Goodnight, Dragons

by Judith L. Roth, Pascal Lemaître (Illustrations)

Everyone needs a cuddle. Maybe dragons more than most.

When a courageous boy sets out to put dragons to sleep with soft blankets, tasty treats, and soothing words, fire breathers are no match for the daring dragon tamer! Goodnight, Dragons is as warm and comforting as a steaming mug of hot cocoa, and now with its padded cover, it's perfect for little hands.

Genres: Picture Books, Dragons, Fantasy, Childrens, Storytime, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction

32 pages, Board Book

First published February 14, 2012

About the author

Judith L Roth has lived half of her life in a beach town in Southern California and the so-far second-half of her life in northern Indiana. She loves reading, traveling, kayaking, music, nature, and of course, cats. She's been a piano teacher, a youth minister, an editor, and an ASL interpreter—but before any of those occupations, she was a writer, and during those jobs she was a writer, and now she writes almost full-time. She is a mother to two wonderful young men, and a grandmother to two wonderful little girls. She lives on a river bank with her husband and three cats.

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and nice book. Quite soothing in the rhythm of the text, the word choice, and gentle pictures. Rowan indeed likes reading this one before bed. The message is also a great way to think about grouchy and grumpy emotions and how to be nice and patient with tired crabby dragon children. Maybe I’m appreciating that a lot right now since Rowan is starting to be a bit more grumpy and tantrumy when things aren’t working out as he wants—like when you just can’t wrangle the adult broom around the kitchen because it’s too big for you. So. Gotta take care of those grumpy dragon feels. He’s into it. I’m into it. We all into it.

[CiarraL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodnight, Dragons is the story of a little boy who sets out to tame dragons he finds in the forest. As the story unfolds, we see that the boy aims to “tame” them by covering them in warm blankets, offering them hot chocolate, and tucking them in for bedtime. I think this is a fun fantasy book for young children. I think it is appropriate for children as young as 4 or 5 years old. I like the underlying message here of not judging a book by its cover. Dragons are often seen as ferocious and dangerous in fiction, but the boy in this story sees them as something more. I also like how the story will subvert young reader’s expectations. They will think he is planning to battle the dragons when the story begins (“I pack up my traps…for dragon taming”, the boy says early on). However, as the story unfolds we see that he has other plans for them.

I think young children will find the illustrations in this book funny. They show images of dragons doing funny and silly things. The story is also suspenseful -- as we see the boy prepare and set out to tame the dragons. The language in the story is descriptive as well, with lots of metaphors and similes. I appreciate that the author filled a children’s book with figurative language (e.g., “But I wrap them in blankets, soft as morning mist, soft as summer flowers…”). My college instructor shared the website Bookriot.com’s list of 50 must read fantasy books for kids and this book was on it, so I decided to check out a print copy from my local library. I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed this book and think many young children will enjoy it as well. As a teacher this book could be used to have students compare/contrast the way dragons are presented in this book compared to other books. This book can also be used to examine figurative language with students.

[Regina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brave young boy with a great imagination believes the cranky fire-breathing dragons living in the woods by his house would not be so grouchy if only they could have a cuddle and a restful nap! Armed with his trusty pup and a wagon full of toasty blankets and hot cocoa he sets off to catch them, calm them, and tame them to sleep! I must admit, upon first read of this book, the text felt disjointed and nonsensical; However, I am so very glad I read this book a second time! “Goodnight, Dragons” is an absolutely fantastic story, and it is truly a different kind of book than so many others out there, thanks to Roth’s writing. Beautifully poetic, flowery and fantastic in all the right places, reading this book is like stepping into a dream. The illustrations by Pascal Lemaitre are gentle and sweet and my daughter smiled from ear to ear the dragon’s expressions morphed from ferocious fire breathers to grouchy grumps to hot chocolate-sipping, thumb-sucking sleepyheads. She thought the dragon tamer boy was brave and fun. An added bonus of this story is that it puts your child in the mood for hot chocolate and a nap! Read more at www.diapers-and-daydreams.com

[Luisa Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

Odd prose and descriptions. Wasn't really a fan.

Ages: 4 - 7

Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!

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[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too cute! I loved reading this book to my child. He even read along with me (baby gibberish ) but still, it was cute to see him turn the pages and gabber away and point at the drawings. I have a feeling he'll love this adventure when he's older ( he's only 1). This is a great book for any child and it let's their imagination run wild :-)

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A not-so-scary dragon story for the VERY young. Gentle, poetic text is a belly-warming build up to hot chocolate and Lemaitre interioro illustrations are my favorite since Andrea Beaty's Ted stories.

Best for ages 2-3 and thsoe not ready for the fire-breathing dragons of lore.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a little boy who wants to tame dragons. He does so by wrapping them in blankets and giving them hot chocolate.

I smiled the whole way through this book. It was so cute and sweet. I enjoyed the story and the illustrations.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

a sweet story of how to cozy down and snuggle up with the toughest creatures

[Justyn Rampa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all board books are created equal. This is the lesson I am learning with my baby. This board book is wonderful though. So specific and such a sweet idea. We enjoyed it very much!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Current bedtime favorite.

[Dorian Shifflett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young boy who takes a nap under a tree in the forest. While he sleeps he dreams of the many dragons that live within the forest. He feels that his mission is to tame the dragons and comfort them. His plan is to gather all the tools he will need and set off to find the dragons with his horse, who is actually his cute little pup. He knows they will be grumpy and therefore need love. Once he is able to find the dragons, he takes them under his wing. He gives them just what they need to be tamed… a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate! The dragons are then calmed and ready for a good night's sleep, good night, dragons! One of the major themes in this book is caring for those who might need extra care. They might have an attitude or seem to not want to be bothered, but if you keep trying you will realize that all they needed was a nice gesture. The genre of this book is fantasy. If I were to read this book to children, I would teach them how important it is to be a nice person. Everyone needs a friend, and everyone needs a hug from time to time. If we were to all be that person then the world might be a better place. I would also teach them about courage, although you know some things might be hard, it is still good to face them. And when you do face them, you will see how strong you are and what difference you can make. Just like when the little boy was able to tame the fierce dragons! This book is a WOW book for me because of the story that is behind the words. I myself need courage sometimes, and when I do finish what I thought I could not, it makes me realize how strong I can be. It also reminds me of dreaming, our dreams can sometimes face things we cannot, and it is often a great place to be!
Some of the literary devices the author uses are similes. Her similes compare things that we often know. Therefore, we can understand what the character was experiencing as well. As I am sure we all know the horrible smell of burnt toast or the comforting feeling of wrapping up in our favorite blanket. I would consider this book to be anti-bias because we are reading a book that is about setting aside differences and not projecting common beliefs. Even though we see dragons as big, scary, intimidating monsters… they are just like us, sometimes all they need is their favorite blanket, hugs, and a cup of hot chocolate!

[Yosselin Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever had a dream of going to bed with a dragon? I yet haven’t had one of those types of dreams. My dreams were repeated dreams about unicorns and fairies. But after this, I bet both you and I will start having our incredible dreams about having fun sleepovers with dragons. In this book, “Goodnight, Dragons” by Judith Roth and Pascal Lemaitre, readers are introduced to a magical fairytale where kids bedtime routines aren’t the usual BORING, same old same old. Let me begin taking you on a delightful twist among bedtime routines, GET PREPARED! The author unfolds the story intended for readers to follow along as a young child imagines fantastical creatures, dragons in particular. Through the illustrator's beautiful pictures, readers are invited to join the young child’s fantasy journey filled with kind and sweet dragons, promoting a perfect and peaceful bedtime adventure for young children. The major themes in this book tend to be around imaginations and a great bedtime routine. With the fantasy dragon world, young children are able to explore and understand the power of a great bedtime routine while picturing their own creative vision. Throughout the book, it's highlighted how important comfort during bedtime is as this child gives every dragon in his fantasy world, careful and affectionate goodnight. This book was a WOW book for me because it shows the incredible ability of combining components of a general bedtime routine while truly enhancing a child’s inner fantasy creativity. Some literary devices Judith Roth presented in this book includes repetition, imagery, and rhyme. Throughout the entire story, I was able to enjoy reading it aloud as I can hear the perfect rhythm that her word choices created. Thus, helping young readers to have a smooth and comfortable reading experience as it assists them within their learning development. Additionally, Pascal Lemaitre’s illustrations enhances the reader's storytelling experience as well as their imagination, these images brought all these dragons to life with its vibrant and colorful colors, making all the dragons unique.

[Michael Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodnight, Dragons; written by Judith Roth and illustrated by Pascal Lemaitee is a 2012 fantasy children’s book and fictionalized adventure story. It chronicles the unnamed narrator who is a young boy who sets off to “tame the dragons.” In his conquest, he maps out carefully his attempts of how he will do this taming. In his journey, the boy learns an unexpected yet important lifelong lesson. There is just the right amount of text on the pages to enjoy the fun of the illustrations and this is also a great book for developing readers ranging from ages 3 all the way to 7. Through a shallow reading of the story this could be a bedtime story, I believe (and also recommend) this to have larger themes alluding to the idea of facing our fears - or even bullies - by treating them with empathy and kindness. Kids are just like adults; everyone wants to be heard, so I believe this story could teach an important lesson to kids on why it is important to treat everyone with a resound moral compass.

[Sara Prado · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is written super obnoxiously. Things like “come you heartbreakers, come you broken hearted” when talking to dragons just doesn’t make sense, especially coming from a little boy. Also the prose doesn’t rhyme but seems like it should at times, like when he could have said “hot chocolate is made” and it would’ve been an approximate rhyme but instead he says “hot chocolate is born.” Like… what? The repetitious “gentle as _____, gentle as ______, gentle as _____” and other similar lines just feel awkward.

The story concept is cute for a little kids’ bedtime book, and the illustrations are sweet, though nothing to write home about. But the writing has made it a total annoyance for my husband and I to read. Naturally our 2 year old loves it and has requested it three times today. 😵‍💫 Save us.

[Shannon McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint illustrations of a cranky dragon and child, with a charming story of them enjoying a night together before bed.

I picked this book up for my two year old nephew. I got the book not just because he is at a stage where even board books have a short life but because it had a dragon. I love dragon stories and hope to spread that love to my nephew. The art is one of the best things about this book.

The story unfortunately is a little lacking for me. The art and writing do not quite fit sometimes and I can not really place why that is. I do not think that is something kids would pick up on though, which is why I still purchased it.

In the end dragons and children are a wonderful mix. Especially in this cute form.

[Casey Seawell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read "Goodnight, Dragons" by Judith L. Roth. This book would be considered fantasy because it is about dragons with human like characters that act like humans. In this book, cranky dragons are heading to bed, but they find it difficult to settle in. A young and caring boy eases them to bed with blankets and hot chocolate. Although getting these dragons to bed can be difficult, it can be done with patience and kindness.

I would recommend this book to families as a bedtime story. Families can relate to this book because of the similarities of getting their children/dragons to bed. It may be difficult to get some children ready for bedtime, so families, especially parents, will be able to relate to this book. Read this book to wild children to ease them into bedtime!

[Adria Council · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fantasy and science fiction is for ages 3-5. A young boy with a imagination believes the cranky fire-breathing dragons living in the woods by his house would not be so grouchy if only they could have a cuddle and a restful nap. The language has a perfect rhythm to it that makes it a more entertaining to read aloud. This makes up for the illustrations, as they are not attention grabbers per say. However, I like how the author used a dragon to show the friendly side it can have. Rather than the stereotypical, negative qualities that possess a dragon, the author made this light-hearted story for kids to get a different perspective and something that many kids love, naps. Review date : 8/12

[Hannah Benham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awards: None

Appropriate Grade Level: Pre-K

Review: This book takes readers through the imaginative boy who just wants to make friends with some dragons, which is a wholesome story that I really enjoy.

Reaction: I love the idea of this plot. I do wish it were a bit longer and had more detail, but I think it teaches a nice lesson as well as inspiring young ones to use their imagination.

In-Class Uses:
1) This book can be used to talk about empathy and compassion. We might see people having a bad day, but maybe all they need is some kindness to cheer them up!
2) This book can be placed in a dramatic play center to inspire students to think creatively and enter a fantasy world.

[Kaitlyn Drahos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Goodnight, Dragons on bookriot.com while researching fantasy books suitable for young readers! I really enjoyed this book. It features a young boy who has discovered dragons in the forest and feels in his heart that he is called to tame them. The book goes through his day with the dragons and all he does to take care of them.

I was happy to find this book because I feel that fantasy tends to cater to older readers but this book was definitely suitable for K-1 students! I would use this book to introduce the genre of fantasy for all of my students. It could also be used outside of genre to talk about dreams and goals and following your heart.

[Kinsey Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book Goodnight Dragons by Judith L. Roth, a young imaginative boy tames the fire breathing dragons in the woods to sleep. He thinks that a cuddle and some hot cocoa will make them happy and not grumpy anymore. I think this book is an adorable bedtime story for children. I would recommend the ages of 0-3 for this bedtime story. It is a sweet and innocent story for early childhood, but it is a great story for all readers. There were no diverse characters in this story, but there were not many characters to begin with. Some may see the dragons he imagines as personified things like child terrors and children can learn to use kindness from this book.

[Luke Pacifico · Rating 5 out of 5]

1) No awards given.
2) Pre-K - K
3) The story of a boy who goes out on adventure to help grouchy dragons fall asleep and have sweet dreams.
4) An easy, beautifully illustrated story that lets readers know that sometimes dragons, or maybe even people, might have bad days and just need to take a break every once in a while.
5) Besides being a great book to read before nap time for little learners, this is a great book to introduce asking bigger questions about books, such as "Why do you think the dragons were angry?" or "How did the boy know the dragons just wanted to sleep?"

[Stefanie Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to read to pre-k through first grade. This would be a good book to read during nap time if they have it. I feel like the younger students will like the dragon in the story. This book talks about how a boy goes into the woods to see some dragons to tame them. He takes care of the dragons by giving them covers and feeding them.

[Emily Au · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Awards:
2. Grade Levels: PreK - K
3. Summary: The main character tames dragons in the forest. He gives the dragons blankets, hot chocolate, and hugs.
4. Review: The illustrations are endearing. The texts are placed in an interesting manner along with the context.
5. In-class Use: Students can write about a main idea and the supporting key details of this book.

[summer (oscar wilde’s version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty cute, though wasn’t wise to read it immediately after telling river it was too close to bedtime to have hot chocolate, because the dragons in this book drink hot chocolate to fall asleep before bedtime 😬

[Valerie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My toddler absolutely loves this book. we read it every night at bedtime. I love that the child in the book follows their heart and tames the dragons! adorable and would recommend it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

So weird.. Not a big fan.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so cute! A little boy sets out to tame some dragons by snuggling with them. He succeeds to the benefit of us all.

[Laura Aleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this sweet story. The dragon feature will not exclude any non-traditional families therefore any family can incorporate this into their night routine and relate!

[Ann Hackworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great fantasy book for young children especially right before bed!! Very soothing!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75