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The Dragon Tales #5
Dragon's Merry Christmas
Dragon has a merry time in the Christmas season, decorating a tree outdoors, making a chocolate candy wreath, and sharing his Christmas gifts with needy animals.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
About the author
Dav Pilkey
242 books3,409 followersDavid "Dav" Pilkey (b. March 4, 1966), is a popular children's author and artist. Pilkey is best known as the author and illustrator of the Captain Underpants book series. He lives near Seattle, Washington with his wife, Sayuri.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 7, 2009
If it hadn't been for the good reviews on Amazon, I would have passed on this because the cover art looks so cheezy! But, gosh, I'm so glad I read it. It's an absolutely wonderful collection of little stories rich with humor and heart and one of my very favorite holiday reads so far this season. Highly recommended!
April 4, 2026
(Labeled on title page as "third" in series. It might help you to read the first book first, but it's not important. Except that it is, because it's a wonderful book. :)
Ok, this is a terrific book. I'm an atheist who is sick and tired of the 99% of Christmas books out there because they're implausible and way too sweet. But this is perfect. You can tell Dragon has the "Christmas Spirit" all year long. And those readers who are Christian assuredly like this as much as those who celebrate the holiday secularly, not to mention humbugs like me.
I will pass this around my family before returning it to the library, and will continue to read anything I can find by Pilkey of this ilk (which is to say, not the Captain Underpants and probably not Ricky Ricotta).
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Reread, review stands. I am now, btw, also a big fan of Dogman and even more so of Cat Kid Comic Club.
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Reread, review stands. Note that the Acorn editions have enriching back matter for young fans, to encourage their creativity. I really ought to give Captain Underpants another try. My brightest kid was a fan when he was young.
Ok, this is a terrific book. I'm an atheist who is sick and tired of the 99% of Christmas books out there because they're implausible and way too sweet. But this is perfect. You can tell Dragon has the "Christmas Spirit" all year long. And those readers who are Christian assuredly like this as much as those who celebrate the holiday secularly, not to mention humbugs like me.
I will pass this around my family before returning it to the library, and will continue to read anything I can find by Pilkey of this ilk (which is to say, not the Captain Underpants and probably not Ricky Ricotta).
---
Reread, review stands. I am now, btw, also a big fan of Dogman and even more so of Cat Kid Comic Club.
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Reread, review stands. Note that the Acorn editions have enriching back matter for young fans, to encourage their creativity. I really ought to give Captain Underpants another try. My brightest kid was a fan when he was young.
December 10, 2009
I might have been tempted to give this book 4 1/2 stars, simply because there wasn't as much of a thread running through the chapters as I would have liked - but, it was so gosh darn cute that I didn't really care! (Okay, and I was thinking it was a dinosaur, for some reason, instead of a dragon, but that's really minor ;> )
I completely enjoyed this adorable story about a sweet dragon preparing for Christmas. If the last page/illustration does just warm your heart, I'm not sure what will. :)
A very easy reader broken into "chapters," our Dragon goes through various events which demonstrate: the beauty of living things, the side-effects of greed, the issues with forgetfulness, and the joy of sharing. These "messages" all done in a funny or sweet way and are quite subtle and simply unfold with the story.
The illustrations are delightful and perfectly complementary to the text! I definitely give this a huge recommendation!! :D
I completely enjoyed this adorable story about a sweet dragon preparing for Christmas. If the last page/illustration does just warm your heart, I'm not sure what will. :)
A very easy reader broken into "chapters," our Dragon goes through various events which demonstrate: the beauty of living things, the side-effects of greed, the issues with forgetfulness, and the joy of sharing. These "messages" all done in a funny or sweet way and are quite subtle and simply unfold with the story.
The illustrations are delightful and perfectly complementary to the text! I definitely give this a huge recommendation!! :D
December 28, 2010
I selected this book for my son's Christmas break reading collection. We just love that Dav Pilkey! These Dragon Tales books by Pilkey are very easy to read. They are perfect for the average first grader. I only wish that we had discovered them last year when they would have been a welcome and fun addition to his easy reader list. Now, being a big and bad 2nd grader, they were too easy. We did appreciate that silly Pilkey humour, found here in somewhat lesser quantities than in his later series, like Ricky Ricotta and dear ol Captain Underpants.
December 25, 2024
Very cute!
November 28, 2021
This fabulous little Holiday book should be in every family library!
The grandsons and I enjoyed this book so much. Each of the little stories are fun and offer deeper talking points if you want to utilize them.
Dragon searches for his perfect Christmas tree and when he finds it, it’s too beautiful to cut down. He decides to decorate it where it stands to save the tree, yet he can view it from his window.
Next, he creates a Christmas wreath from wire, tape, and chocolate candy. The only problem is he can’t stop eating the candies until he has ruined his wreath.
Poor Dragon keeps losing his mittens so he buys clips to attach them to his coat. This works great until he loses his coat.
In the last tale, Dragon goes shopping to buy Christmas gifts for himself. On his way home he discovers others that need his gifts more than he does. He feels he should be sad for giving away all his gifts, but feels surprisingly happy and peaceful for helping others in need.
Do you see what I mean? The stories and fabulous illustrations are entertaining and easy for young readers to manage on their own. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage in lovely conversations with the little ones while reading this book. There are suggestions at the end of the book to start the talks.
The author also includes step by step directions to learn to draw Dragon. So much good in a small little book!
As you can probably guess, I highly recommend Dragon’s Merry Christmas to absolutely everyone!
Read similar reviews at ginaraemitchell.com
The grandsons and I enjoyed this book so much. Each of the little stories are fun and offer deeper talking points if you want to utilize them.
Dragon searches for his perfect Christmas tree and when he finds it, it’s too beautiful to cut down. He decides to decorate it where it stands to save the tree, yet he can view it from his window.
Next, he creates a Christmas wreath from wire, tape, and chocolate candy. The only problem is he can’t stop eating the candies until he has ruined his wreath.
Poor Dragon keeps losing his mittens so he buys clips to attach them to his coat. This works great until he loses his coat.
In the last tale, Dragon goes shopping to buy Christmas gifts for himself. On his way home he discovers others that need his gifts more than he does. He feels he should be sad for giving away all his gifts, but feels surprisingly happy and peaceful for helping others in need.
Do you see what I mean? The stories and fabulous illustrations are entertaining and easy for young readers to manage on their own. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage in lovely conversations with the little ones while reading this book. There are suggestions at the end of the book to start the talks.
The author also includes step by step directions to learn to draw Dragon. So much good in a small little book!
As you can probably guess, I highly recommend Dragon’s Merry Christmas to absolutely everyone!
Read similar reviews at ginaraemitchell.com
November 17, 2021
First sentence: One cold morning Dragon went out to find the perfect Christmas tree.
Premise/plot: Dav Pilkey's Dragon stars in FOUR stories in Dragon's Merry Christmas. The stories in this Christmas-themed collection are: "The Perfect Christmas Tree," "The Candy Wreath," "Mittens," and "Merry Christmas, Dragon." The stories all take place during the holidays, but aren't directly connected to one another. (Perhaps with the exception of Mittens and Merry Christmas, Dragon.) Dragon's personality (to know him is to love him) shines through in all the stories.
My thoughts: I haven't read ALL the Dragon books. I've read three. I can honestly say that I do love and adore Dragon. My personal favorite in this collection is THE CANDY WREATH. I know people overuse the word awesome. Yet, I'm tempted to use it when gushing about this story! I think it will appeal to children and adults alike. In The Candy Wreath, Dragon makes a wreath out of candy. But when he hangs it on his wall, a few pieces fall off. OOPS. What's a dragon to do? He must eat the candy, of course!!! The following pages are PURE DELIGHT as readers learn the fate of the wreath. All the stories are enjoyable.
Premise/plot: Dav Pilkey's Dragon stars in FOUR stories in Dragon's Merry Christmas. The stories in this Christmas-themed collection are: "The Perfect Christmas Tree," "The Candy Wreath," "Mittens," and "Merry Christmas, Dragon." The stories all take place during the holidays, but aren't directly connected to one another. (Perhaps with the exception of Mittens and Merry Christmas, Dragon.) Dragon's personality (to know him is to love him) shines through in all the stories.
My thoughts: I haven't read ALL the Dragon books. I've read three. I can honestly say that I do love and adore Dragon. My personal favorite in this collection is THE CANDY WREATH. I know people overuse the word awesome. Yet, I'm tempted to use it when gushing about this story! I think it will appeal to children and adults alike. In The Candy Wreath, Dragon makes a wreath out of candy. But when he hangs it on his wall, a few pieces fall off. OOPS. What's a dragon to do? He must eat the candy, of course!!! The following pages are PURE DELIGHT as readers learn the fate of the wreath. All the stories are enjoyable.
December 4, 2017
My favorite part was Dragon and his wreath. These books never fail to crack me up.
December 5, 2020
So sweet! I loved how Dragon didn’t chop down a tree and gave freely. I also laughed at some of his shenanigans!
July 2, 2018
What a contrast to Captain Underpants! Miss 3 loves C. Undies so I thought I'd try some of Dave Pilkey's other works. His Dragon books have come as a pleasant surprise. A very different tone, morals are more about kindness and helpfulness, and Miss 3 has enjoyed them.
Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
December 9, 2023
Dragon celebrates Christmas.
This beginning reader features four stories in which Dragon celebrates Christmas:
* "The Perfect Christmas Tree"
* "The Candy Wreath"
* "Mittens"
* "Merry Christmas, Dragon"
In "The Perfect Christmas Tree," Dragon searches for the perfect Christmas tree.
In "The Candy Wreath," Dragon makes a wreath out of candy.
In "Mittens," Dragon keeps losing his mittens.
In "Merry Christmas, Dragon," Dragon discovers the joys of giving to others.
This beginning reader features four stories in which Dragon celebrates Christmas:
* "The Perfect Christmas Tree"
* "The Candy Wreath"
* "Mittens"
* "Merry Christmas, Dragon"
In "The Perfect Christmas Tree," Dragon searches for the perfect Christmas tree.
In "The Candy Wreath," Dragon makes a wreath out of candy.
In "Mittens," Dragon keeps losing his mittens.
In "Merry Christmas, Dragon," Dragon discovers the joys of giving to others.
December 6, 2024
Such a cute Christmas book for kids! It’s essentially 4 short stories in one with precious illustrations throughout the book that are Dave styled. I love the little dinosaur and the drawing instructions at the end. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the mini stories in one book was somewhat of a turn off for me, but I still loved it!
December 11, 2024
Love, love, love this little holiday chapter book.
Four easily readable chapters with whimsical illustrations of our friend Dragon celebrating the season.
🎄In 'The Perfect Christmas Tree,' he finds the perfect tree. When he finds he can't bear to remove it from the ground, he brings the decorations to it (using a really long extension cord).
🍬In 'The Candy Wreath,' he makes a beautiful wreath for his mantle. The chocolate candy on the wreath is too tempting. Next year he will use pine cones.
🧥In 'Mittens,' Dragon struggles with keeping track of his mittens. He acquires a clip on pair, but then discovers that he has lost his coat.
🌃In 'Merry Christmas, Dragon,' he goes shopping for three things. On the way home he discovers another animal who needs each of those things. His dreams that night are sweet and accompanied by the caroling of the animals he helped that day. Pilkey adds Van Gogh's starry night to the night sky in Dragon's bedroom.
Each book in the series includes tips on drawing your own Dragon as well as a page entitled "What's Your Story." In this book, Pilkey encourages readers to think about how they can help others at Christmas and then draw a picture to share their story.
Four easily readable chapters with whimsical illustrations of our friend Dragon celebrating the season.
🎄In 'The Perfect Christmas Tree,' he finds the perfect tree. When he finds he can't bear to remove it from the ground, he brings the decorations to it (using a really long extension cord).
🍬In 'The Candy Wreath,' he makes a beautiful wreath for his mantle. The chocolate candy on the wreath is too tempting. Next year he will use pine cones.
🧥In 'Mittens,' Dragon struggles with keeping track of his mittens. He acquires a clip on pair, but then discovers that he has lost his coat.
🌃In 'Merry Christmas, Dragon,' he goes shopping for three things. On the way home he discovers another animal who needs each of those things. His dreams that night are sweet and accompanied by the caroling of the animals he helped that day. Pilkey adds Van Gogh's starry night to the night sky in Dragon's bedroom.
Each book in the series includes tips on drawing your own Dragon as well as a page entitled "What's Your Story." In this book, Pilkey encourages readers to think about how they can help others at Christmas and then draw a picture to share their story.
May 26, 2022
We have fallen in love with the Dragon books. My boys (7yo and 4 yo) just love these books. Dragon is ready to celebrate Christmas he decides to not cut down a tree but decorate it and enjoy it from his window. He makes a candy Christmas wreath and decides to only eat the candy that falls off...his self control wears thin and he ends up shaking all of the candy off the wreath so he can eat it. He always loses his mittens so he buys new ones with clips and clips it to his coat but then loses his coat. Finally, Dragon lives alone so he buys himself some presents but on the way home ends up handing them out to the needy animals in town. My boys just loved that chapter and we had to read it over and over.
I love the cute illustrations. The books always have questions about the story at the end and a drawing tutorial. We're kind of sad that there aren't more Dragon books, we've read all of them now.
I love the cute illustrations. The books always have questions about the story at the end and a drawing tutorial. We're kind of sad that there aren't more Dragon books, we've read all of them now.
January 9, 2021
Dragon is an interesting character. How the dragon plans/spends his Christmas holidays is beautifully portrayed with a tinge of humor and loads of childhood innocence.
However,adults also need to read children's books once in a while as these books are full of vibrant drawings and they teach us good values and they make you feel good at the same time.
However,adults also need to read children's books once in a while as these books are full of vibrant drawings and they teach us good values and they make you feel good at the same time.
December 18, 2016
Four short stories that teach a lesson for the younger reader. The stories begin with Dragon wanting the perfect Christmas tree to learning what happens if you overindulge with holiday treats. Told in ways that children will understand. Fun and heartwarming.
January 31, 2018
This story just tears at your heart. In a good way. Dragon is preparing for Christmas, but can't put down a beautiful tree, can not resist the chocolate wreath, and even gives away his Christmas presents to those in need. I love Dragon. Such a role model.
September 7, 2018
Although not as laugh-out-loud funny as some of the other Dragon books, this is still a cute addition to the series. It ends with a heart-felt Christmas story that shows the true meaning of Christmas. I highly recommend it.
May 11, 2021
Dragon finds the perfect Christmas tree, makes a candy wreath, loses his mittens, and has a very Merry Christmas!
My 4 year old loves being read these Dragon books. Short chapters and lots of pictures!
My 4 year old loves being read these Dragon books. Short chapters and lots of pictures!
December 5, 2022
My son loved this! He liked that the Dragon did nice things and he giggled so hard about the mittens/coat. It was a fun, easy practice reading story. The chapters go quickly but give you something to remember and discuss.
December 16, 2022
Sweet Lovely Christmas Story
Love Dav Pilkey and his Dragon series is a great early chapter book for kids. Well written and enjoyable for all age groups. A wonderful Christmas story in this book . I highly recommend.
Love Dav Pilkey and his Dragon series is a great early chapter book for kids. Well written and enjoyable for all age groups. A wonderful Christmas story in this book . I highly recommend.
January 2, 2025
12/30/24: I didn't realize this was part of a series, but probably should have. I really appreciated all of the stories in here, but the last one was exceptional! This is more of an early reader chapter book than a picture book, but loved it for sure. Glad I was able to get a copy.
December 13, 2017
Such a cute book with a wonderful ending worth reading with your child, inspiring a giving heart during the holiday season!
June 19, 2018
This is a chapter book of four short chapters easy to read - lovely stories that make one smile. Cute illustrations.
November 20, 2018
Beautiful. Lots of Christmas spirit in this one, but before you go thinking Pilkey is being too sentimental, story two is just funny. Something good for both parent and child.
December 24, 2019
So I did not expect a Dav Pilkey story to give me happy tears. Wonderful one to share.
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February 11, 2020AR 3.2
February 16, 2020
Probably more of a 3.5-star rating, but rounding up because Christmas. I love this little Dragon. :)
February 24, 2020
Wow, that's a great book!
August 4, 2020
For: dragon lovers and Christmas fans; readers looking for a silly book.
Possible red flags: confusion; homelessness; poverty/hunger.
Possible red flags: confusion; homelessness; poverty/hunger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews