will love these stories of Poppy and Wallace their unique traits and their friendship.
December 21, 2025
What is more lovable than a horse and dragon as a best friend duo? Nothing! Wallace and Poppy are utterly delightful in their shenanigans whether it is finding their superpowers, getting new glasses or simply discovering a love of new foods (or a dislike for some food mashups. I really liked the dynamics between the two friends. I think this graphic novel teaches some solid social-emotional lessons about discovering your own brand of magic, recognizing a new style in a friend or discovering little new things about each other and ourselves. (Eat that banana pudding!).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Once Upon a Tail" is an adorable early reader graphic novel featuring two delightful best friends: Wallace the Horse and Poppy the Dragon. This series opener offers new readers three fun and silly stories following these two besties as they explore what makes a superhero, new foods to try, and changes to appearances (a new haircut and new glasses). Young readers are sure to love these two goofy friends, along with the background antics of a goat who goes mostly unnoticed by Poppy and Wallace. Fans of Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie series will find much to love here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You have Narwhal and Jelly, Piggy and Elephant, now Audrey Perrott gives us the lovable, adorable duo of Wallace and Poppy! A horse and dragon friendship that leads to a fun, hilarious, antic-filled read-aloud for a classroom or a good read for a first timer. Each story pulls you in enough that you want more and more from Wallace and Poppy, but you only get three great predicaments, so you read it again until the next book comes out. Where Wallace and Poppy find themselves in new adventures, or are still learning to be superheroes.
April 23, 2026
This graphic novel is adorable, and chock-full of hilarious little details. Poppy and Wallace will delight young readers with their witty banter as they navigate friendship, self-awareness, the merits of a good banana pudding, etc. My favorite part of this book (and what I believe makes it stand out among all the buddy duo books) is that it breaks the 4th wall, and does so in a way that hits perfectly with kid-level humor. I sincerely hope Poppy and Wallace have many more stories to share with us.
June 4, 2026
Great humor and friendship dynamics! The format is easy to follow and great for early graphic novel readers. I love how the characters ask and answer big questions, like what makes a superhero? Who gets to decide what you should like? Is it ok to have different preferences? etc. This book shows what it means to be unabashedly yourself while still cultivating authentic, kind friendships (that sometimes include disagreements, uncertainty, and pushing your own boundaries). On my to-gift list for the early readers in my life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Readers will enjoy the fun and friendship between Poppy and Wallace in these three stories in one! Audrey Perrott does a wonderful job of bringing out humor, while also challenging readers to think about their superpowers (whether it be the regular or truly super kind) and why they shouldn't always put themselves into stereotypes. Love the illustrations from Charlene Chua who captures the pair's vibe with brigh colors, clear linework and lots of pleasing, nature-themed panels.
August 14, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming three part graphic early reader! Charming and silly, playful and quick, this is the exact type of book that newly independent yet reluctant readers will love to read: a dynamic duo, a magical setting, and funny jokes. As a kindergarten and first grade bridge teacher, I will be buying this book for my classroom independent reading library, and I look forward to the next books in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Young readers are going to LOVE this engaging duo. In three sweet and fun stories, Poppy (the dragon) and Wallace (the horse) navigate friendship in lots of giggle-worthy ways.
It’s a lot of joy in a manageable package and a great way to introduce new readers to a graphic novel format. Kids will gobble these up!
It’s a lot of joy in a manageable package and a great way to introduce new readers to a graphic novel format. Kids will gobble these up!
Review of advance copy
Kids who love graphic novels should check out this book with three mini-stories inside. The tales feature a dragon and a horse who are best friends, and have adventures together while also subtly showing young readers examples of compromise, exploration, and questioning stereotypes without getting preachy. Bright artwork also showcases interesting supporting characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For readers who loved Elephant & Piggie or Frog & Toad, here are Horse & Dragon (Wallace and Poppy). This fun duo show that even superheroes can be super friends! My favorite story was "Poppy Gets a Haircut," which made me laugh out loud. Readers will love the adventures our sweet friends go on. Recommended for homes, classrooms, and libraries.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This early graphic novel will have your children laughing out loud and eager to keep reading. Told in three short tales about two friends - Wallace, a knightly horse, and Poppy, a free-spirited dragon - who disagree often but have so much fun while doing it. Each story offers silly daily adventures with subtle social-emotional themes woven in. There is so much to enjoy here.
March 31, 2026
This is fun, humorous, early reader graphic novel style book. The art is simple, yet very engaging and colorful—adding to the humor throughout the book. It contains 3 short stories, focusing on the friendship between a dragon and a horse. I think readers will enjoy this fast paced, funny, relatable friendship dynamic with these two characters, reminiscent of Elephant and Piggie.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a cute graphic novel! Gives me similar vibes to the Fitz and Cleo series, with one half of the duo being more of the free spirit and the other being a bit more down to earth. The dialogue is funny, and would be great for 1st-2nd graders. I also really love the goat that makes an appearance in every story. Excited it's going to be a series!
April 21, 2026
Kids will LOVE the opening tale about a rule-breaking dragon named Poppy and a skeptical horse named Wallace. This graphic novel is sure to draw in young readers as they root for Poppy and Wallace to achieve their dreams of becoming superheroes. This book has three separate stories so readers will feel accomplished as they work their way through the adventures of these two best friends.
April 27, 2026
Meet Poppy and Wallace, a dragon and horse who live in the land of Lah-Dee-Dah, where they ponder superpowers, eat banana pudding, and break the fourth wall. Each of the interconnected vignettes is filled with humor, adorable art, and situations that test the bonds of interspecies friendship. A great series opener!
May 1, 2026
The delightful and unexpected(!) duo of Poppy & Wallace endears themselves to the reader with lightning speed (well, certainly faster than a goat-pulled wagon). I love how they break stereotypes through the curiosity that comes with innocence and model self-awareness in the cutest ways. Prepare for giggles, great insights, and a friendship that’s both grounded and magical.
May 5, 2026
This is such a cute and funny book, that follows two best friends, in three short stories. The first story breaks the fourth wall and pulls the readers into the hilarious interactions between Wallace the Horse and Poppy the Dragon as they figure out what it means to be a super hero. You will giggle your way through this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews