It's a truism of children's literature that when dragons aren't serving as worthy adversaries of pretend play, they're the ultimate fantasy pretend pets. Biedrzycki's young narrator, like those who have gone before him, imagines a host of improbably comic situations that owning a potbellied, google-eyed red dragon could ignite: teaching the hesitant creature to fly for the first time, employing tough love and a handy cliff; startling his peers, teacher, and classroom hamsters with a dramatic entrance into show-and-tell; and showing off with a gravity-defying stroll. Using deadpan, catalogue-like text to set up the jokes ("We could clear neighbors' driveways in the winter" is a typical passage), Biedrzycki (the Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective series) creates page after page of scenarios with the kind of bright colors, dimensionality, and freewheeling goofiness that will remind readers of their favorite CGI cartoons. The jokes aren't particularly fresh ("Nice costume!" says a clueless homeowner to the dragon at Halloween), but that's beside the point: Biedrzycki is after the same kind of giggly pleasure that makes one feel like dancing at the sound of an oldie but a goodie.

Young dragon lovers not quite ready for the film How to Train Your Dragon will appreciate this gentle, imaginative account of what having a dragon as a pet might be like.

Charming digital art features a bright-red, not-too-scary dragon, who starts out small at "Eddie's Exotic Pets." Exotic he may be, but with understated humor he's shown doing all kinds of regular-pet stuff: going to the vet for a checkup, sticking his head out the car window on the way home (except this pet's head sticks out of the sunroof), chewing on a shoe, going for a walk on a leash (except he flies, rather than walks) and more. The goofy expression on Sparky's face is just like that of an eager, friendly puppy, complete with tongue hanging out, and is especially funny when he's scaring folks unintentionally (sticking his head in the schoolroom window for show-and-tell, for example). The wry tone of the text complements the illustrations' comedy, especially in issuing some cautionary advice: "(But don't give them broccoli. It gives them gas. And you don't want a fire-breathing dragon with gas.)"

Boy and dragon close their day with a bedtime read ("Knight Boy," which looks like a graphic novel featuring a familiar-looking red dragon); this amiable story can help real-life families do the same.

The ultimate fantasy pet is not a dog, it is a dragon. Biedrzycki imagines a young boy selecting a pet and coming away with a red, fire-breathing dragon. Just like any pet (especially dogs), this one goes to the vet, chases the mailman, and goes to school for show-and-tell. He also does unusual things; learning to fly, lighting the birthday candles, and roasting marshmallows. Some jokes readers will understand: “We could clear neighbors’ driveways in the winter” (even if just from the engaging digital illustrations). Page after page of pet owner scenarios will delight many readers with the bright colors, multifaceted activity, and silliness instead of just showing how scary having a dragon could be. Nice way to show taking care of an unusual pet.

Me and My Dragon is a children's book about how a little boy wants a dragon and the different things he would like to do with his dragon. For instance, he would read to his dragon pet every night, hug him every day and walk him at least once a day. The illustration is wonderful. DD loves the way the dragon looks. She has been asking for a pet dragon so I feel like this book was written just for her. All in all, it is a great book for any child who dreams about having a pet.

After reading Me and My Dragon by David Biedrzycki (Charlesbridge, 2011) my son and I whole heartily agree behind the premise of this book -- a dragon would make an excellent pet.

Bierdrzycki uses cause and effect masterfully and his wry ironic humor will illicit chuckles and giggles from adults and children. We especially liked the bath scene. The facial expressions are priceless and you really feel like you're on the page with the characters.

The blend of art and text work seamlessly to support each other: the text sets the stage and the illustrations deliver the punch line. The primary colors used throughout the book really pop and the softer hues add drama in all the right places. There are fabulous page turns to keep readers guessing and the extra thumbnail sketches in the end papers are an added bonus like extra scenes that never made it into the story.

This book will set off fireworks in the hearts of young readers! A great boy book but girls will eat it up, too!

A boy explains that he wants a dragon for a pet-a small, red fire-breathing dragon with blue eyes from Eddie's Exotic Pets. He would name him Sparky, construct a cardboard castle for him, and feed him Sizzles 'n' Bits Dragon Chow. A marvelous spread shows the youngster pushing his pet off a cliff to teach him to fly, while another features the flying dragon with collar and leash hovering above the child on one of their daily walks. Sparky could light birthday candles, clear snow from neighbors' driveways, and frighten away bullies. Though he might incinerate kites sharing the spring sky with him, he would be a hit at school on show-and-tell day. The Adobe Photoshop artwork abounds with expressions of surprise and alarm when others see the dragon. A favorite book, Knight Boy, provides inspiration for the narrator's reverie and is the source of not-so-scary bedtime stories, which Sparky reads himself after the boy falls asleep. The monochromatic art on the front endpapers offers a realistic basis for the boy's imaginings, and the back endpapers extend the story. While the brief text is a boon for early readers, this clever, funny book will delight young dragon lovers at storytimes.

What is it About?

A little boy thinks about what would be best about having a pet dragon!

My Thoughts:

Utterly Adorable and funny! This book made me laugh out loud at not only the pictures but the descriptions of how this little boy would love a pet dragon and why. Every time I look at the book I find something sneaky hiding in the back of the illustrations. Like how the blue bird of happiness appears on a uniform and then in the background as the boy teaches his dragon how to fly. The scared dogs that appear in the pet window and obedience school. Just open the book an really look at it in detail. There are so many little Easter eggs.

Easter eggs aside it is cute story about a boy and his pet fire breathing dragon. Who keep each other company through thick and thin. Through campfire smores and foods you don’t eat but your dragon will. Even for the biggest kid this book will make you laugh if not giggle.

This oversized book contains pages in full color, depicting a young boy and this wishes for a dragon. He isn't interested in a dog, he wants a big red dragon. He then explains how he would care for, and raise a dragon.

With a fire-eating dragon, he would be sure that the dragon could fit in the house, would get it a health check up, give him a name, give it daily baths, and teach it how to fly. On good days he would put a leash on the dragon and even take him for a walk and make sure he ate well.

the goofy-looking dragon will certainly captivate young children.

With big eyes, fluttery wings, pointy tail and fire engine-red scales, the little dragon featured in this picture book is adorable. The boy who narrates this cute story explains why he wants a pet dragon and how he would care for one.

Fire-breathing dragons, no matter their size, can be a little tricky to handle, but the boy has thought it through carefully. He offers a series of tips and special warnings on how to care for such an unusual pet.

From teaching the little fellow how to fly to enjoying outdoor activities with him, the boy touches all the bases as he explains the ins and outs of dragon care. Of course, it’s important to make sure your dragon has lots of exercise and always reassure him with plenty of hugs. Also, never, never feed him broccoli—and make sure you read to him every night. Oh, keep a fire extinguisher handy too, in case your dragon has an "accident."

Children four and older will love the cartoonish illustrations in Me and My Dragon—and if you’re planning on getting a dragon, you’d better make sure you read this first!

I don't want a dog, a cat or a hamster as a pet. I want a dragon. Now I don't want just any dragon either. I want one that isn't too big so he'll be able to stay in my room with me. I also want a fire-breathing dragon.

When I get my dragon home I'll give him a name. I think I'll call him Sparky . When he's big enough, I'll teach him to fly and I'll get a collar and leash for him so we can do walkies every day.

Sparky and I will do all sorts of things together. There will be summer camping trips, trick-or-treating on Halloween, and he'll help me clear the snow off the neighbors' driveways during the winter.

If I miss the bus Sparky will get me to school on time and he can stick around for show-and-tell. No one would dare bully me with Sparky at my side either.

At dinner time my pet dragon will sit under the table and eat the Brussels sprouts I slip him. You know dragons just love Brussels sprouts. I'll have to remember not to give him broccoli, though. It gives dragons gas and you definitely don't want a fire-breathing dragon with a bad case of gas!

There are plenty of other cool things my dragon and I can do together. If you read this picture book you'll see what they are and I also include a few important tips on raising a dragon. You won't want to miss those!

A young boy daydreams of having his own dragon as a pet. In his mind, he imagines how to raise a dragon and the things they would do together. An ultimately, at the end of a long day, he'd tuck his dragon into bed. Or is it the other way around? Easy reading, no real plot or conflict, but full of bright and colorful art about a topic kids will love. Dragons!