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Dragon
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library
Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don't do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. Using rhyming text and a diverse cast of characters, this charming picture book will provide some important―and some not so important―library etiquette in a very entertaining way.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2016
56 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Julie Gassman
30 books45 followersJulie Gassman grew up in South Dakota. After college, she traded in small-town life for the world of magazine publishing in New York City. Julie now lives in southern Minnesota with her husband and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
February 6, 2017
Extremely cute and I would love to pick up a physical copy to read to my niece, as I did read this on my computer as a digital review book. The dragon is wonderfully illustrated and anything that helps teach kids the correct library behavior expectations is a win in my book. Plus, it was just downright adorable & fun to look at!
July 20, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I saw this one, and, naturally, as I love books, libraries and also dragons, had to read this book. And I am delighted that I was accepted to read this book.
This was a delightful little tale about why you shouldn’t bring your dragon with you to the library. There are various hilarious reasons why it is impossible for your dragon to come. They take a lot of space, or they will knock things over, or well… the list goes on. I laughed so hard at a lot of the reasons, I could just imagine it happening for real.
The rhyme (since the book is told in that) was pretty decent, at times I think it might be a bit too much for the age group to understand, and at times it felt a bit forced. But generally it was pretty fun.
The art/illustrations were nicely done. I love how the dragons were drawn, and it was fun to see not only one kid with a dragon, but various kids with various dragons. The art was also really colourful and fun to look at.
However, there was one thing that I didn’t like, and that also seemed to be against the rules or that was said to be a problem, yet was accepted as a solution.
But all in all, this is a book I would recommend. It is fun, it is playful, and who can resist books about dragons and libraries?
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I saw this one, and, naturally, as I love books, libraries and also dragons, had to read this book. And I am delighted that I was accepted to read this book.
This was a delightful little tale about why you shouldn’t bring your dragon with you to the library. There are various hilarious reasons why it is impossible for your dragon to come. They take a lot of space, or they will knock things over, or well… the list goes on. I laughed so hard at a lot of the reasons, I could just imagine it happening for real.
The rhyme (since the book is told in that) was pretty decent, at times I think it might be a bit too much for the age group to understand, and at times it felt a bit forced. But generally it was pretty fun.
The art/illustrations were nicely done. I love how the dragons were drawn, and it was fun to see not only one kid with a dragon, but various kids with various dragons. The art was also really colourful and fun to look at.
However, there was one thing that I didn’t like, and that also seemed to be against the rules or that was said to be a problem, yet was accepted as a solution.
But all in all, this is a book I would recommend. It is fun, it is playful, and who can resist books about dragons and libraries?
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
April 25, 2017
This book goes with me on all my outreach visits now. I have the kids say "Do NOT bring your dragon to the library" along with me and then ask them about what mishap is occurring in the pictures. Great illustrations that mange to be inclusive and subtle - children and dragons of all shapes, sizes, and colors fill the pages.
February 9, 2018
I wanted to love this book. The pictures are great and I LOVE that both the main boy and librarian are POC, but the actual story is very disappointing. The rhyming is super clunky and the refrain of bringing (or not bringing) the dragon to the library sometimes rhymes with the other lines and sometimes doesn’t. If I were to give this book a rating on the text, it would only get about 1.5 stars. It only gets 3 because of the adorable pictures & diversity presented in them.
May 23, 2016
3.5 stars
Kinda cute. My 3yo liked it, even though the ADE copy did not support a two-page spread, and has asked to read it again, but from an adult standpoint it didn't quite click with me. The illustrations were nice, with plenty of variety in dragons and children, but the rhymes didn't flow as naturally as I'd like, and overall it felt rather generic. I was reminded of the "How do dinosaurs..." series, which proved to be an unfortunate comparison because this wasn't quite as clever.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kinda cute. My 3yo liked it, even though the ADE copy did not support a two-page spread, and has asked to read it again, but from an adult standpoint it didn't quite click with me. The illustrations were nice, with plenty of variety in dragons and children, but the rhymes didn't flow as naturally as I'd like, and overall it felt rather generic. I was reminded of the "How do dinosaurs..." series, which proved to be an unfortunate comparison because this wasn't quite as clever.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
You probably can imagine from the title where this little tale is going. Yes, lots of problems indue if you bring a dragon to the library. But it's the delightful rhyme and hilarious pictures that gives this story its zing. Imagine an American subculture and you can be pretty sure it will be represented among the library patrons pictured here. And, of course, the book will have a happy ending. You don't want anyone, not even fire-breathing dragons, to be left out.
November 11, 2020
Day nine of Hannah's picture book challenge - a book with a BAME main character.
Dragons may love the library, but it doesn’t love them back. There’s the whole fire-breathing thing. Dragons also need space to manoeuvre, whether they’re enjoying story time, navigating the stacks, or dancing to the beat of visiting musicians. Does that mean they’re condemned to a life without books? The librarian has an idea: leave your dragons at home and bring the books to them.
Dragons may love the library, but it doesn’t love them back. There’s the whole fire-breathing thing. Dragons also need space to manoeuvre, whether they’re enjoying story time, navigating the stacks, or dancing to the beat of visiting musicians. Does that mean they’re condemned to a life without books? The librarian has an idea: leave your dragons at home and bring the books to them.
October 31, 2018
I like this, but I think the librarian could have been more accommodating to the dragons lol (like the picture of all the kids & their dragons reading outside). But I'm just being nit-picky because I have a bearded dragon and want to take him everywhere.
November 30, 2022
Really helpful advice.
August 2, 2019
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman. Illustrated by Andy Elkerton. Fiction Picture Series. Published by Capstone. ©2016. Imprint: Picture Window Books. Kindle edition. 5 Stars.
Awesome vividly colored artwork with a multi-racial cast in this cozy, delightful rhyming story that occurs in a library. Highly recommend this fun read!
Awesome vividly colored artwork with a multi-racial cast in this cozy, delightful rhyming story that occurs in a library. Highly recommend this fun read!
March 4, 2024
This fun story teaches good library behavior while entertaining kids with dragons.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.
May 24, 2023
I’m such a grumpy librarian. I wanted to share this with 3rd graders today. I loved the diversity represented in this book except the page where it shows we read books on old “white” men (illustrations). My other grumble, cuz I really wanted to love this story; that dragons can’t come to the library. Today I want everyone to be welcomed in the library. I get that the dragon is noisy but let’s teach them the rules instead of exclude them. Overall, I think kids will like it.
October 6, 2017
I liked the illustrations in this book more than the actual story, but still a fun book. Kind of disappointed that anyone would be discouraged from bringing someone to a library, but I get that it is supposed to be silly.
December 23, 2019
Such a bright and colorful book! I just loved it. The book follows a little boy that wants to bring his dragon to the library and all the reasons he shouldn't. A fun read for kids and gets even the little ones into fantasy early. I highly recommend it.
September 6, 2018
very funny book...kids love it and they stay quiet during story time
December 28, 2020
Alright children's book, not bat just not great.
February 21, 2024
"Having fun isn't hard, when you have a library card!" -not a quote from this book, but would have fit.
June 11, 2020
Like the illustration well enough, but it was painful to see the linguistic gymnastics to make the rhymes work.
August 24, 2017
LOVED the illustrations!
March 22, 2016
The story was very cute! It was told in rhyme which I think children would enjoy as a read aloud as it has a nice flow and rhythm. It was an introduction to visiting a library. It showed all the things you might encounter there besides just books on shelves. There might be storytelling, crafts, folk concerts, computers and more. By bringing in the idea of the dragon, it showed how to behave properly and respect the property, the activities and other people while you are there. The lesson wasn't pushed in the face, but rather subtle and could be inferred from the illustration of what not to do when at the library.
The illustrations were amazing. The colors were vibrant, bold, and would grab the attention of a child. I liked that they used different dragons throughout the story so it was not just one child and his/her dragon they were talking about. I loved the diversity of the children, including one in a wheelchair. There needs to be more of this in children's book. It was more realistic of what you would see in a school, classroom or a community. This was a great idea for a book.
This book would be wonderful as a read aloud to young and older children. It could be used from Pre-Kindergarten to late primary. I wish I had had this book in my class and library.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The illustrations were amazing. The colors were vibrant, bold, and would grab the attention of a child. I liked that they used different dragons throughout the story so it was not just one child and his/her dragon they were talking about. I loved the diversity of the children, including one in a wheelchair. There needs to be more of this in children's book. It was more realistic of what you would see in a school, classroom or a community. This was a great idea for a book.
This book would be wonderful as a read aloud to young and older children. It could be used from Pre-Kindergarten to late primary. I wish I had had this book in my class and library.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2016
The title of this book grabbed my attention immediately; I knew I had to read this book. And then there was the cover - how could I resist? I did read a review that gave me pause but I decided to go for it.
The artwork is adorable - cute but not sugary and nicely detailed. It perfectly captures and illuminates the text. There are numerous disasters and near disasters which most young children will find humorous. There are subtle references to the folk song, "Puff the Magic Dragon", such as the library's name. And a delightful bonus was the book's quiet diversity. There are children and adults of different races and a even a child in a wheelchair. What I liked about it was that they were simply part of the story; the author didn't make a big deal out of it.
The text was too long for my class of one year and young two year olds but children four and older would enjoy it. The author's love of reading and libraries is deftly conveyed and should excite some children. The text has rhyme and rhythm but they don't flow and the POV jumps without warning between the librarian and the child. The true treasure in this book is the artwork; it made me smile and laugh.
I got an egalley from the publisher for review but couldn't open it so I got the book from my library after it was released.
The artwork is adorable - cute but not sugary and nicely detailed. It perfectly captures and illuminates the text. There are numerous disasters and near disasters which most young children will find humorous. There are subtle references to the folk song, "Puff the Magic Dragon", such as the library's name. And a delightful bonus was the book's quiet diversity. There are children and adults of different races and a even a child in a wheelchair. What I liked about it was that they were simply part of the story; the author didn't make a big deal out of it.
The text was too long for my class of one year and young two year olds but children four and older would enjoy it. The author's love of reading and libraries is deftly conveyed and should excite some children. The text has rhyme and rhythm but they don't flow and the POV jumps without warning between the librarian and the child. The true treasure in this book is the artwork; it made me smile and laugh.
I got an egalley from the publisher for review but couldn't open it so I got the book from my library after it was released.
June 23, 2016
A copy of this book has been generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dragons, libraries, and inclusive media are a few of my favourite things, and Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library balances them well. There is a primer on library etiquette and what the library offers, an array of adorable dragons doing all sorts of dragon things, and a diverse cast of humans represented by the library patrons.
The illustrations are charming and vivid, and the overall tone is cheerful and gentle. I did feel a disconnect in the text, a break in the flow between the "do not bring your dragon to the library" bits and the rest of the rhymes, and I think it would have a bigger impact were there more of a narrative story present. However, it still feels like something that may go over very well at a storytime and it is beautifully presented.
Dragons, libraries, and inclusive media are a few of my favourite things, and Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library balances them well. There is a primer on library etiquette and what the library offers, an array of adorable dragons doing all sorts of dragon things, and a diverse cast of humans represented by the library patrons.
The illustrations are charming and vivid, and the overall tone is cheerful and gentle. I did feel a disconnect in the text, a break in the flow between the "do not bring your dragon to the library" bits and the rest of the rhymes, and I think it would have a bigger impact were there more of a narrative story present. However, it still feels like something that may go over very well at a storytime and it is beautifully presented.
September 12, 2022
This was creative, as one would expect. With a lovely rhyming scheme, it details all the reasons bringing your pet dragon to the library is a bad idea - from dancing too vigorously at a musical program to setting the books alight in excitement! I loved the whimsy, and I loved the bold illustrations and especially the variety of children and dragon pairs depicted :-)
Now as a librarian myself, I do have to comment: While I did really approve of the presentation of today's modern library (much more than just the books on the shelves!) I was still a bit disappointed by the sweater clad, muted skirt wearing librarian with stereotypical half moon glasses and bun (even if she was a person of color!)
Now as a librarian myself, I do have to comment: While I did really approve of the presentation of today's modern library (much more than just the books on the shelves!) I was still a bit disappointed by the sweater clad, muted skirt wearing librarian with stereotypical half moon glasses and bun (even if she was a person of color!)
March 27, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a great idea, but it fell a bit flat for me.
There was a lot of diversity in this book. There were children of different ethnicities, disabled children, etc. However, the scope of diversity didn't save it from a rather weak execution of plot.
The art was cute, perfectly adequate, but there wasn't anything that popped about the book. It had the basics of what a library might include these days: the genres, the computers for research and games, etc. There was a generic rhyme scheme that would be good for little kids learning about rhyming words, but that's about it.
This book was a great idea, but it fell a bit flat for me.
There was a lot of diversity in this book. There were children of different ethnicities, disabled children, etc. However, the scope of diversity didn't save it from a rather weak execution of plot.
The art was cute, perfectly adequate, but there wasn't anything that popped about the book. It had the basics of what a library might include these days: the genres, the computers for research and games, etc. There was a generic rhyme scheme that would be good for little kids learning about rhyming words, but that's about it.
January 26, 2020
Anyone who knows me even a little bit can't help but know that I LOVE DRAGONS. I work in a library. I may be old [60+] but I am very fond of children's picture books. [I have written a series of my own which I am trying to get published].
So it was a no-brainer for my daughter to take one look at this title and know that it was the perfect gift for me.
Bold, colourful illustrations of beautiful dragons, rhyming text, a brilliant message, this book has everything you could wish for.
So it was a no-brainer for my daughter to take one look at this title and know that it was the perfect gift for me.
Bold, colourful illustrations of beautiful dragons, rhyming text, a brilliant message, this book has everything you could wish for.
September 8, 2025
Very cute book. Lots of laughs for kids. A great book to welcome kids to a library, then go over library rules and expectations for behavior. Perfect for storytime! It is playful and silly with great art! I read this to the kids while breaking the books primary rule: I brought a dragon to the library!
December 29, 2016
Cute and funny! This would be a great read-aloud for library outreach to the schools. It gently teaches proper library etiquette. Plus, kids can have fun chiming in with the repeated refrain. The illustrations are colorful and expressive, and I love the diversity of the kids and adults! My only complaint is that the rhyme seemed to fall a little flat in places.
August 25, 2016
I think I wanted to see a better resolution at the end. Dragons reminded me of troublesome children and I wouldn't encourage them to stay home. As a Librarian, I would have wanted to find a way to make it work for the dragons to be in the library.
January 18, 2020
I love this because:
A. It has dragons.
B. It teaches the reader about library services.
C. It has a diverse cast of characters
and D. It's good for storytimes because you can get the kids to yell with you
A. It has dragons.
B. It teaches the reader about library services.
C. It has a diverse cast of characters
and D. It's good for storytimes because you can get the kids to yell with you
March 18, 2016
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews