Reviews for Dragonboy and the wonderful night
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Dragonboy, Unicorngirl, and their friends are ready for a nighttime adventure. The protagonist, a bald, light-skinned, dragon costume–wearing little boy introduced in Dragonboy (2021), is camping along with Unicorngirl, a dark-haired, light-skinned girl in a unicorn getup, and an assortment of stuffed toys. While Unicorngirl sleeps, the others rush out—the toys having come to life—excited for what they might see and experience. Simon, a sloth, is reluctant and admittedly frightened, but the friends are reassuring, and he finds himself enjoying their escapades. The characters find their own senses of delight, whether noting the swaying trees, spotting an owl, listening to night sounds, playing with fox cubs, or counting and wishing on stars. Eventually Unicorngirl, who has been lurking behind them, joins the fun, chasing fireflies. Napoleoni employs lovely imagery in description and dialogue, and the narrator speaks directly to readers, often using parenthetical asides, encouraging them to imagine, wish, and be happy with their friends. The characters have distinct personalities, and they come together as a group of good-natured, kind friends. The tale is beautifully augmented by inventive, detailed illustrations. The night is filled with blue-tinted trees that have eyes and seem to watch over the friends. Sharp-eyed young readers may spot tiny, colorful caterpillars, a frog, a spider, a snail, and other hidden creatures in shadowed blue camouflage. Even the moon shines a benevolent, calm smile upon them. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Tender, charming, and a visual delight. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Dragonboy, Unicorngirl, and their friends are ready for a nighttime adventure.The protagonist, a bald, light-skinned, dragon costumewearing little boy introduced in Dragonboy (2021), is camping along with Unicorngirl, a dark-haired, light-skinned girl in a unicorn getup, and an assortment of stuffed toys. While Unicorngirl sleeps, the others rush outthe toys having come to lifeexcited for what they might see and experience. Simon, a sloth, is reluctant and admittedly frightened, but the friends are reassuring, and he finds himself enjoying their escapades. The characters find their own senses of delight, whether noting the swaying trees, spotting an owl, listening to night sounds, playing with fox cubs, or counting and wishing on stars. Eventually Unicorngirl, who has been lurking behind them, joins the fun, chasing fireflies. Napoleoni employs lovely imagery in description and dialogue, and the narrator speaks directly to readers, often using parenthetical asides, encouraging them to imagine, wish, and be happy with their friends. The characters have distinct personalities, and they come together as a group of good-natured, kind friends. The tale is beautifully augmented by inventive, detailed illustrations. The night is filled with blue-tinted trees that have eyes and seem to watch over the friends. Sharp-eyed young readers may spot tiny, colorful caterpillars, a frog, a spider, a snail, and other hidden creatures in shadowed blue camouflage. Even the moon shines a benevolent, calm smile upon them. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Tender, charming, and a visual delight. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
