DON'T WAKE THE DRAGON

Careful with those page turns. The noise might wake the dragon.

“THE most rascally dragon” has just fallen asleep, and loud page swishes and other cacophony could waken her. Turning the first page bangs the door shut so thunderously the noise surely might rouse her. Thankfully, it doesn’t, but the following page turn requires that readers say “Shhh!” three times to ensure the dragon’s continued slumber. Subsequent loud noises, including clanging cookware and a clamorous birthday celebration, require closer scrutiny of the snoozing dragon. After being instructed to rock the book, readers find her awake and unamused. What to do? “Stroke her scales?” Sing to her? Happily, a lullaby works soothing magic—and readers/listeners are urged to lie down, tuck themselves in with the dragon, and say “shhh” again. The concluding warning: “close the book very gently”…and, well, you know the rest. This rollicking interactive book will easily engage young children, who’ll be eager to heed all the book’s comical instructions before settling in for a peaceful night. Colorful, amusing, energetic illustrations enliven the text. Frequent use of larger and dynamically emphasized fonts to enhance animated read-alouds and onomatopoeic words that reflect numerous sound effects add to the fun.

Kids won’t be dragon their feet to hear this lively pre-bedtime book.