Review: Dragons are the Worst! by Alex Willan

 

DRAGONS ARE THE WORST!

by Alex Willan

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

40 pages

COMING TOMORROW...

SEPTEMBER 7th!!!

Mo Willems meets Bob Shea in this uproariously funny picture book about Gilbert the Goblin from the creator of Unicorns Are the Worst!.

Gilbert the Goblin is absolutely, definitely, one-hundred-percent certain that dragons are the worst.

They burn down everything in sight and they hoard all the gold. They melt every ice cream cone within a mile radius, and everyone is afraid of them. But really, it’s the dragons who should be afraid of Gilbert and his tremendous goblin power!

…right?

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MY TIDBITS

Snorts, giggles and eye rolls are guaranteed when reading these pages!

This goblin has had enough when it comes to dragons. Everyone thinks they are scary and impressive, and they tend to forget how frightening and awe-inspiring goblins are. So, Gilbert the goblin is going to explain and prove how dragons aren't quite as great as everyone thinks. And while his plan backfires, it might not backfire after all.

Dragon lovers beware because this book tries to undermine everything you find awesome about the fantastical beasts. And to be honest, Gilbert is amazing in his own, little way. Humor is big in this book as the small Gilbert does his best to explain...and these are pretty logical...why dragons haven't earned their reputation. It's funny and cute and ends in a very unexpected way.

The illustrations are bright, bold and oh-so-dragon but for the intended audience level. They keep the atmosphere light and help build out the subtle humor. Goblin as well as dragon lovers will enjoy gazing through these.

Of course, there is an obvious message in these pages about learning to like yourself and embracing your own version of wonderfulness. While Gilbert explains why dragons aren't so cool, it's obvious that he's just trying to build himself up, and that his arguments really don't stand up as well as he might want them too. But this book also adds a fun twist at the end, which really raises Gilbert up and shows that anyone is capable of being amazing.

It's a fun read for more than just little dragon fans.