When A Dragon Moves In Again

by Jodi Moore, Howard McWilliam (Illustrator)

A dragon friend understands the ups and downs of becoming a big brother

Preparations are in full swing to welcome a new family member in this sequel to the award-winning When a Dragon Moves In. A young boy has become a big brother and he and his beloved dragon dedicate themselves to entertaining the little baby. But when the drooling, crying baby somehow charms the dragon and his attention, the boy decides he’s had enough of this baby business. Adult readers will see the dragon as the boy’s alter ego—eager to cuddle with the new baby before the boy himself feels quite ready, then as a conduit to the boy’s acceptance of the baby, and finally as kindred spirit with whom the boy can commiserate. Younger readers will love the boy’s wonderful, though perhaps invisible, dragon friend who helps him be a good big brother.

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

Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Matt]

When a dragon moves in, things can get mighty chaotic around the house. However, nothing compares to a new baby, who seems unable to do anything wrong. The excuses that worked before, blaming the dragon, go out the window and there is a need to acclimate to new roles and routines. However, as the central character in this story professes, sometimes those changes allow everyone to take on new and exciting roles. Neo liked this story, partially for the dragon aspect, but also because of the wonderful pictures throughout. He laughed at some of the foul faces that accompany baby activities and asked if I remembered him being that small!

[Kimberly Sabatini]

So often a second book doesn't quite live up to the heart and soul of the first. This isn't the case with WHEN A DRAGON MOVES IN AGAIN. In this follow up, our young boy and his dragon sidekick, grow in complexity as their family expands. Moore and illustrator Howard McWilliam have created a classic. Dragon will leave you laughing and feeling mischievous, but it will also tug on your heart strings--you won't want to miss having your very own Dragon to love.

[Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews]

When you're a young boy and your mother is expecting a new baby, it's only natural to be less than thrilled at the prospect of sharing your home with a new little person. But everything is better when you have a pet dragon, even dealing with the annoyance of accepting a new sibling. For instance, it's only natural that your dragon will want to play in the baby's new crib. And when your sister keeps insisting the baby will be a girl, even though you want it to be a boy, your dragon can't be blamed for spilling your sister's juice. No matter the issue or area of frustration, a dragon can help. But mostly, when you come to realize that babies aren't so bad after all, your pet dragon will always be there to help you sing your new baby to sleep.

Jodi Moore's When a Dragon Moves in Again is a lusciously imaginative children's picture book laden with fanciful scenarios that will entertain and delight young readers. Illustrations by Howard McWilliam are the crowning glory of this lovely book which is highly recommended for home and school libraries.

[Diane]

In this delightful sequel, the family is no longer at the beach. The castle the boy and the father are building is a crib. And that's when the dragon appears. When the baby arrives, the boy and the dragon try to entertain the baby, but everything they try seems to backfire. heh-heh-heh It's enough to make the boy yell "I've had enough of this baby business!" which earns him a time out. But the dragon stays with the baby. Oh well, who needs him! But when the boy sneaks back into the baby's room to give the dragon his blanket, the boy sees what he can do to help.

Adorable. A great book for soon-to-be older siblings.

[San Diego Book Review]

When a Dragon Moves in Again is the logically named and welcome sequel to Jodi Moore’s When a Dragon Moves In. A boy and his imaginary dragon friend react to the arrival of a new baby in the house.
Former boys and current fathers will appreciate how the boy blames his dragon when things go awry. And all parents will smile at the humorously demonstrated behaviors of sibling rivalry, temper tantrums, and finally, reconciliation. Read the entire review at http://www.sandiegobookreview.com/whe...

Reviewed by Henry Herz

[Kelly Bolduc]

A little brother is about to be a big brother and he find out that having a dragon for a friend isn't as helpful to his family as he thinks it is. As he and his dragon entertain the baby, his family slowly get upset with him and his loud destruction through the house, when finally they have a little talk.

[Rachel]

This is a clever & thoughtful story about the ups & downs involved with welcoming a new baby into the family. The use of the dragon as a vehicle for the protagonist's emotions is sweet & endearing. This is, hands-down, one of the best books I've seen to run the gamut of complex emotions a child may experience when a new brother or sister enters their world. Highly recommended.

[Kallie McElroy]

I got to read this book on spring break with my little brother and I absolutely loved it. It tells the story from the perspective of a little boy who has an imaginary dragon as a pet. The little boy becomes a big brother in this book and it shows the adjustment through his eyes. It was so cute and funny! Definitely recommend.

[Jaclyn Harrison]

Dragons (my son's current favorite) and the arrival of a baby brother (what will be happening in our home in 3 months) is pretty much the perfect combination for us right now. Picked this up on a whim at the library and am so glad I did.

[Stacy Mozer]

I love this series. Book 2 is just as much fun as book 1.

[Melissa Flanagin]

Such a cute way to introduce a new family member to a sibling

[Carol Gordon Ekster]

Funny, adorable picture book with illustrations that add much to the story. Children with a new sibling will love this!

[Angie Quantrell]

Laugh out-loud tale of a new younger sibling and an invisible (except to the boy and the new baby) dragon. LOVE IT!

[Sam]

Delightful series! Great for children everywhere and for Our baby girl, who is growing up so fast ❤️

[Nicole]

Great story for a new baby!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*]

Moore, Jodi When a Dragon Moves in Again, illustrated by Howard McWilliam. PICTURE BOOK. Flashlight Press, 2015. $18. 9781936261352

If your Dad builds a castle, a dragon is sure to move in. But even with a dragon, things might go badly if that castle is really a crib for a baby. A baby!? Who wants one of those. Well, after a lot of crying and spilling, maybe you do – at least for today!

Moore hits the ups and downs of having a new sibling with just the right notes. McWilliams colorful chaos, with dragon, are perfect compliment.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...

[Allie Outhouse]

I thought this sequel actually surpassed the original.

I enjoyed how the dragon was not just the misbehavior of the little boy but also the fierce loyalty and affection. I loved how the family was realistically shown to be comprised of individuals yet a single unit in caring for each other. The way the family communicates and watches over its littlest members was memorable in its heart-wrenching tenderness.

If you liked this subtle observation a child's growth in "When a Dragon Moves In Again", you might also enjoy the more sombre "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch.

[Pam]

Amusing and tender look at what happens when a new baby is expected and arrives. The family dynamic changes and this young boy and his dragon have a few issues adjusting. Families with new babies will connect to this message and an share together. I love the parents' expressions as the young boy comforts his brother and sings him to sleep. The illustrations capture the moods and support the text with further details.

[Carly Killian]

A boy and his dragon are living their best lives in the family castle, until they realize that a new baby is coming! The boy and his dragon work to entertain the new infant, but soon their joy and excitement leads to mischief. Can they finally find a smooth transition for the boy into big brotherhood?

[Sheri]

If you liked the first book when the Dragon moves in to the sandcastle, the theme is carried on with this book. The boy and his dragon are checking things out before the new baby arrives. The story deals with the boy's acceptance of the new baby and his dragon doing what he would like to do. Is the dragon imaginary or real to the reader and the boy?

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun]

This sequel is SO much fun!
Any kid who has had a younger sibling will find this one so funny!!! (And truly, all kids find it funny!)

I love that this little boy has a new baby in his family- and it's causing some ups & downs! The usual "dragon antics" happen, and definitely some laugh out loud moments.

The bright, colourful, animated illustrations really bring this story to life!

[Anthony]

A young boy and his imaginary dragon help the boy's father build a castle, but to their surprise it's not a castle at all. It's a bed for the new baby who will be arriving soon. The transition to being a big brother isn't easy, but with a little understanding everything will be alright; one day at a time.

[D Fichera]

Not as good as the first book. And, no indication from the title or cover illustrations that this book si really about becoming a big brother and dealing with a new baby. Likely good if that’s a lesson you want to teach, but I didn’t like the surprise when I started reading it to my kid.

[Ryan]

A dragon has moved in again. This time so has a new baby. The little boy and the dragon will cause some trouble, and make their sister grumble, but in the end it will be okay, after all, dragons can be tamed.

[Jessica]

I liked this a little better than the beach one. In this one you could definitely tell the dragon is not real because the parents are looking right at it and they don't see it. I also liked when the boy was a good big brother.

[Holly]

Wonderfully vibrant illustrations with an endearing story about welcoming a new baby. Dragons are fun and helpful.

[Angela De Groot]

Wonderful new sibling PB! Has humor and heart.

[Andréa]

Note: I received an F&G of this book from the publisher at an ALA conference.

[Kiyoko]

we read this as an illustrated e-book during the Covid-19 quarantine.

[Chris]

Cute sequel