The Different Dragon
Jennifer Bryan, illus by Danamarie Hosler, ISBN: 9780967446868
August 1, 2013
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. A lesbian-led
family, a sweet little boy, a dragon who doesn't want to be "fierce"
anymore - but sadly it wasn't as good as I hoped.
It has all the hallmarks of a "vanity press" book. Slightly naive illustrations that too perfectly echo the text, the over-descriptive and wordy writing of someone who isn't an actual children's picture-book author...
Which is sad, really, because the bones are excellent. If it's ever considered for re-publication, I would like to see the "two mommies" played down a bit more so it really is just a part of the background like the pet cats or the little sister. I would like to see more in the illustrations and have less in the text - leave some things to context or discovery when perusing the illustrations. I would like the writing to smooth out in flow and lighten up in volume.
I would also like for there to be more actual large-press picture books that deal with alternative family arrangements, so that children in these families can see beautiful quality artwork and craftmanlike stories that ring true to their own lives and situations. In the meantime, this one isn't bad, just not as good as it could have been.
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