Review - You Don't Want a Dragon!

You Don't Want a Dragon!
by Ame Dyckman
illustrated by Liz Climo
Date: 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Be careful what you wish for — again! This follow-up to You Don't Want a Unicorn points out the hilarious mishaps that come with adopting a dragon.

Our protagonist wishes (much to the narrator's continued chagrin) for a pet dragon. Though initially thrilled, the kid quickly discovers that dragons aren't quite as awesome as they originally thought. From the scooting to the digging to the fire-breathing, our Kid is dismayed that they still haven't found their perfect pet. Little do they know, that pet might just be right around the corner...

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a simple, but fun, picture book about a kid who wishes for a dragon... and gets more than he bargained for.

I can't help but feel that I'm missing something by not having read You Don't Want a Unicorn! first. There are lots of unicorn references throughout this book, in both the text and illustrations. That's not to say that you can't get something out of it on its own; I'm just more curious now about the first book.

There are some silly, puerile moments here, but overall, it's a fun take on dragons and the things we tend not to think about when we're wishing for them as pets.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Please Don't Eat Me

Please Don't Eat Me
by Liz Climo
Date: 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

Beloved author-illustrator Liz Climo is back with a hilarious take on (reluctant) friendship that will appeal to fans of We Don't Eat Our Classmates and I Want My Hat Back!

When a carefree bunny is approached by a voracious bear in the woods, Bunny has just one request: "Please don't eat me."

But the bear has a never-ending list of requests, and Bunny realizes maybe Bear isn't as hungry as he'd let on...maybe he just wants his new friend's company for a while.

This witty and poignant exploration of predator and prey will have children and parents alike roaring with laughter--and looking for their next meal.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is an amusing little story about a bunny and a supposedly hungry bear. When the bunny encounters the bear in the woods, the bear wants to eat them. The bunny orders a pizza instead, which they share. But the bear is still hungry and insists they must eat the bunny. After all, they don't want to not eat a bunny in front of their friends. And so it goes, until at last the bunny gets fed up and tells the bear to just get it over with... at which point we learn that the bear has an appetite for friendship rather than rabbit salad.

The premise is cute, and the emotions of the bunny (ranging from fear to frustration to resignation) are fun to watch. The illustrations are simple but effective.

Overall, I think kids (and their parents) will get a kick out of this one. And the message is nice, too. Sometimes, if you want someone to hang out with, the best thing to do is just ask.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5

Review - Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back?

Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back?
by Jory John
illustrated by Liz Climo
Date: 2018
Publisher: Dial Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 22
Format: e-book
Source: library

A hilarious take on helping others and self awareness from New York Times bestselling author Jory John and comic artist sensation Liz Climo

Persnickety Elephant has an itch--a big one--and he can't reach it! While he isn't above asking for a little help, no one is up to the task. Turtle is too lazy, Snail is too slimy, and Alligator... well, Elephant isn't sure he wants his assistance. Does Elephant have to do everything himself?

Jory John's signature deadpan humor pairs perfectly with Liz Climo's oh-so-innocent-looking animals to create a slyly ironic read-aloud that will leave kids and parents in stitches.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was actually more amusing than I expected. Elephant has an itch that he can't scratch. He goes around to all the other animals to ask for help, but nobody ends up being very helpful... until he encounters a hedgehog.

I didn't see the ending of this one coming, and it made me smile. Though the story may be simple and repetitive, it somehow still works. The basic illustrations are clean and uncluttered, leaving plenty of room for the story to shine through.

I've had some hits and misses with Jory John's picture books. But I think this is one of the stronger ones I've read.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5