Dragon's merry Christmas

Pilkey's illustrations are brightly colored and a perfect match to the gentle yet humorous story of Dragon, who is preparing for Christmas. Dragon's childlike character and his kindness are evident when he tries but cannot cut down a tree and when he gives his food and presents to those in greater need. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

An appealing blue creature, first introduced in 1990, displays his independent thinking and good humor in four episodes appropriate to the season. Dragon decides to decorate his tree where he finds it growing, without cutting it; he's proud of the candy wreath he makes, but it's too tasty to last long; he gives away the presents he's bought for himself to needier animals. Not exceptional, but genuinely warmhearted; the art, drawn with assurance and verve, is vibrantly colored. (Easy reader. 4-8)