For reasons best known to himself, DiTerlizzi's update includes changing all the characters to animals -- perhaps he just enjoys drawing them more. He also includes many references to The Reluctant Dragon, including naming the main character Kenny, the dragon Grahame, the hill where they live Shepard Hill, and even working in a direct mention of the original book. Standing on its own, this story is pleasant and enjoyable. As a remake of the earlier book, however, it's both unnecessary and lacking in the charm (not to mention originality of concept) that made Grahame/Shepard's book so appealing. The original is still in print (alas, there are many newer editions done by other illustrators -- look for the edition with the original, delightfully insouciant Shepard drawings that so clearly show the virtues of simplicity) -- so why not get it instead?