There's No Such Thing as a Dragon

I am sorry someone used this book politically, because I think this is one book I wish someone had read me as a kid. It’s about a small dragon who grows until a boy and his mom admit he’s there and notice him. There are only a few books I can say have a really important and unique message like this one. I am also a fan of “The Rabbit Listened”. I wish this book would come back in print. I really like Jack Kent, and I think this is his best, most original book, and well worth purchasing. I have two copies, but I want them both, which is unusual for me. Usually, I give one away, but this just seems like something that I want to wait for the exact right person or place to give it to, because I think this book should be read as much as possible.If it’s not a classic, it should be, I think it has grown into being the right book for these complicated times.

The story is fine.

Jordan Petersen reads this book to his audience while explaining what the most important story ever told is all about, and why we find it in a child's book, or dreams. I have just seen the book read on TV, but it certainly has charming pictures and by Petersen's account a primal message. I'm getting a copy for my kids.

As much as I hate to admit it, the children's books I buy for my 4-year-old have to appeal to me in some small way, too, or I don't read them very often. Fortunately, my son and I have similar taste, and we both enjoyed this tale about a boy who offers his mother a little lesson about faith in make-believe. The boy persists in his belief in dragons despite his mom's admonitions that they "don't exist." The fairy tale friend just refuses to go away until he becomes so large that he just can't be ignored any longer. Mom, in a charming ending, is proved wrong. It would be nice to see the mother doing more than housework all day, but alas, it's still a fun read!

This is a book my daughter loved. But there's a message for adults in this little story as well. Acknowlege the dragon(s) in your life, and they will become managable. Ignore (deny) them, and they will become as big as a house.

My search for a replacement copy of There's No Such Thing As A Dragon continues... not only was it a favourite of my children when they wre young, but also so meaningful to the teens in my behavioural classes that someone took my only copy! It is excellent for introducing a myriad of issues that such teens deal with - abuse, drugs, alcohol etc.

As a family therapist, I enjoy recommending this bedtime story for both parents and children wanting to understand why family members, who feel unnoticed or unappreciated, can become so "large" in their behavior. Light, amusing and endearing. Thank you Jack Kent. I regret "Dragon" being out of print.