Dianne de Las Casas is an award-winning storyteller, a critically acclaimed author and a recording artist. She travels to special events throughout the south telling stories. She is also a featured speaker at library and educational conferences. Her latest book is There's a Dragon in the Library.
Storyline of There's a Dragon in the Library
Max loved going to the library to check out books and listen to Miss Donna, the children's librarian, read stories. One day while Max was at the library, he saw a dragon hatch from an egg. He ran out to tell his mom about the dragon, but she just thought he had heard a really good story that day.
A week later when Max went back to the library, he found the dragon eating a book in the children's section. He ran out and told his dad. His dad said he was right about a dragon in the library, in fact, there were many dragons in the books, Dad said.
As weeks went by, the dragon continued to grow and grow. It nibbled books and "...filled its tummy with books. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch." Max told the librarian and a policeman. Finally, a surprising twist at the end shows the adults the dragon.
Illustrations in There's a Dragon in the Library
Marita Gentry is the illustrator of this book. Her love of color shows through in the many picture books she has illustrated. She has painted professionally for fourteen years and has artwork displayed in galleries throughout the south. She also paints murals for fundraising events.
Gentry's love of color is evident in the beautiful watercolor illustrations in this book. The illustrations clearly demonstrate what is happening in the text. The reader gets a picture of what Max is seeing each time he returns and finds the dragon bigger. The illustrations could be used to tell the story in a simple manner.
Uses of There's a Dragon in the Library
This book makes an excellent read aloud. While being a picture book designed for younger children, the amount of words per page make it best for being read by an adult or older child to someone younger. The text is easy for the listening child to understand, but beyond most beginning readers.
There's a Dragon in the Library is a great way to introduce young children to the library. The children's section of the library is presented throughout the story. The dragon and Max are seen enjoying storytime, as well as many books in the library.
Dianne de Las Casas has included a page of book-care tips at the end of the book. This tips not only pertain to the individual books a child may check out, but also to care of the library as well. Tips such as, not getting books wet and using a book mark are included. There are a couple of fanciful tips about dragons and books as well.
This book is an excellent way to talk to young children about libraries, books and their care. Children will enjoy the dragon and his antics in the library. Discussions could begin with whether or not the dragon is treating the books and the library correctly.
There's a Dragon in the Library by Dianne de Las Casas, illustrated by Marita Gentry
Pelican Publishing Company, 2011
ISBN: 978--58980-844-7
Kelley Huston - A reader of all kinds of books, Kelley is an teacher who loves crafts and scrapbooking. She is a Disney fan who loves all things Disney.
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