The Moon Dragons

Written and Illustrated by: Dyan Sheldon

Published by: Gary Blythe

Ages:   4 – 8 years

Theme: preserving, secrets, wonder

Opening Lines: A traveller once told a king a tale: “Long ago, when even trees had dreams, moon dragons flew through the night sky. Their scales shone silver as stars, and they filled the dark with songs as old as time.”

Synopsis: When a king is told the story that there are still ancient, singing moon dragons high up on the mountainside. He offers a room full of gold to anyone who can bring one to him. When everyone scoffs at Alina, the young girl manages to find the place of the Moon Dragons, when everyone else had failed.

Why I like this: Both Dyan and Gary are already, creators of the bestselling, Kate Greenaway Medal winner, The Whales’ Song, and together they have produced another masterpiece in The Moon Dragons. From the gorgeously haunting illustrations, with such life-like facial expressions, as the dramatic cover, combined with lyrical, mystical text as the opening paragraph, one is swept into a world of enchantment. The illustrations are all full spreads giving added drama. I loved the message that this story delicately leans in that the heart wins out over greed.

Resources/Findings: Gary Blythe’s illustrations are out of this world. Here is his portfolio…. http://www.artistpartners.com/portfolios/gary_blythe/general/index.html

I love Dylan’s welcome page on her blog. Her view of a writer, writing about things you love, hate and everything in between. It should and will turn up in your stories J ….   http://www.dyansheldon.co.uk/index.html

I couldn’t find any resources for this book but a lovely idea would be to have kids draw what they think a moon dragon looks like. Write their own short story about the Moon Dragon. Where does it live? What does it eat?  How many toes does it have? Does it have ears and where are they? If you caught one how would you look after it? What would be it’s friend?

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view.  So pop over  and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.    Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.