Kenny and the Dragon - Tony DiTerlizzi
Reluctant Dragon remake has less charm.
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- Author:Tony DiTerlizzi
- # of pages: 151
- Publisher:Simon and Schuster BFYR
- Original Publication Date: 08/01/2008
- Genre: Fiction - Fantasy
- Hardcover: $15.99
- Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 8-12
- Read Aloud: 8
- Read Alone: 9
Parents need to know
Families can talk about this idea of remaking someone else's book. Why would an author do it? Is it OK if he acknowledges it? Is it copying or a way of showing admiration? Children who read this might be interested in reading the earlier version and comparing the two. Why would a modern author think the older book needs to be rewritten?
Message
Social Behavior:
Kenny, his parents, George, and the dragon are all goodhearted and kind, and willing to listen to a child.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Adults smoke pipes and drink ale.
Violence
One fake fight.
Sex
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Matt Berman
Is it any good?
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?
Other choices
Other Books by Tony DiTerlizzi:
The Field Guide: The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1 also by Holly Black
The Seeing Stone
The Nixie's Song
This Book Is a Remake Of:
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
Related Web sites:
Author's Site
Parents and kids say



