How To Be Friends with a Dragon

By Valeri Gorbachev

Wouldn't it be fun to have a dragon for a friend? But that's not going to happen if you don't know the rules. Simon's big sister, Emma, knows them all: DON'T poke a dragon when he's taking a nap; he might sneeze fire. DON'T be surprised if the dragon fries some eggs with his breath. DO be sure to wear a seat belt should you ever ride on his back...Simon is determined to master every last rule, because then maybe, just maybe, he'll get the chance to embark on what is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
• Release date: Feb 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9780807534304

Valeri Gorbachev

Valeri Gorbachev is the author and illustrator of a number of children's books, both in the United States and Europe, including Nicky And The Big Bad Wolves and Where is the Apple Pie? Mr. Gorbachev immigrated to the United States from the Ukraine in 1991 and now lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York.

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Reviews for How To Be Friends with a Dragon

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Simon loved dragons. He loved reading books about them, drawing pictures of them, and playing with dragon toys. When he confides in his sister Emma that he intends to befriend a dragon, she makes sure that he knows all the rules about such encounters, from not showing fear to wearing your seat-belt, when riding upon the dragon's back. Simon promises to follow the rules... or, at least to try...Using a wonderfully fantastic premise - who doesn't love dragons?! - author/artist Valeri Gorbachev spins a tale here that is as much about friendship, and how to be a good friend, as it is about loving those magical draconite figures. The artwork in How To Be Friends with a Dragon is colorful and engaging, capturing the jolly humor of Simon and the dragon's interactions, even as the more staid text, in the form of big sister Emma's strictures, paints a less adventurous picture. Recommended to all young dragon lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about friendship, and how to be a good and considerate playmate.

[upk306 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a classroom favorite. The kids especially love the good-natured tone of the story. The part where the dragon cooks eggs in a pan with his fire is particularly good scene.