Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adorable character, great art make sweet dragon tale soar.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Tiny dragon Ember exhales such a small flame that he's no good at scaring villagers to take their gold coins like the other, bigger dragons, so he goes out in search of other gold. At night he flies toward a glowing light he thinks is gold but it's just a village streetlamp. He spots another golden glow around the corner that turns out to be coming from a big warm village bakery window. He curls up to sleep, but then a rainstorm moves the baker to come out and invite him in. Once inside, she asks, "Why don't your come give me a hand?" After insisting he wash his hands first, she teaches him how to knead dough, shape it into loaves and rolls, an even has him spew his tiny flames to light the fire in the oven as he becomes THE BAKERY DRAGON. The baker lets him take a bag of the golden items back home, where he gives the other dragons a taste and finds they are willing to pay for more in gold coins. It's a win-win for everybody. And Ember is happy to help bake and deliver the goods.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet fairy tale of sorts brims with warmth and kindness that grows out of a dragon tradition of stealing and hoarding gold. It's a bit of a stretch to liken baked rolls to actual gold, but their delicious taste and smell is enough to convince the other dragons of their great value. Author-illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz's irresistible digital art draws readers into the warm red-orange glow of the baker's world like an inviting animated movie. Little ones will enjoy seeing a tyke learn a skill and achieve great things despite his small size.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how baked goods are made in The Bakery Dragon. Have you ever helped bake cookies, cake or bread in you kitchen? What's fun about being part of a team making something?
Have you ever watched a baking show on TV like Waffles + Mochi? How does the show make cooking and baking look fun?
Whats your favorite picture in The Bakery Dragon? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Devin Elle Kurtz
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Baking , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : October 1, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 27, 2025
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