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Night Dragon
“I wish I could fly, and breathe fire, and fill the sky with great grey, sooty clouds,” Maud said to her friend, Mouse.Maud is picked on by the other dragons, so stays cooped up in her cave, sad and lonely. But when the chance comes, will her friend Mouse help her pluck up the courage to fly? A touching and beautiful picture book about individuality and friendship from Naomi Howarth, whose first book The Crow's Tale was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 25, 2018
About the author
Naomi Howarth
6 books12 followersNaomi Howarth is a costume designer as well as an illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of The Crow's Tale, which was short-listed for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 2, 2018
The Night Dragon: Remember Smaug?
Yeah, this isn't about the fire-breathing dwarf-killing type of dragon.
This is about a really sweet dragon and the origin of colourful sunsets.
What a gorgeous and charming cover! I loved Maud's unique dragonly look from the get go.
On top of a very high mountain, far away, lived a dragon.
Her name was Maud. Maud was one of five Dragons - but she wasn't like the other dragons at all. They were night dragons.
This is the story of Maud, a dragon unlike the others. All the other dragons, who are vicious, cruel and largely dragon like in every way (except majestic) tease and make fun of Maud. And so Maud looks for friends in the smallest of creatures - a Mouse.
You don't need to be a scary brute to be a dragon. You just need to be yourself.
Mouse encourages Maud with his beautiful innocence and tenacity to help Maud fly.
I really enjoy how contrast of positions in the foreground and background are used as well as colours to show the contrast between Maud and her fellow dragons - it's subtle and well done for a children's book.
While the others make the night dark and stormy with their smoke, Maud makes the daylight beautifully coloured with hers.
So next time you see a colourful sunset, you'll know Mouse and Maud aren't far away.
What a lovely mythological tale and lesson painted like a beautiful rainbow.
Thanks to Patty and Jane for convincing me with their beautiful reviews of this same book:
Patty's Review
Jane's review
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Yeah, this isn't about the fire-breathing dwarf-killing type of dragon.
This is about a really sweet dragon and the origin of colourful sunsets.
What a gorgeous and charming cover! I loved Maud's unique dragonly look from the get go.
On top of a very high mountain, far away, lived a dragon.
Her name was Maud. Maud was one of five Dragons - but she wasn't like the other dragons at all. They were night dragons.
This is the story of Maud, a dragon unlike the others. All the other dragons, who are vicious, cruel and largely dragon like in every way (except majestic) tease and make fun of Maud. And so Maud looks for friends in the smallest of creatures - a Mouse.
You don't need to be a scary brute to be a dragon. You just need to be yourself.
Mouse encourages Maud with his beautiful innocence and tenacity to help Maud fly.
I really enjoy how contrast of positions in the foreground and background are used as well as colours to show the contrast between Maud and her fellow dragons - it's subtle and well done for a children's book.
While the others make the night dark and stormy with their smoke, Maud makes the daylight beautifully coloured with hers.
So next time you see a colourful sunset, you'll know Mouse and Maud aren't far away.
What a lovely mythological tale and lesson painted like a beautiful rainbow.
Thanks to Patty and Jane for convincing me with their beautiful reviews of this same book:
Patty's Review
Jane's review
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2018
5★
I love the premise, a Kiplingesque “Just So” story, where a sort of fable explains a natural phenomenon, such as “How the Camel Got His Hump”. This is a story to explain how we got the night sky, sometimes dark and dull, and sometimes with vivid colours. I especially love the illustrations.
"On top of a very high mountain, in a land far away, lived a dragon."
There are wonderful/terrible silly, plainly-coloured night dragons, the fat, fire-belching behemoths that fly off into the night air every night, breathing out great, grey clouds to darken the sky at the end of the day. Maud, on the other hand, is so deliciously coloured she looks positively edible, like an ice-cream sundae covered with sauces!
“Every evening, when the sun was low in the sky, Delbert, Gar, Brimlad and Nelda would wake up from a long sleep. They would swoop into the air, breathing huge flames of fire, and fill the sky with great grey, sooty clouds. As these clouds covered the sun, darkness would fall, and day would turn to night.”
They tease Maud, saying she’s too weak to fly. But Maud’s little mate, Mouse, isn’t convinced. He reckons if she puts her mind to it, she can do it.
One day, after a very long, happy birthday party (to which Maud wasn't invited!), the night dragons slept past the end of the day and night wasn't coming!
They obviously aren't going to be fit to fly anytime soon.
Poor Maud doesn't know what to do!
Ah, but that's where it's good to have a sidekick who believes in you! Mouse tells her he will stay with her, she can do it. Just step off the mountain and fly!
"With Mouse’s words in her ear, Maud felt a little bit braver. There was only one thing for it…"
And off they go, across the countryside, spreading a glorious sunset.
And across the city.
The landscapes and cityscapes are busy and delightful.
“'Thank you for believing in me, Mouse,' said Maud.
"Thank you for the adventure,' he squeaked. 'I rather like being a flying mouse! And look how beautiful you have made everything, just by being yourself.'"
Of course, we'll still have some plainer dark nights. The other night dragons eventually wake up, but "next time you see a colourful sunset, you’ll know that Maud and Mouse aren’t far away."
I may never look at a sunset again without thinking of night dragons! Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing's Lincoln Children's Books for the glorious preview copy that I just had to share pictures from. It would be a wonderful gift book for children to spot all the little people and creatures in each picture and hope Maud and Mouse will remind them to be their best selves.
I love the premise, a Kiplingesque “Just So” story, where a sort of fable explains a natural phenomenon, such as “How the Camel Got His Hump”. This is a story to explain how we got the night sky, sometimes dark and dull, and sometimes with vivid colours. I especially love the illustrations.
"On top of a very high mountain, in a land far away, lived a dragon."
There are wonderful/terrible silly, plainly-coloured night dragons, the fat, fire-belching behemoths that fly off into the night air every night, breathing out great, grey clouds to darken the sky at the end of the day. Maud, on the other hand, is so deliciously coloured she looks positively edible, like an ice-cream sundae covered with sauces!
“Every evening, when the sun was low in the sky, Delbert, Gar, Brimlad and Nelda would wake up from a long sleep. They would swoop into the air, breathing huge flames of fire, and fill the sky with great grey, sooty clouds. As these clouds covered the sun, darkness would fall, and day would turn to night.”
They tease Maud, saying she’s too weak to fly. But Maud’s little mate, Mouse, isn’t convinced. He reckons if she puts her mind to it, she can do it.
One day, after a very long, happy birthday party (to which Maud wasn't invited!), the night dragons slept past the end of the day and night wasn't coming!
They obviously aren't going to be fit to fly anytime soon.
Poor Maud doesn't know what to do!
Ah, but that's where it's good to have a sidekick who believes in you! Mouse tells her he will stay with her, she can do it. Just step off the mountain and fly!
"With Mouse’s words in her ear, Maud felt a little bit braver. There was only one thing for it…"
And off they go, across the countryside, spreading a glorious sunset.
And across the city.
The landscapes and cityscapes are busy and delightful.
“'Thank you for believing in me, Mouse,' said Maud.
"Thank you for the adventure,' he squeaked. 'I rather like being a flying mouse! And look how beautiful you have made everything, just by being yourself.'"
Of course, we'll still have some plainer dark nights. The other night dragons eventually wake up, but "next time you see a colourful sunset, you’ll know that Maud and Mouse aren’t far away."
I may never look at a sunset again without thinking of night dragons! Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing's Lincoln Children's Books for the glorious preview copy that I just had to share pictures from. It would be a wonderful gift book for children to spot all the little people and creatures in each picture and hope Maud and Mouse will remind them to be their best selves.
April 29, 2019
The Night Dragon is a lovely little origin story of how colourful sunsets came to be. Maud is one of five dragons, but she isn't quite like the others. Each evening the other dragons fly around the sky breathing fire and filling the sky with smoke that blocks out the sun and brings the darkness of night. Maud, though, is nervous about flying and breathing fire and so she is teased and left as an outcast by the others.
Her only friend, Mouse, tries to encourage her to try flying and breathing fire, but Maud really isn't confident that it is something she could do. One evening, after a day of too much partying, the other dragons are in a deep sleep when it comes time to bring night to the sky, so Maud must try to face her fears. When she does, she's surprised to discover not only that she can fly and breath fire, but that her fire creates colourful smoke that fills the sky with beautiful streaks.
This is a sweet little story about facing fears and having friends who believe in you, and I wouldn't mind reading it night after night. 4.5 stars rounded up for this beautiful story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for providing me with a DRC of this book.
Her only friend, Mouse, tries to encourage her to try flying and breathing fire, but Maud really isn't confident that it is something she could do. One evening, after a day of too much partying, the other dragons are in a deep sleep when it comes time to bring night to the sky, so Maud must try to face her fears. When she does, she's surprised to discover not only that she can fly and breath fire, but that her fire creates colourful smoke that fills the sky with beautiful streaks.
This is a sweet little story about facing fears and having friends who believe in you, and I wouldn't mind reading it night after night. 4.5 stars rounded up for this beautiful story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for providing me with a DRC of this book.
June 24, 2022
I love a simple, few words children's story. Not only because it means they are quick to read before bed to children (no one really wants to read all the words in Dr. Seuss every night, let's just admit that to ourselves now) but because they are stories that children can learn and remember. I love when a child sits next to me and knows the next words on the page. Not because they can 'read' them but because they are simply, yet memorable enough to be worthy of a rapid child's mind remembering. This is the beginning of a relationship with words and reading that I always wish every child and adult could have. The Night Dragon is exactly this kind of simple; yet wonderful story.
The Illustrations
So much colour! If dragons don't already lend themselves to gorgeous children's book illustrations; Howarth takes it to another level by adding such vibrant colour and detail to each page. Whether it's in the dragons themselves (especially our rainbow gal) or in the landscapes and sky that is the setting.
While the story of a children's book is very important, we might as well face it, both adults and children need to have interesting and engaging artwork as well. If the art of the book isn't as good or better than the story then children won't be leaning over to see the pages and point out little details in each illustration. Words are engaging for so many of us; but for children, storytelling and understanding starts with the pictures. Pictures are after all something kids can understand without needing to learn any letters, words, grammar or context.
The Story
Let's not pretend here, this is really the age old story of the Ugly Duckling or Rudolph. It's the story of a misfit who doesn't fit in. And yet this take on the story is so sweet and lovely that I can't find any reason to criticize the choice of core story.
As all stories of misfits go, one day/night things don't go the way they usually do and so the lead character (Maud the rainbow dragon) must find her courage and lift herself into the sky to help the sun go down. The use of the beautiful colours of a sunset sky is clever here by Howarth and I commend her for finding a bit of magic in daily life on earth. The next time I see a beautiful sunset I am sure to think of Maud the Dragon and her friend Mouse who courageously bring those colours to the sky before the night descends.
Gender
The only downfall of this story in my mind is that there is a bit of a gender barrier put up by the night dragons all being boys (as far as I can tell) and our lead rainbow dragon being a girl. This may have been intentional by Howarth to speak of women's role in the world being as important as men's. However I would have preferred if our dragons had remained gender neutral. As then the idea of all dragons being boys or all rainbow creatures relating to girls wouldn't be reinforced here. It may be subtle but I do believe these types of small things are large influences (besides the obvious ones) for children to divide our world into boy and girl things.
Overall
I plan to purchase this book for at least two families of toddlers I am close with. It's simple story is always worth telling. One family has two boys and the other two girls. I see no reason why this story can't be relevant and important to both of them. It may be that the girls will take to it quicker than the boys; but I hope that is not the case. No matter how you feel about the gender divide in The Night Dragon I am confident everyone will agree that the story of a misfit finding their place in the world amongst daily beauty is one that is worthy of being told and read. I would happily read this story each night for months on end to a child who requests it; and I do believe they will fall in love with it and ask for it again and again.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
The Illustrations
So much colour! If dragons don't already lend themselves to gorgeous children's book illustrations; Howarth takes it to another level by adding such vibrant colour and detail to each page. Whether it's in the dragons themselves (especially our rainbow gal) or in the landscapes and sky that is the setting.
While the story of a children's book is very important, we might as well face it, both adults and children need to have interesting and engaging artwork as well. If the art of the book isn't as good or better than the story then children won't be leaning over to see the pages and point out little details in each illustration. Words are engaging for so many of us; but for children, storytelling and understanding starts with the pictures. Pictures are after all something kids can understand without needing to learn any letters, words, grammar or context.
The Story
Let's not pretend here, this is really the age old story of the Ugly Duckling or Rudolph. It's the story of a misfit who doesn't fit in. And yet this take on the story is so sweet and lovely that I can't find any reason to criticize the choice of core story.
As all stories of misfits go, one day/night things don't go the way they usually do and so the lead character (Maud the rainbow dragon) must find her courage and lift herself into the sky to help the sun go down. The use of the beautiful colours of a sunset sky is clever here by Howarth and I commend her for finding a bit of magic in daily life on earth. The next time I see a beautiful sunset I am sure to think of Maud the Dragon and her friend Mouse who courageously bring those colours to the sky before the night descends.
Gender
The only downfall of this story in my mind is that there is a bit of a gender barrier put up by the night dragons all being boys (as far as I can tell) and our lead rainbow dragon being a girl. This may have been intentional by Howarth to speak of women's role in the world being as important as men's. However I would have preferred if our dragons had remained gender neutral. As then the idea of all dragons being boys or all rainbow creatures relating to girls wouldn't be reinforced here. It may be subtle but I do believe these types of small things are large influences (besides the obvious ones) for children to divide our world into boy and girl things.
Overall
I plan to purchase this book for at least two families of toddlers I am close with. It's simple story is always worth telling. One family has two boys and the other two girls. I see no reason why this story can't be relevant and important to both of them. It may be that the girls will take to it quicker than the boys; but I hope that is not the case. No matter how you feel about the gender divide in The Night Dragon I am confident everyone will agree that the story of a misfit finding their place in the world amongst daily beauty is one that is worthy of being told and read. I would happily read this story each night for months on end to a child who requests it; and I do believe they will fall in love with it and ask for it again and again.
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
August 6, 2018
Maud is a dragon with beautiful multi-coloured wings who doesn't believe she can fly. She watches her siblings every night and wishes she could join them in the sky, but never tries. Her siblings are not very nice to her about it either. When faced with a situation where she absolutely NEEDS to fly, her best friend Mouse lets her know he believes in her. He climbs on her back and trusts that she will be able to fly. When she flies, she is also able to breath fire, but her fire is bright and colourful, just like her. This is used to explain colourful sunsets, which is kind of cute. This is a wonderful story about developing self-confidence. The illustrations in this book are wonderful. Maud is the most colourful part of all of them, drawing the eye to her on every page. Her siblings are darker, scarier and larger. Children love dragons and they will enjoy Maud's story. I thought it was interesting that a mouse was used as his muse and encourager, just like Dumbo the Elephant. I read this to my grandchildren. My granddaughter did not understand the story, but she kept talking about the pretty dragon. A good story for primary classrooms and families, especially where someone needs some confidence boosting. The publisher, Lincoln Children's Books, provided me with a copy of this book to read. The opinions stated are my own.
August 8, 2018
'The Night Dragon' by Naomi Howarth is a beautiful story about the dragons that bring on the night.
Maud the dragon is one of five dragons, but she is different. The other dragons fly and blow smoke and fire and turn the sky to night. But not Maud. She gets ridiculed about this and has only her friend Mouse to turn to. Mouse's advice is for Maud to be herself. When Maud learns this lesson, wonderful things happen.
I liked this story of being authentic and not trying to be like those around you. The lesson is clear, and the illustrations are beautiful.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Maud the dragon is one of five dragons, but she is different. The other dragons fly and blow smoke and fire and turn the sky to night. But not Maud. She gets ridiculed about this and has only her friend Mouse to turn to. Mouse's advice is for Maud to be herself. When Maud learns this lesson, wonderful things happen.
I liked this story of being authentic and not trying to be like those around you. The lesson is clear, and the illustrations are beautiful.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
July 6, 2018
Ogni sera all'imbrunire i draghi si levano in volo, e sputando fumo offuscano il cielo e portano la notte.
Tutti meno Maud. Dolce, timorosa, dalle scaglie brillanti e colorate, non ha mai volato, né mai ha offuscato il cielo col suo fumo.
L'unico suo amico e un topolino, e proprio lui la incita a essere quello che è, e infischiarsene di chi la prende in giro: finché Maud spiega le ali, e scopre di poter fare molto, molto meglio che portare la notte col fumo. La porta spargendo colori.
Una piccola fiaba delicata dai disegni semplici, che insegna il valore dell'amicizia e della diversità.
Tutti meno Maud. Dolce, timorosa, dalle scaglie brillanti e colorate, non ha mai volato, né mai ha offuscato il cielo col suo fumo.
L'unico suo amico e un topolino, e proprio lui la incita a essere quello che è, e infischiarsene di chi la prende in giro: finché Maud spiega le ali, e scopre di poter fare molto, molto meglio che portare la notte col fumo. La porta spargendo colori.
Una piccola fiaba delicata dai disegni semplici, che insegna il valore dell'amicizia e della diversità.
July 10, 2018
This book was so pretty and fun to read! The illustrations are beautiful as it the meaning behind the story. I see this as a book young kids will love having read to them over and over. This is also a cute story for teachers of younger students to read in the classroom. The pictures are so pretty the kids will love to see them and discuss everything they see in each of the pictures. Thank you to the author, Ms. Howarth, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and view this beautiful story!!!
July 10, 2018
Love, love, LOVED this book. Illustrations were amazing. Storyline taught kids to have self confidence and to be yourself. I will absolutely buy this book when it’s available in print. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to review!!
July 7, 2018
3.5 stars
July 3, 2019
In THE NIGHT DRAGON, a glorious book for children by artist Naomi Howarth, Maude the dragon wishes she could “fly, and breathe fire, and fill the sky with great grey, sooty clouds” like the other dragons. But they bully her until she seeks solace in a cave, all alone. Her friend Mouse won’t let her sulk, encouraging her to face her fears and fly. And when she does, Maude not only spreads her wings, but colors the sky with a brilliant sunset. An inspiring book about being oneself with the help of a friend. 5/5
Thanks to the author, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#TheNightDragon #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#TheNightDragon #NetGalley
June 8, 2020
I'd give this book 100 stars if I could.
It's not secret I adore picture books. So when I saw Night Dragon on a friend's bookshelf I had to look at it. Even better, my friend sat me down on her couch and read it to me. I felt like I was in a little comfy niche in heaven.
The book is about Maud and her friend Mouse. Maud is not like other dragons, which you can tell right away by her bright rainbow-colored scales. Maud is quite beautiful. There could probably never be a better friend to have when you are afraid to try something new, than Mouse.
"I know you can do it, Maud," insisted Mouse. "I will come with you, and we can fly together."
This book touched my heart on a day when I was feeling puny and afraid. The book alone would have cheered me up but having someone to share it with me was extra special. Thank you, Laura, for being my Mouse.
It's not secret I adore picture books. So when I saw Night Dragon on a friend's bookshelf I had to look at it. Even better, my friend sat me down on her couch and read it to me. I felt like I was in a little comfy niche in heaven.
The book is about Maud and her friend Mouse. Maud is not like other dragons, which you can tell right away by her bright rainbow-colored scales. Maud is quite beautiful. There could probably never be a better friend to have when you are afraid to try something new, than Mouse.
"I know you can do it, Maud," insisted Mouse. "I will come with you, and we can fly together."
This book touched my heart on a day when I was feeling puny and afraid. The book alone would have cheered me up but having someone to share it with me was extra special. Thank you, Laura, for being my Mouse.
July 16, 2018
This is a wonderful story about developing self-confidence. Maud is a dragon with beautiful multicolor wings who doesn't believe she can fly. When faced with a situation where she absolutely NEEDS to fly, her best friend Mouse lets her know he believes in her, climbs on her back and trusts that she will be able to fly.
The illustrations in this book are adorable. Maud is the most colorful part of all of them, drawing the eye to her on every page. The text is generally kept to a minimum, which makes it a good book for early readers, or to read aloud to younger children with a short attention span.
The illustrations in this book are adorable. Maud is the most colorful part of all of them, drawing the eye to her on every page. The text is generally kept to a minimum, which makes it a good book for early readers, or to read aloud to younger children with a short attention span.
July 6, 2018
Bright, brilliant, and intuitive, The Night Dragon is a perfect book for bedtime. Its a very "wind down" style of writing that keeps a kid engaged in the story without riling them up with excess excitement at the crucial point in the night.
Its presents kids with a You-Can-Do-It story, (especially helpful in a time where kids are being faced with bullies more often than not) that shows them that, it doesn't matter what other people say, as long as you believe. It is also a reminder to always stick up for and encourage your friends, because you'd be surprised at what they can do with your support!
Its nicely paced. The pages do not have a ridiculous amount of text, (which is a deterrent if you have a kid that wants 3 or more stories at bedtime!) and the text is set so that it doesn't detract from the wondrous almost watercolor like illustrations. Definitely recommend.
Its presents kids with a You-Can-Do-It story, (especially helpful in a time where kids are being faced with bullies more often than not) that shows them that, it doesn't matter what other people say, as long as you believe. It is also a reminder to always stick up for and encourage your friends, because you'd be surprised at what they can do with your support!
Its nicely paced. The pages do not have a ridiculous amount of text, (which is a deterrent if you have a kid that wants 3 or more stories at bedtime!) and the text is set so that it doesn't detract from the wondrous almost watercolor like illustrations. Definitely recommend.
July 19, 2018
A big thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. The cover is gorgeous, and the graphics are beautiful throughout the book! Loved the story as well. Maud is a little different and lacks self confidence. The other dragons make fun of her. Her friend Mouse helps her be brave and discover although she is different she can do wonderful things. Beautiful calming story. I think all young children would enjoy. I liked it as an adult! I give this a 5.
July 23, 2018
This is such a cute book with very beautiful illustrations. It has a lesson about the importance of being yourself, and how that is beautiful. I wish the end would have been a bit more of her working with the other dragons, but it was still a cute book. It also ends with it being night time, so totally an appropriate bedtime story!
July 17, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maud is a dragon that is not like the others. She needs to believe in herself. Her best friend mouse helps her.
This a great story for kids that need to learn confidence. The text is simple and short, the dragon names are fun, and the pictures are colorful. I highly recommend it.
Maud is a dragon that is not like the others. She needs to believe in herself. Her best friend mouse helps her.
This a great story for kids that need to learn confidence. The text is simple and short, the dragon names are fun, and the pictures are colorful. I highly recommend it.
July 3, 2018
I know you shouldn't judge a book on its cover, but, seriously, look at this one! It's such a beautiful illustration that I just had to read the book!
The Night Dragon is a gorgeous story that's perfect for people to read to young children, all about how we are all different and unique in our own ways, and how you don't have to be the same as everyone else. It also highlights the importance of trying and not giving up, and believing in yourself and others.
I really enjoyed reading The Night Dragon, especially for the illustrations which were so beautiful and colourful! The end of the story was so heartwarming and the illustrations complimented that perfectly.
The Night Dragon is a gorgeous story that's perfect for people to read to young children, all about how we are all different and unique in our own ways, and how you don't have to be the same as everyone else. It also highlights the importance of trying and not giving up, and believing in yourself and others.
I really enjoyed reading The Night Dragon, especially for the illustrations which were so beautiful and colourful! The end of the story was so heartwarming and the illustrations complimented that perfectly.
July 7, 2018
A gorgeous story about being yourself, with stunning illustrations make this a book to read and read again. Absolutely beautiful!
July 21, 2018
The Night Dragon by Naomi Howarth tells the story of an alienated Dragon that’s shunned by the other more powerful dragons. This treatment makes her scared to fly. It’s only when her only friend and companion, a tiny mouse, gives her the confidence to believe in herself does she learn to fly. When this happens, something magical occurs. Again, the illustrations are beautifully realised with bright vivid colours, which my grandchildren both adored.
August 23, 2018
* I received a digital review copy from NetGalley and Quarto publishing in exchange for an honest review.
A beautiful book about the power of believing in yourself AND the power of having someone believe in you. At the same time, it is also an origin story about how we got sunsets. Maud is a night dragon but she can't fly and she can't breath fire. Her siblings all flew through the sky and covered the sun with grey sooty clouds, bringing on darkness and helping the sun set. Her siblings taunt her, leave her out, and basically tell her that she is worthless. Fortunately, she has a friend who does believe in her. When the other night dragons sleep through a sunset, mouse tells Maud that she has to do it and that she can do it. With someone's strong belief in her, Maud flies, but instead of grey clouds, Maud fills the sky with beautiful colors, what we know of as sunset.
There was something lovely about this book for younger readers, but a slight disconnect between what the dragons do and how it brings on night. The part that I really did like was the message of believing in yourself and how what others say really does impact how we feel. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous.
A beautiful book about the power of believing in yourself AND the power of having someone believe in you. At the same time, it is also an origin story about how we got sunsets. Maud is a night dragon but she can't fly and she can't breath fire. Her siblings all flew through the sky and covered the sun with grey sooty clouds, bringing on darkness and helping the sun set. Her siblings taunt her, leave her out, and basically tell her that she is worthless. Fortunately, she has a friend who does believe in her. When the other night dragons sleep through a sunset, mouse tells Maud that she has to do it and that she can do it. With someone's strong belief in her, Maud flies, but instead of grey clouds, Maud fills the sky with beautiful colors, what we know of as sunset.
There was something lovely about this book for younger readers, but a slight disconnect between what the dragons do and how it brings on night. The part that I really did like was the message of believing in yourself and how what others say really does impact how we feel. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous.
November 28, 2022
This fantasy children's book follows a dragon named Maud who is nervous about fulfilling her duties as a night dragon. Because of this apprehensiveness, she is bullied by the other dragons and often left alone. This book deals with the themes of overcoming harsh words from others and finding and keeping people in your life who believe in you. Children could use this book to learn about the importance of our differences and that it's okay to be scared about new things. While being brave and trying your best is important, it's also very valid to be scared at first and need the encouragement of others to help you. This book was a WOW book for me due to the beautiful illustrations, adorable story, and strong message. The word choice that the author used in this book was simple enough for young children to comprehend and enjoy but also descriptive and interesting. I thought this element of her literary craft was impressive since that is sometimes a hard line to walk. Finally, this book is as anti-biased as possible since the characters are mythical creatures or animals and there are no harmful stereotypes used.
July 13, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Night Dragon by Naomi Howarth is a beautifully illustrated story for young readers (4-7 years). Written by Naomi Howarth and published by Quarto - Frances Lincoln with an anticipated release date 7th August, 2018, it's 32 pages and available in hardback format.
This is a gently written fable with an uplifting and encouraging message. The themes of friendship, teamwork, believing in oneself and encouragement are supported by the artist/author's exquisitely detailed whimsical art.
I adored this book. This will make a really wonderful bedtime story or reading circle book for preschool to second grade. The prose is sweet and simple. Mouse is Maud the dragon's best friend, cheerleader and partner.
Five stars. Just lovely!
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
The Night Dragon by Naomi Howarth is a beautifully illustrated story for young readers (4-7 years). Written by Naomi Howarth and published by Quarto - Frances Lincoln with an anticipated release date 7th August, 2018, it's 32 pages and available in hardback format.
This is a gently written fable with an uplifting and encouraging message. The themes of friendship, teamwork, believing in oneself and encouragement are supported by the artist/author's exquisitely detailed whimsical art.
I adored this book. This will make a really wonderful bedtime story or reading circle book for preschool to second grade. The prose is sweet and simple. Mouse is Maud the dragon's best friend, cheerleader and partner.
Five stars. Just lovely!
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
August 7, 2018
There are five dragons in this world, but Maud is different than the others. In addition to having the coloration of a rainbow, she doesn’t breathe fire or fly. Because of this, the other four bully her. Maud’s only friend, a mouse, tries to cheer her up and cheerleader her up into the sky, but Maud has too much self-doubt.
Much like a unicorn, Maud burps rainbows.
This book attempts to build confidence and self-expression—with a possible touch of gay rights—in a way that will amuse kids, especially if they commiserate. The one strange thing is that, at the end, the other dragons don’t mend their ways or apologize, or anything. Maybe the book is trying to be different—or realistic—in that way as well, but the omission is curious.
Much like a unicorn, Maud burps rainbows.
This book attempts to build confidence and self-expression—with a possible touch of gay rights—in a way that will amuse kids, especially if they commiserate. The one strange thing is that, at the end, the other dragons don’t mend their ways or apologize, or anything. Maybe the book is trying to be different—or realistic—in that way as well, but the omission is curious.
September 3, 2018
Maud is one of five dragons. Each evening the other four fly around breathing fire and creating grey sooty clouds that cause night to fall. Maud, a wonderfully colourful dragon (the others are splendid but quite plain), is too lacking in self-confidence to join them and is teased because of this.
One day the dragons fall asleep after a party and night doesn't fall. Maud doesn't know what to do. Then her friend, Mouse, convinces her she can fly and fill the sky with clouds … and the result is rather spectacular!
Gorgeous book about self-confidence and friendship. Exquisite illustrations full of detail and character. Plus a rather cute little mouse!
One day the dragons fall asleep after a party and night doesn't fall. Maud doesn't know what to do. Then her friend, Mouse, convinces her she can fly and fill the sky with clouds … and the result is rather spectacular!
Gorgeous book about self-confidence and friendship. Exquisite illustrations full of detail and character. Plus a rather cute little mouse!
December 11, 2020
Absolutely gorgeous watercolors make this book charming and magical. I won't repeat the plotline, but I loved how the book taught that the words we say to ourselves and to others have a huge impact on what we are able to achieve. I loved the part of the story where Maud finds her purpose in life. Charming! So Charming!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
September 5, 2022
I really loved this book. The illustrations are beautiful, they are bright and portray in detail what you are reading on the pages. The illustrations also show how Maud is different from the other dragons, she’s is bright and rainbow and the other dragons are darker and not nearly as beautiful as Maud. In the story Maud wants to breath fire and fill the sky with gray clouds like the other dragons but doesn’t believe that she can. With a little encouragement to believe in herself from her pal mouse, she does so much more than that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
Maud the dragon is not the other dragons. She is constantly made fun of and left out of things. But she has one little friend who believes in her and convinces her to move outside of her comfort zone and into something bigger.
This is a cute little story about finding your self-confidence and expanding into greater and bigger things! My boys enjoyed this story as well.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's for an advanced electronic copy for a review.
This is a cute little story about finding your self-confidence and expanding into greater and bigger things! My boys enjoyed this story as well.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's for an advanced electronic copy for a review.
April 1, 2019
Moral: Be yourself / When you believe in yourself you can do anything
Age range: All ages
Thoughts: The first thing to notice about this book is the amazing art! Maud is a lovely little dragon that is insecure with her place in the world as 1 of 5 dragons. But with the support of her friend Mouse she discovers that she was just as capable as the other dragons all along. Al she had to do was believe in herself.
Age range: All ages
Thoughts: The first thing to notice about this book is the amazing art! Maud is a lovely little dragon that is insecure with her place in the world as 1 of 5 dragons. But with the support of her friend Mouse she discovers that she was just as capable as the other dragons all along. Al she had to do was believe in herself.
March 17, 2022
I really love sunsets and seeing a story that explains the origin of sunsets is so amazing. The artwork is so beautiful and shows a sweet and lovable dragon as a character. This is another story that shows a deep topic but allows it to be available for younger readers. It shows how difficult it can be to be different and how it feels to be made fun of. It also shows that being scared is okay and that students shouldn’t feel pressured by others.
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