Perfect Picture Book Friday - Alexander And The Dragon

Goodness, the weeks are flying by!  Here we are at Perfect Picture Book Friday again already!  Having spent half my week washing the dogs I am feeling a bit behind (see Wednesday's post if you missed it and are wondering why).  The result?  I will be admirably succinct!

I have an oldie but a goodie to share today :)

Title: Alexander And The Dragon
Written By: Katherine Holabird
Illustrated By: Helen Craig
Clarkson N. Potter, Inc, November 1988, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-8

Themes/Topics: fear (of the dark), friendship

Opening: "Alexander was quite small, but he was very, very brave.  He wasn't afraid of dogs or thunderstorms; he liked riding on roller coasters and swimming underwater.  The only thing that really frightened Alexander was the dark."

Brief Synopsis: Alexander does not like the dark.  Especially when he discovers a dragon under his bed.  "There are only two things you can do with a dragon," says his father.  "You've either got to scare it off or make friends with it."  So Alexander dons his armor...

Links To Resources: Dragon coloring pages, printables and crafts, dream catcher craft for kids (not exactly fear of the dark - more nightmares - but same general area :)), talk about fears with kids - what are they afraid of? what are some things they could do to scare those fears away?

Why I Like This Book: This is a sweet story told and illustrated in a comforting way.  Alexander's parents are kind and understanding, but they leave it up to him to face his fear.  He does, learning a valuable lesson in the process: if he is brave enough to face a dragon, he can handle the dark.  What's great about this book is that, should you happen to be reading it to several children at once (for example, your own at bedtime :)), it's a soothing story for one who is afraid of the dark while still a fun story about a boy and a dragon for everyone else.

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

Now, everyone, off you go to enjoy all the other books on today's list.  I told you I was going to be admirably succinct!  (And yes, it's really me, not an impostor :))  I was going to wax poetic about something I want to share with you, but it will have to wait until I have time to do it justice... maybe Monday :)  Also, keep a weather eye out for the upcoming Halloweensie Contest Announcement!!!

PPBF bloggers, please leave your post-specific link in the list below.

Have a great weekend, everyone! :)