Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones

by Amanda Sobotka

Delicious snow cones and fire-breathing dragons don't really mix – but don't tell that to this dragon. With whimsical illustrations and a heart-warming story on the power of not giving up, Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones will delight readers of all ages!

Who can blame a dragon for wanting a cool and refreshing snow cone? They come in so many different flavors and colors! Sadly, as soon as the tasty treat is within reach, it melts.This dragon, however, will not give up.

After trying all it can think of to indulge in the slushy confection, the dragon seeks the advice of a colorful variety of friends. However, the chilly penguin, industrious squirrels, parrot pirate, and cave-dwelling bat just can't seem to help. Still no snow cone.

Will the dragon ever taste a flavorful snow cone that doesn't turn to slush? Kids of all ages will enjoy this tale of persistence and see tenacity in action in our scaly hero.

Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones:

Is a fun adventure for children ages 2 and up who love dragonsShows kids how to persevere and problem solveMakes a great holiday gift, easter basket filler, or birthday giftIs an engaging read aloud for families, with grandparents, or caretaker

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Summer, Dragons, Ebooks

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 28, 2025

Reviews

[Matal “The Mischling Princess” Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Amanda Sobotka and illustrated by Pauline Gregory, this cute picture book is creative. Although Sobotka primarily uses a rhythmic text. However, in several places, she departs from the rhyming which, at least for me, really halted the flow of the story.

Gregory’s illustrations were well done, and she did a great job on this story. In fact, I decided to read this picture book primarily because of how the cover was illustrated and the fact that it had a dragon in the title.

Overall, this is a nice picture book for children and one that I would definitely purchase for a child. The story teaches children that if you want something bad enough, you have to work hard to achieve it.

I received an ARC of “Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones” by Amanda Sobotka from NetGalley, Cider Mill Press, and Applesauce Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a fun, imaginative children’s book that delivers a playful lesson through humor and creativity. The story is engaging and lighthearted. The idea of a dragon struggling with something as simple as a snow cone is both amusing and relatable, encouraging kids to think about problem-solving in a gentle, entertaining way. The writing is simple yet effective, and the illustrations complement the story beautifully, adding to its charm. While the plot is fairly straightforward, the warmth and creativity of the book make it an enjoyable experience overall. A delightful read that kids will happily revisit. 🐉🍧

My NetGalley review

[Kelsey Imberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go on an adventure with a dragon as he tries to find a way to eat a snow cone.

Great problem solving and trial and error themes through the story which I feel are important lessons for kids.

Engaging story with vibrant words and illustrations that don’t distract from the story but help kids visualize the important elements of the plot.

The rhymes are a bit off at times but I don’t think kids would notice as much as an adult.

I received an ARC of "Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones" by Amanda Sobotka from NetGalley, Cider Mill Press, and Applesauce Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute! poor little dragon just wants to eat a snow cone and it keeps melting on him and keeps trying to find ways to be able to eat it. Cute book. The colors popped, love how for the most part it rhymed, my son adored it.

[Juniper Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute book! Dragon wants to eat a snowcone but they keep melting! Whatever is he to do?

I think that the book could have been two situations shorter - I think by the time we reached the squirrels, I was over the trial and error situations, and ready for a solution. Typically, I don’t love rhyming children’s books, because I think most authors break the rhythm several times during the book, which makes me annoyed. While the author broke rhythm once or twice, it wasn’t wildly noticeable, and did not disrupt my reading experience.

A cute read!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has beautiful, colorful, and engaging illustrations for both children and adults alike. The story line is easy to follow for younger readers, and the rhyming is fun for adults who read aloud to their children.

This book follows the story of a fire-breathing dragon who, with the help of his friends, tries to brainstorm ways he can eat a snowcone without it melting first. The story is great for touching on themes of problem solving & imaginative thinking.

4/5 stars because some of the rhymes didn't flow perfectly. I also would have loved to see the ending be a collaborative effort between dragon and all his friends instead of an accidental happenstance.

Thank you to @netgalley, Cider Mill & Applesauce Press, for an advanced copy of this book for review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic laugh out loud book that I thoroughly enjoyed! Every page is unique with its very funny commentaries and illustrations. There are so many entertaining things going on within this story.A complete joy to read. A question I have never thought to ask but I was excited to find out how this dragon would get to try a snow cone!

Many thanks to the Author and Publisher through Netgalley for the ARC.
Publication date 28/1/2025

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the read now

This is such an adorable, rhyming book about a cute and sweet dragon that will stop at nothing for a tasty treat! The illustrations are colorful and creative. This book is a lot of fun to read

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. All the dragon wanted was a sno cone but it kept melting before he could get it. He asks several animals for help and is determined to get a sno cone no matter what. He finally gets one in the end.

[Jennifer Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our five year old loves this book and wants to add it to his library! It’s so very cute. We love the rhyming. Unique story. We would read this frequently and also read other books by this author. Thanks NetGalley for the review copy.

[Dayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations and idea were very cute! I felt the story went on a bit too long and my kids and I were losing interest. Would be fun to read on a hot summer day with a snow cone treat afterwards 🍧 thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC!

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book I read to my granddaughters.

[Amanda Onoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dragon is faced with a tricky problem - how can he eat a snow cone without it melting? He comes up with lots of ideas and eventually perseveres after some trial and error. The illustrations were particularly dynamic with varied colors, settings and lots of fun details. The dragon looked cute and fun. Children can relate to both his curiosity and determination. The rhyming flowed well and the length was perfect for young children. I liked that the ending opened up to a new problem.

Thanks to Cider Mill Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Araya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Illustrations: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was written by Amanda Sobotka and Illustrated by Pauline Gregory.

The story was good even though the rhymes were a bit off at times.

I loved all the illustrations in this book, I loved the colours used. I found the pictures to be engaging and they fit the story perfectly.

This book teaches kids the importance of problem solving through trial and error and the importance of not giving up after the first failed attempt you’ve got to keep trying until you succeed.

Thank you NetGalley, publishers, the author and the illustrator for the advanced readers copy of this book, I highly enjoyed and I think this makes a good kids book.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A cuteness overload read

My Review: Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones is a 2025 children's fiction release that was written by Amanda Sobotka and illustrated by Pauline Gregory.

About the Book: "If a dragon wants a snow cone, it must proceed with great care, In case a fireball melts it all until there’s nothing there!"

An innovative dragon with a wish gets creative as he tries to partake of a delicious treat.

About the Illustrations: Pauline Gregory did an exemplary job with her art. The pictures were worth their weight in gold...stars that is.

My Favorite Section (coded, so as to avoid spoilers): ACHOOO...

My Final Say: What a delightful book! It was colorful, entertaining, and just plain fun. With simple rhyming and a playful approach to problem solving, it takes readers on a journey of discovery.

While I was reading, it made me think of classic, memorable content from my past, such as...

- How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootise Roll Pop?

- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie...

- Olaf and his fascination with something that goes completely against the norm

Other: Even though it is a lighthearted story, I could see deeper lessons on perseverance, using one's smarts, seeking out knowledge, and leaning on the supports that are available.

Honorable Mention: That little companion of his stole the show. (Tehehe)

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Children, Family
Status: Clean
Level: G
Title: 5/5
Cover: 5/5 (Preferred cover: NetGalley version)
Illustrations: 5/5

Special Note: This would be fantastic as a book club read for young readers. It would also be excellent as a family read aloud.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Cider Mill Press | Applesauce Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review this story.

[Kid's Picture Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones by Amanda Sobotka is a whimsical and heartwarming tale that combines humor, persistence, and dazzling illustrations to create a memorable reading experience for children and adults. The story follows a determined dragon who desperately wants to enjoy a snow cone but faces a fiery challenge—his own breath keeps melting the treat!

With clever rhymes and a playful rhythm, the book takes readers on a fun-filled journey as the dragon seeks advice from various animals and experiments with creative solutions to his icy dilemma. Children will delight in the dragon’s adventurous spirit and laugh out loud at the silly mishaps along the way.

Pauline Gregory’s illustrations are nothing short of fantastic, bringing the dragon’s world to life with vibrant colors, imaginative settings, and charming details that invite readers to explore every page. The artwork complements the story beautifully and adds an extra layer of magic to the book.

Not only does this story entertain, but it also delivers a meaningful message about persistence, problem-solving, and the value of never giving up. The rhyming text is engaging and flows smoothly, making it a joy to read aloud, while the length and playful tone are perfect for young children.

The amazing illustrations make this book feel like it belongs on an end cap at Barnes & Noble, ready to capture the attention of anyone looking for a delightful addition to their bookshelf. Whether you're reading it at bedtime, during story time, or as part of a classroom library, Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones is sure to become a favorite for kids.

A truly magical tale with giggle-worthy moments, creative storytelling, and spectacular illustrations, this book is a must-have for children who love dragons, adventure, and a good laugh.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little read, where minor flaws don't really distract from the appreciation you'll get. It features, as you'd guess, a dragon who only wants to eat a snow cone, but being so warm of breath finds the whole exercise impossible – all he has when he breathes out is a gloopy, melting ex-cone of ex-snow. And so on he goes on a quest, across the animal kingdom, for advice. The owl says to get it lobbed into his mouth by a giant catapult, but it's a cat of a different kind that benefits. A fisherman shows him how to fling it mouthwards on some fishing line, but other animals actually like eating things off fishing lines… Anything he tries, fails, until…

Yes, I suppose you could turn this into a lesson about persistence – or a thinking exercise about how you'd go about being the dragon in this situation. Or you just keep it as it is – a decent slice of colourful whimsy. There are some naff rhymes, and the poem is trying to do three things at once and it ends up a bit too much for it to juggle – not only do we have the "he could go and ask…" introductions to all the other characters, we have the "when a dragon wants a snow cone…" verses where we see the proof of what happens after each encounter, and we get bits of line where a word or two escalates and escalates and repeats and repeats, which is a trick that is OK. It's just that all three of these come in seemingly at random and without enough pattern to them.

That said, as I say, those are quite picky comments, and this is commendable. Not earth-shattering, but still certainly commendable. I could have done without his little sidekick friend, who is in the art but not the text, but again this doesn't detract me from giving this four stars, which the target audience will declare this deserves with ease.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing you’ll notice about Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones is that the book is written in rhyme – a pretty conventional approach to storytelling in picture books, but author Amanda Sobotka’s rhyming gets pretty creative at times. Illustrator Pauline Gregory does a great job at implementing small visual gags throughout the story, from a crocodile holding a “No Littering” sign in a pile of melted snow cones to a chinchilla ending up in an ice cube at the top of a snowy mountain. The dragon’s design is pretty quirky which is fitting for the book’s tone and art style, from its big belly to its too-small wings and especially, in my opinion, its overbite (a school of fish on one page certainly seem to agree).

One of the book’s biggest strengths is the fact that it was hard for me to figure out exactly how the dragon was going to eat its snow cone until the very end. Given the much simpler stories picture books require, it can be difficult to write a plot that’s not too complex but just complex enough that it keeps leaving you guessing. Ultimately, the dragon’s solution to eating a snow cone ends up being one that the dragon didn’t actually plan. And the result is one that more than pays off for the dragon in a way that was really clever.

Ultimately, Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones is a good picture book about how sometimes the best ideas are the ones that happen by accident. I think that the book can relate to those who keep doing everything they can to achieve their dreams, but only finally succeed when they feel like they can’t anymore, which I think is an important lesson for kids when they develop goals in life that aren’t necessarily easy to achieve as they grow up. The last page hints at a sequel, which could be an interesting play on an iconic snack that is cooked over a campfire if Sobotka decides to write it. Just saying…

For more children’s book reviews and other content, check out the blog of a children's book writer and illustrator at the Naimoli Children’s Books Blog!

[Papergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon’s Can’t Eat Snow Cones – Amanda Sobotka

I am grateful to Amanda Sobotka, Pauline Gregory, Cider Mill Press, Applesauce Press, and Netgalley for the advanced Reader copy of this title. What follows is my review of the book.

Absolutely stunning. I loved this rhyming tale and the chuckles it brought with it, and there’s a good batch of reasons why I think it’s a top notch, 5/5 stars.

A hapless dragon wants to sample a snow cone, but his breath causes it to melt. He then embarks on a mission to see how he might solve his quandary. Turning to the community around him, he receives a lot of advice based on what others know and experience. The real test is whether this advice works for the dragon. Take a peek to discover whether the dragon reaches his goal.

This book is a beautiful little gift for children up to the age of 8 years of age. It’s witty and quirky, teaching children about the habits of fellow creatures and the fruits of persistence. I thought the book was cute and spunky. I can see myself reading this to youngsters and laughing along with them as we read about some of the absurd mishaps the poor dragon encounters. Nurseries, childminders, and parents will surely welcome this comical rhyming tale to their collections, so get gifting.

Pauline Gregory hits the mark with her artwork. She brings life to the character and the story that I cannot imagine being done in any other way.

[Joey-Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Cider Mill Press / Applesauce Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Dragon wants to eat a snow cone but it melts before he can try every single time. So with a plan he sets off to find a way that he can successfully eat and enjoy his snow cone. Talking to each different animal and in different climates he tries everything he possibly can.

This was so much fun to read I absolutely loved this book. Dragon didn’t give up, he really was so dedicated to the task at hand. He was willing to try literally everything and anything just so he could try a snow cone. It was so adorable and really sad when it just wouldn’t work for him.

I loved the way this was written it was poetic, rhyming but also had its funny parts within it too. It has a great lesson for children about dedication and to keep trying when things don’t always work out. It was so easy and enjoyable to read, it flowed so wonderfully. I also adored the illustrations seeing dragon in all the different situations he was in, seeing so many different animals. There was so much to look at and I really loved it.

This is an excellent book to read with your young ones they’re going to seriously love this book, it’s so wonderfully created and illustrated. Such a clever story and children will read it again and again.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: When a Dragon Wants a Snow Cone

This book is absolutely adorable and hilarious! As a teacher in the early years, I can already imagine how much my students would love it. The story is filled with opportunities for interactive discussions, like brainstorming other ways the dragon could solve his problem or talking about how we might tackle similar challenges ourselves.

I also love how much detail there is in the illustrations—there’s so much to notice and discuss! From the other animals in the background to the dragon’s creative (and slightly chaotic) ideas, every page offers something new to explore. Questions like “What flavors do you know?”, “What have you tried?”, or “How do you think the dragon is feeling?” make it such an engaging read-aloud.

And honestly, the idea of eating a snow cone with a slingshot? My students would absolutely howl with laughter. The dragon’s attempts are both funny and clever, and the humor combined with the vibrant illustrations makes this book a joy to read.

Highly recommend this for classrooms, story time , or just for a fun, giggle-filled read! I’ll definitely add this to my class library.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was pretty cute overall - I'd think targeted for 4-8 year olds with respect to the overall story. The illustrations are fun and colorful and give additional detail to the story that ties into the overall flow of the text. It is a bit on the long side for a children's storybook, I found myself drifting a time or two while reading - at 41 pages it's on the longer side of what my kids would plausibly sit through. I did enjoy the use of varying text sizes and fonts to emphasize the repetitive text and visually break things up.

The rhyming felt a bit contrived at a few points in the story - which probably wouldn't be noticable for younger readers/young kids. There were also a few transitions/jumps in the story and what the dragon was doing that didn't seem to make a lot of sense or didn't fully close the loop with what had just happened. Otherwise, there is a lot of activity in the story to keep the kids engaged and ways to interact to drive their imagination.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little dragon wants a snow cone, but he has one big problem- he breathes fire and melts it every time. What shall he do?

The little dragon ends up asking different animals for a solution, creating a repetitive story that young readers will pick up on quickly. The repetition in the story will allow for conversation and thinking about foreshadowing.

The illustrations in the book are really fun! There are bright colors, big faces, and every situation is drawn with a bit of humor. I really loved the part where he went into a deep dark cave to ask a bat for help. The darker pages really popped against the colorful pages of the rest of the book.

The story is told in a rhyming scheme, which makes it bouncy and fun. There are a few times where the rhyme breaks a bit, but it is nothing major and shouldn't trip up an early reader.

Overall, I really loved this story. The determination of the dragon is really fun, and seeing him try to solve his fire breath problem was very creative.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for providing me a digital copy of this title for review.

True Rating: 3.5 Stars

“Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones” follows an unnamed dragon on his journey to discover a way to finally eat a delicious snow cone before it melts.

This story was humorous and had fun illustrations. Throughout the tale, readers tag along as the dragon interacts with and takes the advice of other animals to find the best way to eat a snow cone. Children will learn the value of seeking advice when one encounters a problem they are struggling to solve.

While the rhyming in the story was cute, there were times that the rhythm of the rhymes felt strange to read and had me stumbling over the sentence as I tried to keep a consistent cadence. The story also felt just a tad long for the age range it is written for, and I feel it may not be able to hold children’s attention to the last page.

Overall, this book is a great pick for any parents or teachers with kiddos who love dragons and silly quests.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical and fun, this book should be on every picture book shelf. The story of this ambitious and determined dragon, who really wants to eat a snow cone before the ice melts, is delightful. The rhymes, and many of the word choices, invite listeners to actively join in its reading. The illustrations are whimsical and colorful, and invite exploration and discussion of every page.

The story does feel a bit long for young readers. And there are some minor readability issues [with the rhyming meter and tense-shifting], but these are adult quibbles. The rhyming, the repetition, and the gorgeous illustration all work together to capture and hold your attention right up to that fun and clever ending.

Engaging and entertaining, this book is sure to be a favorite of readers young and old - but especially those who love dragons. And also snow cones. Thank you, NetGalley and Cider Mill Press/Applesauce Press for an advance copy of this book (pub date: Jan 28, 2025).

[Emma Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
NetGalley Review

Dragons Can’t Eat Snow Cones is a hilarious story about a dragon who wants to eat a snow cone but keeps melting it with his breath! The plot was wonderfully unpredictable and left me entertained as I wondered what silly adventure he going to go on next. I loved the message of never giving up, as the dragon refused to give up on finding a way to eat the snow cone.

The illustrations were just as exciting as the words, filled with color and imaginative pictures. The rhythming scheme was also very entertaining, keeping a nice flow on each page. Some pages had bigger text to emphasize words, which I found to be a fun choice!

Overall, I love this story because it invokes laughter and curiosity throughout the entire reading experience. It is a wonderful story for young children with a love for animals and adventure.

Thank you, NetGalley and Cider Mill Press, for the opportunity to read this book.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Dragons Can't Eat Snow Cones by Amanda Sobotka is a rhyming picture book. The titular dragon wants to eat a snow cone quite badly but it keeps melting every time he gets it close to his mouth. So he asks other animals, a fisherman, and pirates to help him come up with a plan.

This was a very cute picture book. The art is colorful and cartoon-y without feeling busy or making the text hard to read. I loved that the times when there are repetition, the words were highlighted in a different color and made bigger so beginning readers can see the letters easier and try the words out themselves. This is also a great way to test the knowledge of young readers, particularly on the habitats of animals like penguins and gophers and slightly more advanced vocabulary such as ‘commotion.’

I would recommend this to young readers who like fantasy picture books with humorous premises

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ever curious about why dragons can't eat snow cones? "Dragon's Can't Eat Snow Cones" tells the story of a very frustrated dragon who just wants to eat a snow cone. "When a dragon wants a snow cone he must proceed with care, in case a fireball melts it all until there's nothing there!" Seeing that other people who eat snow cones might be able to assist, Dragon decides to ask them for assistance. The dragon asks a wise old owl, some fish, a fisherman, a penguin, a bat, a squirrel, and a pirate ship. All of them had advice on how to eat a snow cone. All of the suggestions failed. In frustration, dragon tossed one last snow cone up a mountain just as all hope seemed lost. When the snow cone started rolling down the mountain, it grew and grew until it reached the bottom and slammed into the snow cone stand. The HUGE snowball became one GIGANTIC snow cone. In the end, the dragon was able to get a snow cone.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 28 January 2025 - publication day!

This was an enjoyable story with some lovely illustrations that really help to bring the story to life.

The book does rhyme in part but there are a few areas where the rhyming doesn't continue and I would have preferred if it did for continuity on the approach in the story, my daughter also agreed and she is right in the age range for the book.

The illustrations in the book are lovely and work well with the story and to bring the story to life. My daughter found it easy to read and follow and enjoyed the story overall too. I can see this one being a favourite and a welcome addition to bookcases and school libraries.

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a blast while reading this book! While this book doesn't directly teach kids a lesson, it's just plain fun. I know for sure that kids will be giggling and laughing out loud at the dragon's adventure to eat a snow cone in this book. There are two main elements that helped this come to fruition. The first was the rhyming scheme. It followed a clear and specific pattern and it also gets to reader to be really engaged from first page to last page. The other thing that worked really well was the illustrations. It's apparent that the illustrator has such an eye for detail, and all of the little details in every picture put a cherry on top of this book. I have zero doubt that kids everywhere will love reading this book as much as I did.
Bravo!