Help for Dear Dragon

Dear Dragon

by Margaret Hillert

Reading Levels vary with each set, but range from 1.5 - 2.5.

Genres: Childrens

30 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Margaret Hillert has written over 80 books for children who are just learning to read. Her books have been translated into many languages and have helped children throughout the world learn to read. She first started writing poetry as a child and has continued to write for children and adults throughout her life. As a first grade teacher, Margaret realized that the books available for students just learning to read were beyond their comprehension. She then began to write her easy readers and poetry for children. Her first collection of poetry Farther Than Far was published in 1969. Her many awards include the Chicago Children's Reading Round Table Annual Award for outstanding contributions to the field of children's literature. Other honors include the David W. Longe Prize and the Michigan Bookwoman of the Year Award. A teacher for 34 years, she is now retired and lives in Michigan where she continues to write stories and poetry.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Margaret Hillert uses Dragon and his boy to help early readers develop fluency and independence with a simple and fun story. Dragon is not feeling well, so his boy puts him in his wagon and takes him to see the vet. She checks him over, gives him some medicine and they are on their way. Not only are there high frequency words, repetition and suggestions for parents and teachers to use the book, but it is multi-lingual with the story also in Spanish. If you have ELL students whose first language is Spanish, this would be a great book for them or for someone learning Spanish. The illustrations are large, bright and colourful to attract and hold the attention of the reader. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Heather McC · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would you do for a friend who's under the weather? Follow along with Dear Dragon. :)

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet level 2 reader that Alice loved reading. A boy's pet dragon is sick. He must take the dragon to the pet doctor for a shot, medicine, etc. A great book for little girls who love dragons or children who are anticipating a visit to the doctor. Why not both?

[Emily Julienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves as a great beginning reader. Not only is the story cute and simple for a beginning reader, but the idea of going to seeing a doctor when you're sick may stick with the reader.

[Frank Kresse · Rating 2 out of 5]

There'ren't any conjunctions in this book, and your kids'll feel slighted 'cause of it.

[Petrie Serrano · Rating 2 out of 5]

I let my 2.5YO run through the library and pick his own books. I remembered this author from when I worked in a library children's room so I may have expected better when he handed this to me.

Some beginning reader books can be read aloud, but for a kid who loves dragons, feeds the pets and just got back from the doctor he seemed really uninterested. The limited vocabulary is probably great for read-alone time, but I'd stay away from it for read-aloud time.

Points for making Dr. Lee female but I dearly hope the most recent versions have changed her skin tone. I was aware we had the 1985 edition but it still gave me a start.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reluctant beginner reader (first grade) can actually read these series of books by Margaret Hillert. They are true beginner books that include the same 30-60 ish words again and again only adding 1 or 2 new words per book. They are cute and not boring. Just long enough to be read in one sitting but longer than a "Bob" book. Very nice follow up after finishing the first 2 Bob book sets. OUr library has 2 rows of these and they are wonderful for encouring the early reader.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the boy wanted to help the dragon and that it was kind of funny and kind of happy.

[Eireanne]

On the suggested summer reading list for students.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragon goes to the doctor and feels better.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this one. It was cute and good for phonics and beginning to read. Level 1 book. :)

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute story for young and beginning readers.

[Lojayn Ottman · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What fun we will we have!" (Hillert p. 29)
When Dragon's best friend notices there is something wrong, they set out to find to help. Will Dragon feel better soon so that they can have their fun day?

What an interestingly drawn children's book. While the date does go back to 1985, I thought it was peculiar in how it almost looks like you're watching a story on the TV unfold but on very low clarity. This distracted me more than once, so when going back to read the story, it didn't really fit, in my opinion. My younger sister only mentioned how few colors were used, so this may just be a technical aspect.

Cute story, but it isn't very different than any other dragon books I've read out there. However, the repetition and simple words would be a great fit for any new beginner library collection.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Help for Dear Dragon” was translated well and had a good storyline in addition to being a book for beginner readers.