Picture Book:
Raising Dragons
Author: Jerdine
Nolen
Illustrator:
Elise Primavera
Summary:
From the point of view of a delightful farm girl, this book is about
discovering who you are meant to be. The narrator finds a large, unusual egg.
Although her father’s discourages her, she cannot stay away from the egg. When
a dragon hatches, she names him Hank and quickly begins to tend him and
teach him. She respects that her parents are wary of Hank, but she is
determined to raise him. When Hank finds unusual ways to contribute to the
family farm, they are all amazed. However, when it is time for Hank to be with
his own kind, the narrator takes him to a dragon island she’s read about in a book. As she reluctantly says goodbye, she is given a wonderfully affirming gift by Hank: a wheelbarrow full
of dragon eggs to hatch and raise on her farm. She knows that raising dragons
is in her blood. It’s what she’s meant to do so she does just that, at her
parents’ farm with their blessing.
Hanna’s Comments: This book has been one of my favorite picture books for
years. I’ve read it to many elementary classes. Why do I love it? I love the
voice and authenticity of the narrator. It’s fun to read aloud for these reasons.
I love the family dynamics, especially the parents’ caution and then acceptance
of Hank. Also, I love the narrator’s willingness to accept saying goodbye to
Hank and then embrace her identity and vocation. I think it’s good for children
to begin thinking early about their God-given gifts, passions, and what they
might be meant to do vocationally, especially if it involves giving back to the
world. Note that the newest version of this book includes some story-related
activities.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1998
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1st and up
# of Pages:
40
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: An amateur video is available at Youtube.com.
PBT Category:
Pre 2K
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, adoption, aspirations/dreams,
call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, commitment, companionship, fear,
gardening/planting/pruning/sewing, gifts/talents, individuality/uniqueness,
mentors/teachers, mission, orphans, parents/parental love, passion, purpose,
wisdom
Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); Barnabus
helping Jesus’ disciples accept Paul (the book of Acts); having gifts that
differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children who are learning about
important teachers in the Holy Scriptures especially those who help dispel fears
such as Barnabus.
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