Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves

by Lauren H. Kerstein, Nate Wragg (Illustrator)

It’s summertime, and you’re invited for a rollicking day at the pool with Charlie and his pet dragon (and best friend!), Rosie. But be careful—swimming with a dragon can be, um, challenging. As Rosie and Charlie blow bubbles (don’t forget your umbrella!), practice flutter kicks (watch out for tidal waves!), and offer shoulder rides (hang on tight!), Rosie proves that dragons make the most fun pets ever. Now if only Charlie can keep Rosie’s attention focused on the rules at the pool and NOT on her gummy snacks (you know, the ones that cause stinky dragon breath!)…Grab your towels and sunscreen and join Rosie and Charlie for a fun-filled summer adventure!

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

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2019

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 2 out of 5]

My family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books every year. This is book #1 (of more than 20) of 2019, and we were not fans. It's a pretty mediocre book in my view about a girl who goes to a pool with a dragon and havoc ensues. I was about to post my family review when I saw Rod Brown's review which includes the disturbing news that many of the nominees are Amazon-owned (and you already know Amazon opens Goodreads, so they stacked the deck, they think) books, and most of those are in my opinion lame. Argh!! I am writing to complain, and invite you to join me.

Lyra (12): 3. Cute and all, the dragon was sweet, but why would they not kick the dragon out or shut down the pool? Um, I would have run away, but okay. Sweet pictures.

Hank (13): 1. Impolite, unreal dragon begone!

Harry (14): 2. It wasn't funny. Good pictures, though!

Tara: 3. This looked like it might be cute but eh. Why did they even allow the the dragon in the pool in the first place??!!

Dave: 1. Argh. Yet another dragon book. Okay, colorful, but so busy and cartoony and weak story. Lame.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodreads Choice Awards Project: Read as many of the opening round Best Picture Book nominees as possible. 8 to go!

Charlie takes his pet dragon to the swimming pool. They establish three rules, which the dragon proceeds to break. If a character is going to be mischievous and inconvenience others with its inconsiderate behavior, it has to be darn cute or damn funny. Rosie is neither.

Update 11/10/2019:
AMAZON CONSPIRACY THEORY!!!!! THE FIX IS IN FOR THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS!!!!

Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten! was the the third lackluster book from the publisher Two Lions that I had read in three days during my Goodreads Awards project. I'd never heard of this publisher before, so I started wondering how they came out of nowhere to have not even three but SIX nominees in the opening round. A close look at the verso page revealed Two Lions is an Amazon company. And with a 7th book from Amazon Crossing Kids in the Picture Book nominees, that means somehow, magically, Amazon -- the owner of Goodreads -- managed to capture nearly half the slots in the opening round. What a coincidence!

A quick look at the other categories seems to show that Amazon is not dominating those in the same way, but this still seems pretty darn sketchy. Another good thing tainted...

I recommend everyone do write-ins for this category and try to push out the Two Lions books. I recommend Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl or Dandy.

[This Kooky Wildflower Loves a Little Tea and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story about a boy and his dragon. They spend the day swimming and having fun. Along the way, they share lessons on patience, friendship, and sharing.

Well worth an addition to any children's library 5/5

[Ashybugg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where’s the rest of the book?

It’s just ends abruptly and while the illustrations are cute, the story is lacking that certain something great kids books have, there is no hook, no lesson, etc.

[RM(Alwaysdaddygirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars:
-It was okay. The messages of this book leave me on the fence.
-I only read this book because of the dragon.


🇺🇸🦋

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about enthusiastic, impulsive Rosie and her human, Charlie. A pool outing results in hijinks and accidents but all ends well. Improbable, but funny. Rosie means well and so does Charlie. The text was very small and difficult to read but the pictures tell story for the most part.

[Madeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Read as my choice from The May First Read.

I felt this story was rather long and uninteresting.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodreads Recommended Picture Books Nominee 2019

Meh. Just a regular picture book for me. I didn't laugh, and the illustrations are digitally done and just fine. It reminded me a lot of the feel of Clifford the Big Red Dog. It would probably make a cozy read-aloud book for pre-schoolers.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just ok for me and I'm really not sure how it became a Goodreads choice award contender. I have never even heard of it as a children's librarian who is always looking for new picturebooks. The art is cute, but busy. The storyline is forgettable.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forgetable

We did not find this funny or interesting. Shouldn't at least one of those be the goal of writing a children 's book? Very disappointing read.

[Joana Pastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie the dragon was adopted by Charlie, and he is the perfect owner. He is sweet, thoughtful, responsible and like all children do, he mimics adults' behavior while caring for his new pet. Rosie is also highly relatable, she like every child I've known, always curious, exploring and testing the limits imposed by their parents, or in this case her owner.
Together, Rosie and Charlie, provoke many giggles and laugh out loud moments!
Lauren Kerstein's frolicking words are perfectly matched by Nate Wragg's vibrant art.
Bonus points to Charlie for adopting a pet and showing how fun it can be to learn to swim!
Perfect summer read!

[Yevgenia Nayberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spend a fun-filled day with reasonable, well-behaved Charlie and his magic pet- the wild and unruly Rosie!
This charming book about a friendship between a child and a pet teaches responsibility in a humorous way, without patronizing.
The illustrations by Nate Wragg are playful and colorful. His spreads are creative and he plays with scale masterfully.
Rosie the Dragon may remind you of your favorite dog, but maybe you will also find a bit of resemblance with your favorite child!

[Mrs. Mazzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, bright, inclusive representation, and goofy hijinks make this book a great addition to summer or pet-themed storytime. I love that Charlie helps Rosie learn, but is never angry or upset with her. I only wish for a slightly more complete story arc. It felt like it ended a little abruptly and I wish they would have tried to help clean up the mess they made, but overall I really enjoyed it.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

My nieces say, "I wanted ten stars. One hundred. One thousand."

They say it was so funny, especially the art and the surprises in the story. Sincerely, a four and six year old.

[Missy LeBlanc Ivey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this book was just way too busy for young little minds. Too much going on at one time and on each page.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if you had a dragon? A little boy named Charlie finds out when one adopts him. Rosie the Dragon has the personality of a playful toddler and together she and Charlie spend a day at the pool. While her intent is to learn how to swim, she inevitably wreaks all kinds of havoc to the delight of the other kids at the pool. A fun summertime read!

[Vivian Kirkfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship, dragons, and a little boy...a perfect combination for a perfect picture book! The illustrations are engaging and entertaining...and the text has heart and humor...kids will love this one!

[Juliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about Charlie and his pet dragon going swimming at the public pool. It's clear that dragons don't make great pets but the hijinks they get into are funny. The illustrations are what make the story as cute as it is. Knocked a star off because the font is small and it ends pretty quickly. It will still make any child laugh and enjoy themselves.

[Chana Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine what would happen when a little boy brings his giant, rose-colored dragon to the town pool? Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves is a fun summer romp, filled with hijinks, big splashes of color, dragon jokes, imaginary play and friendship. It’s also a clever way to teach kids Pool Rules (Rule #1: No drinking. Pool water is not a beverage). Nate Wragg’s bright, playful illustrations add sunshine and an adorable, diverse collection of kids to Kirstein’s funny text. Great for summer giggles.

[Shannon Stocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie the dragon perfectly represents every fun-loving, boundary-pushing toddler in the world. Charlie, the boy who picked Rosie from the pet store, approaches her antics patiently, redirecting her away from every hysterical near-disaster. Bright, colorful illustrations are the perfect match for this kid-friendly text that kids will love to read again, and again, and again!

[Thumbnail That · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we bid summer adieu, there’s still time for one more splash with this heartwarming book of friendship and patience. Rosie’s exuberance can be overwhelming at times, but Charlie is there to calm her and the situation down at every turn. Charlie’s love for Rosie is evident in his handling of her and his encouragement throughout the story. It is in his thoughtful planning that they were about to have a fun, yet event day at the pool. If your family has pets, this book reinforces the responsibility that comes along with them.

Wragg’s illustrations were executed digitally. His eye for detail caught my attention with his execution of Charlie’s faded edges hairstyle, commonly referred to as a temp fade. Nice touch! The color palette throughout this work is warm and playful. The illustrations themselves seem simple, but the thoughtfulness of the colors and execution brings them to life. I love the character diversity in this story. I’m not a fan of the font size as it’s smaller than I like for new readers. The font type is appropriate for a children’s book. The text had a nice flow to it; the overall message was clear. The copyright page, on the kindle version, was jumbled and the print overlapped. Hopefully, that is corrected in the printed version of the book.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you think that dragons can actually swim? Well, in this story you will meet Charlie and his friend Rosie a red dragon. Charlie adopted her and they do all sorts of fun things together including swimming. They pack snacks but Rosie really shouldn’t have gummy skunks because they give her really bad dragon breath. Charlie and Rosie are careful to go over the rules, but he still has to tell her to share pool toys and no nibbling on friends’ fingers. Charlie and Rosie are having a great time blowing bubbles, practicing flutter kicks and even gives kids a ride on her back. But there is something that Rosie has always wanted to do at the pool. Can you guess what that might be?

This book is a perfect first read for any beginner. Easy to follow sentence structure along with hilarious and brightly colored illustrations make this a fun read-a-loud for any home or classroom. Parents and teachers can discuss what they would do at the pool and even talk safety at the pool.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the childrens’ book “ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES by LAUREN H. KERSTEIN. This beautifully illustrated book was so good. I recommend it for all kids. It’s summertime, and you’re invited for a rollicking day at the pool with Charlie and his pet dragon (and best friend!), Rosie. But be careful—swimming with a dragon can be, um, challenging. As Rosie and Charlie blow bubbles (don’t forget your umbrella!), practice flutter kicks (watch out for tidal waves!), and offer shoulder rides (hang on tight!), Rosie proves that dragons make the most fun pets ever. Now if only Charlie can keep Rosie’s attention focused on the rules at the pool and NOT on her gummy snacks (you know, the ones that cause stinky dragon breath!)…Grab your towels and sunscreen and join Rosie and Charlie for a fun-filled summer adventure! Reading this brought a little sunshine my way!

[Sasha W]

We love the Rosie the Dragon books! Very colorful and vibrant with illustrations that inspire discovery. and discussion. And the topics-- learning to swim and getting ready for bed-- are familiar for every kid. What I as a parent love most is that the little boy protagonist is a black boy. Black boys have imaginations, too, right?! This book acknowledges the beautiful and creative brains of black boys. My son, too, loves dragons and any large, "dangerous" creatures (dinos, King Kong, etc.) However, he is, like Ferdinand the Bull and Rosie the Dragon, just a softie at heart! This book embraces the idea that you can be both at once. More Rosie books please!

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

My four year old daughter and I read this book last night. I never really say that books are for boys or girls so what I'll say is that this book wasn't for us. Charlie has a oddly round shaped dragon named Rosie and they go to a public pool... she causes trouble, because, she is a dragon - with a mind of her own of course. Might have been a better story if she went to a dog park or some sort of place where animals are welcome but then again, she is a dragon and this is 200% fiction. Neither my daughter or I enjoyed this book, it wasn't funny or entertaining for either of us.

[Jenna Grodzicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie and his pet dragon, Rosie, are headed to the pool. Rosie wants to practice swimming. But things at the pool don't go quite as Charlie planned. Rosie's bubbles soak everyone, her kicks cause waves, and she's not so good at sharing toys. With Charlie's help, will Rosie find success at the pool? Or will her stinky dragon breath send everyone running? This is a great read for any child who loves to swim (or is learning how to swim). Part "how to swim" manual, part "how to train your dragon" manual, young readers will love getting to know Rosie and Charlie.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I didn’t plan to adopt a dragon, but Rosie found me irresistible. I think she liked my skunk hat.”

It’s not easy when you have a dragon as a pet. There are so many problems that can arise. Dragons are sometimes rude without realizing it. Today, they are heading to the pool. Since their last pool outing didn’t go so well, Charlie has to make sure they are completely prepared this time. There are so many rules to remember and so many people around to accidentally bother. But Charlie and Rosie are determined to have fun ... as long as Rosie stays out of the gummy skunks!

[Gayle Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great story of friendship between a child and his magical pet dragon, Rosie. But Rosie is a bit too wild for the swimming pool. After all, she isn’t a human child, but just like children, she must learn about social rules and good behavior. Though Kerstein’s words provide a great message, Wragg’s illustrations overpower the story and for the most part, are redundant. Yet, the story is well worth sharing with children in the home or the classroom setting.

[Eileen Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besties Charlie and Rosie do everything together! BUT, Rosie's a dragon! A BIG pink and purple dragon! And it's not easy to take a dragon to the local swimming pool. Things take a few twists and turns and the day doesn't go according to plan . . . Colorful and energetic art by Nate Wragg and Lauren Kerstein's fun and fabulous text keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat! Perfect reading for a summer day ... order your copy today!

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher, I know this book will be a hit. Charlie talks directly to the reader about the challenges of his pet Rosie and how to teach her the pool rules. I think my students will have a great time guessing what's going to go wrong next and have some wonderful responses to what might happen with their own pets. I think this will be a fun reading lesson for me to plan and for them to participate in. Looking forward to sharing it.