Title: Different DragonsAuthor: Jean Little
Publish Date: May 2007
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pages: 112pp
IBSN: 0143312308
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Annotation: Timid Ben faces many challenges on his first stay away from home without his family. He confronts his fears and becomes friends with a Labrador Retriever named Gully.
Plot Summary: Ben is not looking forward to his stay with his Aunt Rose while his family goes away. During this stay, Ben will have to sleep alone, deal with the bossy girl next door, live through a thunderstorm, and deal with his fear of big dogs, all by himself. Aunt Rose had meant the big dog, Gully a Labrador Retriever, as a gift but Ben doesn’t like this gift, he is scared of the big dog. Then, a thunderstorm hits and Ben and Gully survive together underneath the bed. This begins a beautiful bond.
Personal Response: A simplistic plot with a sweet message about overcoming your fears and finding the courage that lays within. I especially liked the bond Ben makes with Gully, very sincere and touching. I think this is a good story for younger children who are experiencing fears. As adults we so easily forget what it is like to be little with fears—the world can be scary place.
~Reader’s Advisory~
Themes: Overcoming fears.
Age Range: 8 to 12
Subjects: Dogs, Fear, Thunderstorms, Family, Family Relationships, Friendship, Courage, Realistic Fiction
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