Alexandre Lacroix

When Drake's traditionalist father send him off to the local human village to burn some houses down, the little dragon isn't exactly pleased. After all, he's only ever used his fire to cook some small snacks. Obedient to his parent's wishes however, off he goes, only to find himself persuaded not to burn down various homes and other buildings, by their human residents. It turns out that dragons and people don't have to be enemies after all. But can he convince his father...?

Originally published in France as Dragons, père et fils, this delightfully droll picture-book pairs an engaging and ultimately heartwarming tale from author Alexandre Lacroix with amusing and expressive artwork from illustrator Ronan Badel. I loved the facial expressions on both draconite and human characters, and appreciated the sly humor of some incidents in the story, such as when Drake learns flattery from his human companions, and tries it out on his father. Recommended to all young dragon lovers, and to picture-book readers/listeners who appreciate humorous tales.… (mehr)

I’m probably being too adult in reading this book. So let’s start off with the kids hat on. This is a cute story of Drake the dragon who gets his first kiss. He reacts by blowing fire. He didn’t mean to, and he is worried that he might hurt human Violet if it happens again. He opens up to family who tell him it’s okay because that is who he is and what is in his nature. But he is still worried that he will hurt a human. Until he purposely blows fire at a boy who is taunting Violet. The illustrations are fun and whimsical and nicely round out the story. Now time to put the adult cap back on. When I read this story it makes me think of an abusive relationship. Where it’s just in Drakes nature to hurt the one he loves. Where it is okay to use violence against someone who harms someone else. My adult brain has a hard time not seeing that in this story, so while I think it is cute, I will not be adding it to my personal or library’s collection.… (mehr)

Drake the dragon is happy young dragon who does not want to hurt people. He has a dilemma when his father orders him to go to the village and burn down a house. Drake heads off, but his adventures do not include burning down anything. He also learns how to charm his father into letting him be.

This is a great little story about being yourself and standing up for what you believe in. It also deals with the relationships between fathers and sons. I loved the illustrations. They were not cutesy dragons but a little scary and not attractive at all. The emotions on the faces of the characters were wonderful. Drake also learned to judge for himself and not just believe that people were "ferocious creatures" as his father believed. The publisher generously provided me a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (mehr)