| Title | : | The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari (The Dragon and the Turtle, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 030744645X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780307446459 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 40 |
| Publication | : | First published January 11, 2011 |
Padraig the dragon and his best friend, Roger the turtle are determined to spend the whole night outside. As brave explorers at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow, the boys use their imaginations to have fun while munching on crunchy baked bugs and toasting s’mores over their campfire. But when the sky gets dark and the sounds of strange animals fill the forest outside their tent, their safari gets scary. This adventure is just what the boys need to discover that the dark might be frightening, but their friendship is stronger than fear.
The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari (The Dragon and the Turtle, #2) Reviews
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I’ve enjoyed reading other books by Donita K. Paul that have a youth audience, so when an opportunity came about to receive a review copy of this delightfully colorful picture book, I signed up.
I adore the beautifully illustrated pictures by Vincent Nguyen in this book. The story is about two boys deciding to go on an all night safari. It’s a great idea until it starts to get dark. The outdoors sure does look and sound different at night. The boys’ imaginations run wild as they try to determine what animal is making the sound they hear. The boys encourage each other as they both try to be brave and make it on this all night adventure inside the tent.
Each helps the other to be courageous as they attempt to rescue an animal they've determined must be hurt by the noise its’ making. Dragon and Turtle are scared, but together they are able to do far more than they could imagine.
I smiled as I read the story and looked at the pictures! I got a warm feeling inside as I watched these boys work together and not tear down each other, and make fun of how each was scared. There was no power struggle here. At the back of the book is a camp story one of the boys was too afraid to hear at night in the tent. Donita and Evangeline give parents a way to talk to their children about respect, courage and being encouraging to one another in scary times. The book emphases the scripture verse in Deuteronomy 31:6 “: Be strong and courageous. Do not be Afraid…God goes with you; He will never leave you.”
The author says, “Practicing truth in small things helps children depend on tough in large things.”
That’s a good word for everyone. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to other Dragon and Turtle adventures.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network
www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine
www.bookfunmagazine.com -
A very cute little children's book to add to our shelve with other favorites like Lisa Tawn Bergren and Liz Curtis Higgs. It is awesome to be able to have great books to share good messages with my children.
***Special thanks to Staci Carmichael, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator, Doubleday Religion / Waterbrook Multnomah / Divisions of Random House, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***
http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2... -
Review can be seen at
My Own Little Corner of the World
Many thanks to Staci Carmichael and Waterbrook Press for the review copy of the book.
To purchase this book, please visit -
My Detailed Description:
Padraig and Roger have decided that they want to camp out ALL night long at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow. At first they have fun, eating tasty, crunchy bugs and making s'mores. However, the fun starts to go away when it begins to get dark and the noises of the wild start to ruin their evening. The boys begin to believe that the sounds they are hearing are animals in the wild, such as rhinos, elephants and monkeys, while in reality they were common animals you might find in your backyard...an owl (howler monkey), squirrel (giraffe), raccoon (elephant), and a dog (rhino).The boys share an adventure in the night when they help to save a small leopard (a kitten) from a tree (where the dragon learns he can blow fire for the first time). As the boys are finally deciding that it is too much for them to be out, dawn breaks and they realize they have been brave and have stayed outside ALL night long. Then they decide they need a nap before taking on any other adventures of the day.
My thoughts...
This is a story about Padraig (a dragon) and Roger (a turtle) who determine to go on a safari which is really staying out all night in their backyard. They have some adventures with some not so wild creatures during the night. The book is beautifully illustrated. The story seems to get bogged down at times. There is a bonus story at the end (The Legend of Mount Sillymanborrow - which wasn't scary at all - it was pretty cute!) and a page of conversation starters & questions to discuss courage and friendship with your children/classroom. There is also a bible verse which the story is supposed to be teaching about. Would be appropriate for preschool through elementary age children (ages 4 and up).
I felt the book was awkward to read aloud, because the characters used British sounding phrases such as "my good fellow," "Oh, righto," "Cheerio. Right jolly good," etc. The story line worked well to teach children about facing fears, and being kind to their friends.
My two year old daughter enjoyed the pictures, but the book was too lengthy/chatty to read to her, and awkward (as I mentioned above). The two characters seem to just talk balk and forth the entire story - which was kind of boring. The whole lesson of the story was supposed to be about being brave & how to not be scared of the dark - I'm not sure if the characters learned that lesson (they just stayed out there long enough until it was dawn). I wasn't a fan of the British phrases or the big vocabulary words either. I think I will wait to actually "read" this book to my girls for awhile...but until then we will enjoy looking at the beautiful pictures and learn to imagine & pretend together just as the boys do in the story.
A really cute book, but not outstanding. I give it 4/5 stars. You can find this book on Amazon or at a bookstore near you!
Thank You so much Blogging for Books and Waterhouse Multnomah for allowing me to share this book with my family! I cannot wait to read more books from you in the future!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Waterhouse Multnomah book review bloggers program, "Blogging for Books". I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." -
I got a copy of this book through Librarything's Early Reviewer program. I have a four year old son who adores dragons and was really looking forward to reading this book with him. The strong point of this book are the wonderful illustrations. The story is decent too and teaches some good lessons.
Padraig (the dragon) and Roger (the turtle) are determined to camp out all night on a pretend safari. The problem is they keep encountering and hearing dangerous wild animals, for example baby cougars (kittens), etc. They are going to try and make it through the night but when Padraig gets too scared it might be time to retire to the comforts of home.
This book had a lot of strengths. The illustrations are cute and the story is fun. The friends are supportive of each other and when Padraig gets too scared Roger lets him know it's okay to admit you are scared and to try again another time. It's a good example of imaginative play where the characters are pretending to be on safari but are really only in their backyards.
There were also a couple of problems with the book. First of all there is a lot of Brit-speak in here. I thought it was kind of cute, but my four year old found it confusing at points and wanted me to stop and explain what all the words meant or why they were used that way. Okay if you want your kid learning British English, but a bit confusing for kids just learning how to read. The plot was a bit confusing too, at first it wasn't clear whether they were actually on a safari or pretending to be on a safari. At points the pictures actually show giraffes and stuff and at other times they show the actual animals (Raccoons, squirrels). As an adult I found it kind of confusing and my son was totally confused. He thought they lived in the jungle and then wondered why they were calling things a cougar but showing a kitten. So that is a bit confusing also.
Overall though it was definitely a winner for my son. He enjoys the story and grabs it off the bookshelf quite often to read. It is not his favorite book but he enjoys it. I really enjoy the great illustrations but having to stop to explain the British English gets a bit tiresome. Cute story for fans of dragons. Teaches imaginative play and how to be a good and sensitive friend. It is a decent read, but my son and I didn't like it enough to go out and by the first book in this series: The Dragon and the Turtle. -
The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari was a nicely illustrated story about two friends. They attempt to camp out at the base of Mount "Sillymanborrow"...and although they take turns being scared of noises in the night, they do make it until morning.
This story was pretty long...my kids (3 & 5) had a hard time making it through it. The dragon's name is Padraig...a very hard name to read...I found myself repeatedly wishing it was as simple as the turtle's name, Roger. I actually looked it up....and decided it's PAW-DRIG or PAW-RIG depending on which region you're from. Oui!
There was a touch of British throughout the story, "Cheerio, my good fellow, a capital idea" which was sort of fun. My daughter and I giggled when we read the line, "The boys snuggled down. Not because they were tired, but because sleeping bags with shiny outsides and fluffy insides are so inviting." We'd just mentioned that about our sleeping bags the other day.
I really liked the back cover where they put Duet. 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid...God goes with you; he will never leave you." It gave some good ideas for teaching biblical truths from within the book. They helped each other not be afraid. They were kind to each other when they were frightened.
I also enjoyed the "Legend of Mount Sillymanborrow" a cute story about a silly man who needed to learn compass skills...that's tacked on to the back of the book. It was the story that Roger was attempting to tell the entire night...but they kept being interrupted by scary things.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. -
This was a very cute book and story. My youngest just loved the beautiful illustrated pictures and animals that appeared in the book she especially liked the dragon. She had her sister read the book to her several times and each time she stayed focused on the beautiful pictures.
There were lots of animals in this book that you would find in Africa and my youngest had lots of what's that? questions for big sister. As they read on the dragon and the turtle encountered some really neat animals like elephants, giraffes and had some pretty imaginative animals such as a howlermonkey. Explain a howlermonkey to a two year old she didn't understand that it wasn't a real animal but as she gets older she will. Big sister thought the box of baked bugs they brought for snacks sounded kind of Ewwww! There is also a short story in the back of the book with some questions that you can discuss with your child.
This was a really fun and cute story with lots of wonderfully illustrated pictures. My youngest will enjoy this book for years to come.
I am a MamaBuzz reviewer and I have been provided a complimentary copy of The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. By receiving a complimentary product it in no way obligates me to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.* -
The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari is a very cute book. I absolutely love the illustrations. Roger and Pedraig are very fun characters. Although they both get scared during the night, they are able to get past their fears because they are together. This is a great lesson for kids. There are lots of potential topics for discussion in the book as well. The very last page of the book includes a Bible verse and some talking points that can be used with children.
One thing that I did find confusing about this book is that a good portion of it seems to be written in British English. I have not read the first book in this series, The Dragon and the Turtle, so I don't know if it is written in the same style or if the language used in this book was supposed to be part of the adventure. Either way, I think the language could really throw off American children with the unfamiliar words and phrases. I suppose this could be used as another point of discussion.
My daughter is only 2 so this book is a little old for her at this point. She promptly claimed it when we took it out of the package though, saying "Mine!" and holding it closely. I actually had to wait for her to take a nap before I could get a good look at it! Although she enjoys the pictures, we will wait a bit before trying to actually read the story.
I received The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari through the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review. -
The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari is a cute kids book about a turtle named Roger and a dragon named Padraig. The two decide to spend an entire night out camping, beneath the stars and alone all by themselves. While out, the familiar spooks and noises born from childhood imagination appear, and Roger and Padraig struggle to endure the long night.
One thing I thought funny (and somewhat bizarre) was the high, Old English language the two buddies used to speak to one another. "I say my good man..." "Capital!" "Jolly ho." This stuff was fun to read but slightly odd.
The illustrations (by Vincent Nguyen) are all beautiful and rich. Many forest animals appear and all are drawn very child-friendly. The night landscapes are also pretty. The book is a very full and vivid picture book for young readers.
The themes are great for young kids, teaching them the values of friendship and of helping others. Also, on the back cover of the book there is a collection of questions to ask your kids to prompt them to respond to the story.
Overall, The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari is a fun book for young children that teaches good morals and tells a fun story along with it. There is a lot of verbiage, so a parent may be used to help younger readers. -
I decided to go with a childrens book this time around. The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari was a cute little story. My children each took a turn reading. The oldest 12 said,"It was pretty good." The next who is 10 said, "It was funny." And then my husband read it to the 7 year old just before bedtime. On her way to bed she said, "Oh and the book was good."
My husband on the other hand did not enjoy it. He said he felt that there were long stretches of dialogue and the story didn't seem to go anywhere. But he liked that it ended with scripture.
I read it by myself and I thought it was cute. I stopped reading little kids books a long time ago. But decided to give this one a try because I've seen it everywhere. The illustrations are very pretty. The turtle reminds me a lot of Franklin the Turtle. I love that Donita K. Paul fit a dragon in to the story.
I'd say this book would be great for people with really little kids. Probably 2-6 years old. It's not exciting enough to hold the attention for a long spell. It includes a second short story at the end. And also discussion starters.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. -
December 8th 2010, I wrote a review on The Dragon and the Turtle. I felt the story about Padraig the Dragon looking for Roger the Turtle’s house went on for too long. So this time around I decided to review The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari hoping it changes my view on the way the Authors writes.
The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, illustrated by Vincent Nguyen is a story about two best friends determined to spend the whole night outside at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow; the boys use their imaginations to have fun while camping.
As it got dark, and the sound of strange animals fill the forest outside their tent, they got scary. The noise came from animals like Giraffes, Elephants, a rare Sumatran Rhinoceros and a baby Leopard. Roger and Padraig brave the unknown to rescue the baby Leopard. The fright of the night made their friendship stronger than fear.
The last page talks about guideline for children, Deuteronomy 31:6. This book was beautifully illustrated and would recommend the reading level age 7 or 8 years old even though the reading level starts at 4 years. A younger age will find it boring and fall asleep quickly. Hardcover pages: 40. -
I loved the cover of this little hard back book and thought my brother and I might enjoy the chance to review a book together. The illustrations are cute and filled with bright colors and I think the age appropriateness for the book was good for his age (7) and younger. The short story in the back of the book was especially enjoyable. I thought the idea of a question and answer guide in the back was a good idea for kids and parents (or siblings) to go over together. It makes them more aware and think about what they have read. It was a fun book to read together.
I would have liked a stronger moral to the story. There were many good values in the book including helping your friends, manors and thinking of others comfort, but the book never really felt like it was moving towards a “point”. My mom read the book to my brother as well and agreed with my determination.
On the whole it’s a cute story, but not the greatest children’s book I have read. I think a stronger moral to the story would have made for a better story arc.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through FIRST for my copy to review. -
I do already have two books to put up for my 'lil Turtle' to come. The first will be so apt as it is The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari. I can't wait to read to my newest grandbabe as I do my current ones. And to share the many books to come. In The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari we are going to learn about how friendships work. Working together while on an adventure. And more so that we are never alone. I love the bible verse in the back of the book.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.... God goes with you; he will never leave you.
Deteronomy 31:6
What a beautiful message to share with children. That they are always looked after and safe. While reading about Dragon and Turtle (by the way their names are Padraig and Roger) I liked seeing how they braved the dark for a camp out. And that they even braved the dark more so to help someone who was smaller and weaker than themselves. Can you remember back yard camp outs? Roasting marshmallows over a fire and telling stories of adventures. Well here we see just that laid out in a great adventure. I know that my own lil Turtle will love this one, one day. -
This book kept the attention of my 3 and 5 year olds. They were chuckling with the dialogue and antics. The books has some good messages..."Proper adventurer's always say please". The graphics in this book are almost like paintings, which I loved! We again discussed the book at breakfast and the kids were both telling what they liked. All in all it is a nice Children's book that will be read again!
Product Description
“Padraig, my friend, it is time for us to be courageous.”
Padraig the dragon and his best friend, Roger the turtle are determined to spend the whole night outside. As brave explorers at the base of Mount Sillymanborrow, the boys use their imaginations to have fun while munching on crunchy baked bugs and toasting s’mores over their campfire. But when the sky gets dark and the sounds of strange animals fill the forest outside their tent, their safari gets scary. This adventure is just what the boys need to discover that the dark might be frightening, but their friendship is stronger than fear.
I was provided with a free copy of this book by the publisher, the opinions are my own. -
I love a good children's book, especially one with good illustrations. Good illustrations, along with a good story, keep a child's attention when being read to or when reading a book on their own. This book has both!
This book is a story about a turtle and a dragon who want to sleep outside all night - what kid doesn't want to do that? Well, their imaginations go a little wild and they hear strange creatures roaming around in their backyard. The illustrations of these strange creatures make the story so much fun to read.
And along with this great story about the safari, there is a little bonus story at the back of the book as well as lessons, conversation starters, that will help us open up some dialogue with them.
Great book and one that I look forward to reading to my Grands when they come for a visit! -
THE DRAGON AND THE TURTLE GO ON SAFARI is a cute picture book with well-stated but subtle morals behind it. I really loved the illustrations of the book, they brought the characters of Padraig and Roger to life. The ideas of being brave, helping others and caring for others are wonderful lessons for a child to learn, and they are woven seamlessly throughout the story.
However, I kept being distracted by not knowing how to pronounce Padraig's name (google tells me it is pronounced PAW-rig) and by how much older (and British!) the two main characters sounded. I felt their speech was a little older than two boys would use, more like adults or maybe even young adults.
Overlooking those two things, though, this picture book is definitely a fun one and younger children will enjoy the pictures, animals and the idea of eating bugs! -
The kids enjoy to read, but with "The Dragon and the Turtle", not only is it filled with beautiful illustrations that keep even the youngest of kids entranced, but the message that is part of the story as a whole, encourages and teaches children about courage.
Be it, being afraid of the dark, or maybe making new friends, there is something, all kids can gain as they follow the story of, Padraig the dragon and his best friend, Roger the turtle.
The short study guide in the back, helps parents engage their kids in discussion of what they have read, and being a sure, bedtime story favorite, the images by Vincent Nguyen, leaves enough room, for the kids on their own, to create their own narration.
This is a book, that as a parent, you will find your kids, pulling off the shelves to be read, again and again. -
The Dragon and the Turtle go on Safari is a splendid book that I believe children will adore. I thought the way Padraig grew a little nervous during the night, and Roger calming him, was quite brave. The friends bonded with each other, and I liked the way their adventure was a learning point, especially for Padraig as he learned much about the animals and their sounds. Ms. Paul and Ms. Denmark create a lively story sure to please while demonstrating friendship, caring, compassion, and the importance of getting along. Also the illustration, by Mr. Nguyen, truly allows the reader to absorb the story.
Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review:
http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi... -
This is a beautifully illustrated book about two friends, Roger the turtle and Padraig the Dragon, who decide to spend a night camping at Mount Sillymanborrow. During the night they encounter some scary situations. Because of their friendship, they are able to overcome their fears and help each other
make it to morning.
The Legend of Mount Sillmanborrow is included at the end, as Roger never did get a chance to tell it to Padraig. Also included are some great questions that you can pose to your child to get them thinking about how we show our friends we care. Also some suggestions about what we can do to face our fears. -
What an incredibly clever, fun book! I love Donita Paul's dragon books and I see this as a delightful way to introduce younger children to her dragon characters. The imagination that is used in this book is wonderful. As Roger and Padraig are on their camping trip, everytime they hear a sound we see a picture of what caused the sound (owl) and then Padraig says what he thinks caused the sound (howler monkey) and then it shows a picture of a cross between the two (owl and howler monkey). I found myself enjoying seeing what the animals would turn out to be... regular backyard animals crossed with safari animals. What fun! My kids will love this book!
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Turtle and Dragon are going to camp outside all night long, and during the night they hear noises, with each new noise Padrig the dragon, did not want to close his eyes and go to sleep. His friend, Roger would tell him what each sound was. This was a great book about friendship and being there for each other. The pictures are big, colorful, and vivid. The back of the book has ideas that a parent or grandparent could use with a child for conversation starters. I highly recommend this book!
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It has cute drawings and I like the camping out story. It was a little long, and I "lost" a few of the kids at the Pre-K, especially the younger ones. However, the very Irish dragon was a fun find, and that amused me, at least, LOL.
For full review, see
http://havesippywilltravel.blogspot.c... -
The best part of this book is "Mount Sillymanborrow" The pictures are cute and good story about courage--but it was a little long but over all worth reading!
You should also be impressed that I know how to Pronounce "Padraig" it is actually "POOR RIG" and thanks to Bally kiss Angel for providing that knowledge. -
The story was enjoyable and had a point to relate to children. I found the pictures entertaining and liked how the reality of what was hiding in the dark was morphed into what Padraig and Roger believed was out there.
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ddb
