Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Taco party has fiery consequences in funny dragon tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
A young boy, with his cute dog by his side, explains to readers how much dragons love tacos and warns that dragons should never eat spicy salsa because it will make smoke come out of their ears and make them breathe fire. But when he throws a taco party for his dragon friends, he fails to read the fine print on the mild salsa jar: "Now Made with Spicy Jalapeno Peppers." The dragons start breathing fire and destroy the boy's house. Then they cheerfully help him rebuild, and he serves the work crew tacos, because, as the book states many times, "dragons love tacos."
Is It Any Good?
DRAGONS LOVE TACOS is delightful, silly fun from start to finish. The boy narrator speaks directly to the reader, beginning with, "Hey, kid! Did you know that dragons love tacos?" He goes on to explain how they hate spicy salsa and love parties, especially taco parties. The narrator addresses the dragons directly, too, as in: "Hey, dragon, why do you guys love tacos so much?"
There's lots to look at in the cartoon-like illustrations, with dragons of all shapes, sizes, and colors socializing at costume parties and pool parties, dancing, playing charades, and ultimately donning hardhats to rebuild the house they accidentally destroy during a taco party. The humor is deadpan and nonstop.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like to have dragons as a regular part of your neighborhood, as the boy narrator does in Dragons Love Tacos.
Why do you think there's a tradition in dragon stories and legends of having them breathe fire?
Do you make tacos at home? Have you ever tried hot, spicy salsa? Do you think you might be adventurous enough to take at least a taste of it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Daniel Salmieri
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publication date : June 14, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : March 6, 2026
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