Review: The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, illustrated by Vincent Nguyen

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Review: The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, illustrated by Vincent Nguyen

The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari is an adorable tale of friendship and courage. Roger (the turtle) and Padraig (the dragon) are camping out at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow. They are excited to camp out all night on safari. As they settle in though, they hear some strange noises and encounter things that give them a bit of a fright. They both try to be brave throughout the night though. Will they make it?

I thought this story was very cute--seriously the pairing of a dragon and a turtle? What could be cuter? And while published by WaterBrook Press, there's no dragons praying in the book at all. It's simply a nice tale of friendship and camping out. The illustrations use bold colors and are ever so cute.

As far as readability, there are some issues. The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari is meant for older children--there are inconsistencies in the complexity of the text and some rather large words and phrases that will simply not exist in the very young reader's brain. So this is not a good book for learning to read, but would make a great read aloud book or book for older children.

Check out the first pages below! Also you can now buy this book at your favorite retailer. Thanks to WaterBrook Press for sending me a copy of this book

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rebeccarasmussen 45p · 742 weeks ago

This looks really cute! Really cute!

1 reply · active 742 weeks ago

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Amy @ My Friend Amy 113p · 742 weeks ago

I love the idea of a dragon and turtle together! :)

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Shelly Burns · 742 weeks ago

Thanks for your thoughts. I requested this one at LibraryThing...we'll see.

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Donita K. Paul · 742 weeks ago

Hi, Amy, Thanks for the review of the book. I want your readers to know that we have two contests going on right now at www.dragonandturtle.com. They end in February. One prize is camping gear and the other is matching parent/child aprons. As a former teacher and a literacy nut, let me mention something about picture books as an aid to fostering the ability to read. A child first develops a hearing vocabulary. He understands words spoken, like "Daddy," "mommy," "milk," "dog," and "go." The next vocabulary is speaking. This usually starts with some form of daddy in languages all around the world. It would seem more appropriate that mommy would win out. But no! Daddy gets first billing. LOL.
The next is a sight vocabulary. In board books, there is usually a picture with a word underneath such as ball and dog. and the last a reading vocabulary based on a mixture of sight and phonics.
In order for a child to excel in the last language, a very strong foundation must be established in the first three. That is wear picture books come in.

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Donita K. Paul · 742 weeks ago

The language in a good picture book story should reinforce already acquired vocabulary and stretch to encompass less familiar words.
Repetitive reading of the same picture book is essential in laying that foundation.
Another phenomenon is when a child recognizes a word like alligator out of a picture book that has been read numerous times. This word might look like a word beyond his ability. By repeated exposure in a pleasurable environment, the child has identified shape and clues from phonics that enable him to "read" the word.
I learned to read as my parents and big brothers read "Just-so" stories by Rudyard Kipling. Children on the prairie learned to read from the Bible.
I recommend that picture books be chosen for their rich vocabulary and engaging stories. The surprising reward is when the child picks up an often read book and "reads" it with enthusiasm, expression, and obvious comprehension.
Picture books should not be mistaken for primer ( a book designed to facilitate reading through controlled vocabulary). Picture books are entertainment that fortifies the desire to read.

1 reply · active 742 weeks ago

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Amy @ My Friend Amy 113p · 742 weeks ago

Hi Donita!
I've worked in literacy for several years myself and I understand that many parents and relatives need a little guidance on how to pick books for different age ranges. Rather than simply say, this book is for this age range, I strive to provide a little education on why. :) Thanks for dropping by.

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011