Let's Go, Dear Dragon

Dear Dragon

by Margaret Hillert

A boy and his pet dragon celebrate the Fourth of July by going to the beach, having a picnic, and watching fireworks.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Juvenile

31 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

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

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it possible to convey the thrill of fireworks in the evening sky, especially to a young person... when using so few words? Harder than a hardened adult might recognize.

At a certain magnificent moment the human boy tells the neon-green dragonish boy:

Now, here we go.
One, two, three.
Oh, my!
Oh, my!
Look at that!
That is good!

Excellent job, author Margaret Hillert.. And, as always, lovely illustrations, Jack Pullan.
Reading pals here, this is a terrific read, even if you're no longer a Beginning-to-Reader.

[Netaniel Dempster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear dragon was trying to throw fireworks but it was too little. The boy, dear dragon and the mother and the father went to the beach. The boy covered dear dragon with the sand. They build a sand castle. Also what they did was eat. I like to bury everyone when I go to the beach. Some other kids should read this book.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is meant to be an Independence Day story, with the summer theme, American flags, and fireworks, although the holiday is not mentioned in the text. This is a very simple story, with repetitive, "Dick & Jane"-style text, for beginning independent readers. The illustrations are nostalgic and will be of an instantly recognizable style for anyone who was a small child in the 1970s or '80s.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

My children absolutely adore this book. Reading literature is so important to the development of a child's mind, and I cannot think of thing I would rather do then sit down to read to them in the evenings. Imagination and growth are so vital in those so young.

[Konner Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single book in the large Dear Dragon series is perfect for your kindergartener! Focus on this and the "There wad an Old Lady" books and your midget will be reading ahead of their classmates in no time!

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book (and series) for beginning readers.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dear Dragon series is made up of several books that are easy readers. They use site vocabulary that is printed in the back of the book. It reminds me of the books I learned to read with.

This particular book in the series deals with summer, especially the Fourth of July or Canada Day. The boy and his dragon go to the beach where they play in the sand and with friends, have a picnic and even watch the fireworks.

These Beginning-to-Read books capture the imaginations of beginning readers and help them on their way to independent reading. At the back of the book they list the vocabulary as well as tips for helping your child develop reading fluency. These books could also be read aloud to young children who are not able to read yet. A great addition to a family library or a primary classroom.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title of the Dear Dragon series finds Dear Dragon and the boy enjoying summer activities. They go to the beach, play in the sand and swim. Dear Dragon provides the campfire for the cookout and all enjoy fireworks on the beach. The simple sentences and repetition are designed for beginning readers. Plots are thin in these books but relatable. The format and bright cartoon illustrations will appeal to the intended audience. The appended reading reinforcement activities that are a mainstay of this series serve to help parents, teachers or caregivers enrich the reading experience. The titles are well-suited to beginning reading practice.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Dragon goes in a trip to the beach and oh the fun they have – sandcastles, swimming and fireworks. What a wonderful book to have children reading during the summer months. The new look is a nice plus


*I received a free ARC of from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragon creates fireworks for the family picnic in this adorable story. Reading activities after the story will be helpful for parents reinforcing their child's reading skills. A word list is also useful for working on sight words.

[Katie Lorsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really funny when they roasted the hot dogs with the dragons fire. And it looked really fun to ski on the back of the dragon. -Tommy

[Ryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually like the Dear Dragon books, but I just don't care for this one. I don't know if it's the story or the illustrations, but it just doesn’t seem to live up to the books of the past.