Dragon Egg (Step into Reading)

The author of this book has captured all of the essentials of what a child needs to be introduced to reading. The character is endearing, and the plot is silly but not so boring just because it's an "easy book". The pictures give cues to the text, allowing easy reference. The palindromic storyline has the right amount of repetition - but spaced apart requiring the reader to "not just memorize". The illustration is "cute" in the "big eyed anime" way that immediately appeals to young readers. The chase and turnabout is fun and there are lots of little details in the pictures to pick out and be proud of noticing. Also, my son learned to read with this book.. so I can't thank Mallory and Hala enough. Now if only I can find another that's just as good but a *little* bit more challenging.

My 3 yr. old really likes this book. I often find him "reading" it to himself when I'm not able to. I enjoy the vibrant pictures and the simple text. The only thing that bothers me is that it starts as a rhyming book but then goes into repitition. Takes away from the fluidity of it but it doesn't seem to bother my son at all. He loves it.

Both of my children (3.5 and 6) absolutely love this book! It is written in a predictable format, so they can begin to read along with you and gain confidence as readers without having to "sound out" every word. There is a very funny part in the middle of the book that makes my kids squeal with laughter. This was the first book that my 6 year old said, "I can read it!" Off to find more like this.

There were five colorful speckled dragon eggs all nestled together in a golden nest. Mama dragon was curled around them as she took a rest. "One egg tips. Then it rolls. The egg rolls out of the nest!" It rolled away from the others "out of the cave" and down over a hill. It kept on going past the shepherd, past the hay wagon and even past a magical looking castle. The shepherd, his dog, the sheep and the man in the hay wagon were in hot pursuit. It rolled "through a town" and kept on going until it rolled "off a cliff." Everyone chasing it looked very surprised when it went "BANG!" Then, when the egg cracked open, there was a baby dragon. "Pfff! Out comes a little fire!" The shepherd's dog covered his nose so it wouldn't get burned. Everyone turned around and started back the way they came, including the baby dragon. "Through the town," quickly "past the castle" and "along the road" they ran. Everyone was just flying now. The baby dragon flew "into the cave" and back where he came from. "Look who is waiting!" This is an excellent choice for the emergent reader who is charmed by anything magical, especially dragons. The illustrations in this book are especially appealing and quaint. This "Ready to Read" book is geared toward a successful and rewarding reading experience for the preschool to Kindergarten child. The type is large, there are simple words, it has "rhyme and rhythm" and picture clues." If your child is anxious to read, has a big imagination and loves dragons this is the perfect book to purchase!

My three and a half year old daughter LOVES this book! The first word she sounded out all be herself was "Dragon" off the cover of this book. It is wonderfully colorful and repetitive - both great qualities for a learn to read book!