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Dragon Tales
by Mary C. Fairbanks
Originally titled The Affairs of Dragons, Dragon Tales still bears that
imprint on its inner pages. No matter what you call the book, Mary C. Fairbanks has gifted
the reader with twenty-four very short stories about dragons. These delightful gems tell
about dragons that need glasses, have allergies, or who have bad manners. In "Wanted: Damsel,
Hopefully Distressed," the said dragon Cuthbert is very lonely and finds a maiden who
has left home because her seven brothers never helped her with the cooking and cleaning
because they considered it "women's work." She helps Cuthbert solve his problem and she
solves her own as well. "The Ugly Dragon" poses an amalgam of two timeworn stories braided
into an original tale: "The Ugly Duckling," which in this case is a dragon, and "Are You
My Mother," with a twist. "Who Let Out the Dragon" is a study in anger mismanagement, with
an agreeable solution for everyone involved.
Fairbanks has painted these fiery creatures with humanness, full of foibles and admirable
qualities. These dragons and their stories make great models for children who are struggling
with problems. The solutions presented are ones that rely on communication of needs and
working through outcomes.
Sprinkled throughout the book are black-and-white computer generated
illustrations of dragons. Even the cover boasts a color drawing
of a dragon lounging with a book, letting all of us know that even
dragons enjoy a good story or two. Dragon Tales will delight
any child or adult who enjoys fairy tales or stories about mystical
dragons. |
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The Book |
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Zumaya Otherworlds |
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June 2005 |
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Trade paperback |
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1-55410-254-5 |
| Children
fantasy anthology, humor |
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More
at Amazon.com |
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Excerpt |
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NOTE: |
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The Reviewer |
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Janie Franz |
Reviewed 2005 |
NOTE: Reviewer Janie
Franz is the author of Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid!, Relaxation
Techniques for Children, Relaxation Techniques for Adults; Co-author of The
Ultimate Wedding Reception Book and The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book. Coming
Soon: The Ultimate Wedding Workbook, Get Rich on Love, and Sacred Breath
(a sound recording of relaxation meditations). |
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