Written by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, illustrated by Vincent Nguyen
The main character in this very charming children's book is Roger, an adventurous turtle that loves pretending to be a pirate. One day he finds himself lost and alone in an unfamiliar place.
Padraig is a steadfast and loyal dragon that happens to meet Roger while snacking on his favorite meal...yummy, crunchy bugs!
Padraig volunteers to help Roger find his way home. Padraig, puts his own wants and needs aside to help Roger and goes to extraordinary lengths to help his new friend find his home.
When at long last Padraig successfully leads Roger home both boys discover what it truly means to be a good friend. They each also discover a few things about themselves that they didn't know before.
This book is based on Proverbs 17:17 which says: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Padraig has needs himself, but he goes out of his way to help Roger even though they have just met. Illustrating for children that being a friend entails so much more than "good times"...
The end of the book provides discussion points that could be shared by a parent and child. I feel it is an excellent way of helping parents let their children understand the moral of the story in a way that they can use in their own lives.
A recipe for chocolate chip snappers (rogers favorite snack) is also included in the book. I felt this inclusion was an absolutely wonderful addition to the book. It reinforces the theme of working together as a team to accomplish a goal-two friends could make this together or perhaps a parent and child-and it also brings the book to life, making it a real experience for kids.
This is a charming and beautiful picture book that will be enjoyed by children of all ages.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Watebrook Press, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-307-44644-2
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