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Fergal and the Bad Temper
A young dragon must learn to control his temper in this funny picture book for fiery kids everywhere!
Fergal the dragon does not like being told what to do. It's not fair! And when things aren't fair, Fergal loses his temper and snorts angry fire.
He feels sorry afterward, but Fergal just can't control his outburts!
After one really fiery day, his family and friends offer him some advice to calm down. Can this dragon learn to cool it before a temper tantrum hits?
An Imprint Book
Fergal the dragon does not like being told what to do. It's not fair! And when things aren't fair, Fergal loses his temper and snorts angry fire.
He feels sorry afterward, but Fergal just can't control his outburts!
After one really fiery day, his family and friends offer him some advice to calm down. Can this dragon learn to cool it before a temper tantrum hits?
An Imprint Book
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2019
2 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Robert Starling
44 books3 followersRobert Starling began doodling creatures and characters at school and hasn't stopped since.
He lives and works in Bristol, England, and when he's not sketching up new characters or writing down stories he can be found sculpting, brewing coffee, or teaching kids.
He lives and works in Bristol, England, and when he's not sketching up new characters or writing down stories he can be found sculpting, brewing coffee, or teaching kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
March 2, 2025
Início e término da leitura: 2/3/25
"Gostei muito, as personagens são giras, gostei muito da capa do livro porque o Dragão fez-lhe um buraco, e aprendi que temos de arranjar soluções para nos acalmarmos.
Eu e a minha mãe gostamos muito." (Óscar, o meu filho).
"Gostei muito, as personagens são giras, gostei muito da capa do livro porque o Dragão fez-lhe um buraco, e aprendi que temos de arranjar soluções para nos acalmarmos.
Eu e a minha mãe gostamos muito." (Óscar, o meu filho).
August 24, 2020
Dráčik Rúfus nevie zvládať svoj hnev. Do takej miery, že ničí veci v svojom okolí (je to predsa drak) a kamaráti sa s ním nechcú hrať. Naučí sa rôzne techniky ukľudnenia. Takže teraz, keď sa hnevá, nevybuchne a dokáže hnev zvládnuť.
Výborná kniha o záchvatoch hnevu pre mrňatá. Odporúčam pre všetky decká od 2 do 6 rokov.
Jediná chyba je dosť nepodarený preklad. Od názvu, ktorý vo mne evokuje potláčanie hnevu, čo sa v knihe vôbec nehovorí, po neschopnosť preložiť anglické frázy ako "time for tea" a "pudding". Je to síce nepríjemné, ale na kvalite knihy to príliš neuberá. Preto dávam plný počet hviezdičiek.
Výborná kniha o záchvatoch hnevu pre mrňatá. Odporúčam pre všetky decká od 2 do 6 rokov.
Jediná chyba je dosť nepodarený preklad. Od názvu, ktorý vo mne evokuje potláčanie hnevu, čo sa v knihe vôbec nehovorí, po neschopnosť preložiť anglické frázy ako "time for tea" a "pudding". Je to síce nepríjemné, ale na kvalite knihy to príliš neuberá. Preto dávam plný počet hviezdičiek.
November 6, 2025
Educativo. Simpatico. Visivo.
June 6, 2018
Cute picture book which looks at the consequences of anger and how it can be controlled in everyday situations. And, of course, the main character is a dragon which makes it even better!
January 1, 2021
First book of the new year, 2021!
This is a great book for giving kids (and adults) strategies for what to do when they feel angry. I loved that it offered multiple ideas!
This is a great book for giving kids (and adults) strategies for what to do when they feel angry. I loved that it offered multiple ideas!
December 10, 2024
Preslatka zabavna priča o zmajiću Fergalu koji nije znao kontrolirati svoju ljutnju. U isto vrijeme i poučna, djeci može pomoći da nauče kako svoju ljutnju kontrolirati.
June 29, 2019
There are plenty of books out there about emotions and how to deal with them, but I've found that the picture books that work the best for this subject are those with a touch of humour or absurdity. Fergal and the Bad Temper is one of those, in which a little dragon has trouble regulating his anger... to the point that nobody wants to hang out with him because he keeps incinerating his surroundings!
I really like how the story offers Fergal lots of alternatives to breathing fire as a way to get his anger out. His mom suggests counting to ten. His friends have their own ways of dealing with anger, and Fergal gives some of them a try. Everyone--including Fergal--is much happier when things aren't bursting into flames. And Fergal comes to realize that his fire has some pretty nifty uses... when he's calm enough.
The illustrations are pretty cute. Fergal is a little orange dragon, but when he's angry, he starts to get red from the snout down. His world is populated by various woodland creatures (his family appears to be the only one comprised of dragons), but they act in pretty human ways: the bear runs a bakery, the moose is a soccer coach, and the ice-cream vendor appears to be a wolf.
This is one of the stronger picture books about emotions that I've read. Like Sangeeta Bhadra's Sam's Pet Temper , it uses a somewhat silly premise to get its more serious message across. I think Fergal and the Bad Temper is a bit easier to understand, however, especially for the target audience.
Quotable moment:
I really like how the story offers Fergal lots of alternatives to breathing fire as a way to get his anger out. His mom suggests counting to ten. His friends have their own ways of dealing with anger, and Fergal gives some of them a try. Everyone--including Fergal--is much happier when things aren't bursting into flames. And Fergal comes to realize that his fire has some pretty nifty uses... when he's calm enough.
The illustrations are pretty cute. Fergal is a little orange dragon, but when he's angry, he starts to get red from the snout down. His world is populated by various woodland creatures (his family appears to be the only one comprised of dragons), but they act in pretty human ways: the bear runs a bakery, the moose is a soccer coach, and the ice-cream vendor appears to be a wolf.
This is one of the stronger picture books about emotions that I've read. Like Sangeeta Bhadra's Sam's Pet Temper , it uses a somewhat silly premise to get its more serious message across. I think Fergal and the Bad Temper is a bit easier to understand, however, especially for the target audience.
Quotable moment:
March 4, 2018
I got a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was both cute and infuriating.
I've never liked children that would fire up because they felt something was unfair - *cough* my sister *cough*. I won't say I didn't do the same, but surviving childhood cancer kind of put things in perspective for me, and so eating my greens was a small price to pay to be alive.
But back to the book.
I really did like the drawings.
And while the whole ''burning with anger over eating my greens or doing something because it is unfair'' thing kind of just annoyed me, I know there are many kids out there that act like it.
So the subtext of this book was interesting, and I know a few kids that could stand to learn from it.
This book was both cute and infuriating.
I've never liked children that would fire up because they felt something was unfair - *cough* my sister *cough*. I won't say I didn't do the same, but surviving childhood cancer kind of put things in perspective for me, and so eating my greens was a small price to pay to be alive.
But back to the book.
I really did like the drawings.
And while the whole ''burning with anger over eating my greens or doing something because it is unfair'' thing kind of just annoyed me, I know there are many kids out there that act like it.
So the subtext of this book was interesting, and I know a few kids that could stand to learn from it.
July 23, 2021
Een grappige prentenboek over een kleine draak die echt een probleempje heeft met zijn temperament. Als het even niet gaat zoals meneertje dat wilt dan FWOOOEESSSH blaast hij vuur uit en doei doei. Tja, ik vond Luuk in het begin erg bleh. Gelukkig komt hij er zelf achter dat wat hij doet niet goed is en daar was ik dan wel erg blij mee. Duurde even maar dan snapt hij het. En ik vond het geweldig dat hij deze tips opvolgt en ook meteen zijn vrienden vraagt wat zij doen. En leuk om te zien hoe elk dier zijn eigen methode heeft. Van huilen naar de maan tot vormpjes zien.
Het einde maakte me erg blij, net zoals trouwens de illustraties, die waren echt heel leuk!
Het einde maakte me erg blij, net zoals trouwens de illustraties, die waren echt heel leuk!
March 17, 2018
Un cuento muy divertido cuya idea principal no solo consigue divertir, empatizar con los más pequeños y mostrarles las consecuencias de algunos berrinches que puedan tener, pues también se demuestra que existen métodos para apaciguarnos y controlar los enfados. Reseña completa: https://laestanteriadecho.blogspot.co...
April 30, 2019
There's much to love about this book, but I especially loved that Fergal expressed to his mother that his anger made his friends turn away and "that's not fair." However, his mother reminded him that the consequences of his anger for his friends was also "not fair." A great way for children to think about the ramifications of their anger.
August 4, 2019
Fergal is a dragon so when he gets heated, he burns everything up. Does a great job of illustrating the concept of: not only can you not play with it anymore, now no one can. The rest of this is a pretty standard anger management book for kids. But if your kids haven't read a book like this or if they like dragons, it's a decent example of the mileau.
November 27, 2021
Å lære bort om følelser til små barn er ikke bare-bare, har jeg skjønt, men det er åh-så viktig. Det fine med denne boka er at den maskerer viktige leksjoner med en ildsprutende drage, og det er ganske mye morsomme å lese og snakke om enn bare sinne.
March 29, 2018
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July 15, 2019
When a dragon gets angry. Watch out!
July 1, 2022
A lovely funny book about having big emotions and learning to control anger. The illustrations are great too.
September 26, 2023
Cute! Kids really enjoyed it during storytime and thought all of Fergal's shenanigans were funny.
January 24, 2024
Segurou a atenção do meu filho. Direto ao ponto e com lição útil para a vida. Perfeito para a idade recomendada.
March 18, 2025
Un album jeunesse pour aborder la gestion des émotions, précisément la colère.
July 20, 2021
Countdown to Kindergarten: Letter F
Fergal has a bad temper!!!! Will he lose all of his friends or fry them with his fiery breath?
Fergal has a bad temper!!!! Will he lose all of his friends or fry them with his fiery breath?
May 19, 2019
Young dragon must learn to tame his incendiary temper.
June 5, 2019
Fergal the Dragon is a nice dragon, until he doesn't get his way, and his temper flares. Fergal's inability to control his temper has isolated him from his friends. Fergal needs to find a way to control his temper. After receiving some advice from his mother, Fergal discovers several ways to calm himself, and his temper.
November 15, 2018
When Fergal gets upset or thinks something isn't fair he erupts with flame. After a while, people don't want to be around Fergal because he inevitably turns their goods or toys to crispy ashes. Can Fergal find a way to get his temper (and his flame) under control?
This presents anger issues in a very entertaining way. I love the spread that shows an array of things Fergal has turned to ash because he got upset at them. When he starts looking for ways to cool off when he gets upset he observes lots of good methods little readers can also try. A fun read with some very practical advice on how to keep your temper under control.
This presents anger issues in a very entertaining way. I love the spread that shows an array of things Fergal has turned to ash because he got upset at them. When he starts looking for ways to cool off when he gets upset he observes lots of good methods little readers can also try. A fun read with some very practical advice on how to keep your temper under control.
October 31, 2019
Fergal and the Bad Temper by Robert Starling. Imprint (Macmillan), 2019. $18. 9781250198624
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Don’t you dare tell young Fergal what to do. You might get a face full of dragon fire instead. When all of his friends get tired of his bad behavior, Fergal finally listens to his mom’s advice. He also notices how others deal with their own frustrating moments.
I love that Fergal notices the many different ways that people deal with frustration! That Fergal is an adorable dragon is just gravy.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Don’t you dare tell young Fergal what to do. You might get a face full of dragon fire instead. When all of his friends get tired of his bad behavior, Fergal finally listens to his mom’s advice. He also notices how others deal with their own frustrating moments.
I love that Fergal notices the many different ways that people deal with frustration! That Fergal is an adorable dragon is just gravy.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
July 24, 2019
This was an interesting picture book. I think it is one that I will read with my little girl when she gets to be toddler age. It speaks very well to managing emotions especially anger. I loved that Fergal's mother gave him a counting tool to manage how angry he was getting. I also enjoyed the fact that the book addressed the idea that a temper/anger issue can potentially drive people away. Artwork was cute!
July 9, 2018
Un très bon complément pour expliquer aux enfants comment contrôler leur colère lorsque la fumée leur monte au nez! Une belle façon d'expliquer les conséquences de la colère aux enfants...
June 19, 2019
A cute story on managing anger and frustrations with an adorable yellow dragon. Fergal learns several different techniques like counting to ten, talking to a friend, stretching, etc.
June 5, 2019
Let's take a look at Robert Starling's picture book debut, Fergal and the Bad Temper. Fergal is, readers learn, a pretty friendly, smiley little dragon...but things take a quick turn for the "fiery" when Fergal is told what to do! Whenever things feel unfair or whenever he is asked or directed to something he does not want to do, Fergal reacts with temper and fire...actual fire-breathing, which unfortunately wrecks (and scorches) things for those around him. When one of Fergal's fiery outburst puts him on the outs with friends, Fergal learns an important lesson from his mom about learning to take a breath and try to keep fuming and tantrums in check. With bright artwork, an easy-to-follow story and concise, effective text, Fergal and the Bad Temper is a title that could be read aloud to a toddler and/or preschool ages storytime touching upon the subject area of emotions. For those who have explored titles such as Finn Throws a Fit!, Millie Fierce, The Very Cranky Bear, or Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and are looking for a new, similarly-themed, frank and sweet read, Fergal and the Bad Temper is a solid pick.
I received a copy of this title courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Title has been published and is currently available.
October 26, 2024
Dieses Kinderbuch beschreibt das Gefühl Wut. Es wird mit dem Element Feuer dargestellt. Damit alles besser verständlich wird, hat sich der Autor für einen niedlichen Drachen namens Finn entschieden. Finn ist wirklich sehr lieb, doch Finn hat ein Problem, er wird oft ziemlich schnell und heftig wütend. Das Essen schmeckt nicht, er möchte nicht aufräumen, beim Fußball mit seinen Freunden, passt ihm die Position nicht, beim Bäcker muss er warten. Ja, all diese Dinge lassen Finn wütend werden. Was am Ende seiner Wut übrig bleibt, ist ein Haufen Asche und ziemlich wütende Tier Freunde. Finn versteht nicht was er falsch macht und warum alle so böse auf ihm sind. Er sucht sich selber Rat bei seiner Mama. Traurig schüttet er sein Herz aus. Mama Drache hat einen guten Rat für ihn. Diesen gilt es ab jetzt immer umzusetzen, wenn er wütend wird. Auch seine Freunde werden manchmal wütend, erfährt Finn später. Auch diese haben eigene Lösungen für ihr Problem gefunden. Ich habe dieses Buch im Kindergarten vorgelesen. Es ist pädagogisch sehr wertvoll. Es lassen sich viele Fragen und Situationen besprechen und nachstellen. Es regt die Kinder zum Überlegen an. Sie müssen selbstständig Lösungen suchen und können Finn ebenfalls Ratschläge geben. Über Emotion kann und muß man sprechen, egal in welcher Form. Auch Kinder haben ein recht darauf sich mit ihren Emotionen auseinander zu setzen.
November 28, 2020
Fergal is a very pleasant chap, unless you try and tell him what to do. And then he gets incredibly angry. When Fergal gets angry he loses control of his temper and this leads to somewhat fiery situations. His friends are not impressed with his behaviour and his fiery temper has ruined the football match, burnt delicious cakes and ruined a game. Can this hot headed little dragon learn to keep his cool…
I love Fergal, he is such a brilliant representation of those children who are a little bit hot-headed and who have a fiery temper. After Fergal has upset all of his friends he seeks comfort and advice from his mum and he learns that there is a way to perhaps control his anger. Fergal realises that everyone gets angry but all of his friends have ways of managing their anger. Ideas for dealing with anger that feature in the story include; counting to ten, talking to others, focusing on a moment of calm and having a stretch. The most valuable lesson that Fergal learns is that life is not always fair and that you can not always get what you want.
A lovely read that is beautifully illustrated and is essential reading for all those fiery little dragons.
Recommended for 4+.
I love Fergal, he is such a brilliant representation of those children who are a little bit hot-headed and who have a fiery temper. After Fergal has upset all of his friends he seeks comfort and advice from his mum and he learns that there is a way to perhaps control his anger. Fergal realises that everyone gets angry but all of his friends have ways of managing their anger. Ideas for dealing with anger that feature in the story include; counting to ten, talking to others, focusing on a moment of calm and having a stretch. The most valuable lesson that Fergal learns is that life is not always fair and that you can not always get what you want.
A lovely read that is beautifully illustrated and is essential reading for all those fiery little dragons.
Recommended for 4+.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews