A Gold Star For Zog
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Published: 2012
I’m a huge fan of this book for many reasons. For one, the setting and characters are very relatable (even though they are dragons). The story takes place in school and you can tell from the first illustration that each student has their own quirks and personality.
The story centers around Zog who really wants to do his best to earn a gold star. Not for lack of trying, Zog runs into stumbling blocks. Turns out, he is not that good at the usual dragon things like flying and breathing fire. But with some help from his friend Princess Pearl, he perseveres and keeps trying.
Pearl also has a very important role in the story… she must also develop her own talents and place in the world. When I first read the story and discovered that (spoiler alert!) she ‘allowed’ herself to be captured, it gave me serious angst and I almost put the book down. But I’m glad I kept going because in the end both Zog and Pearl uncover their own unique talents and discover all of their personal power.
This theme of discovering your talents and finding your place in the world is handled delicately in the book. It’s nearly impossible to miss but also doesn’t come across as preachy. Even if a reader doesn’t resonate with the deeper meaning at first, the story and characters are themselves delightful and fun. The colorful and brilliant illustrations bring the story to life and the whole effect is one of delight and joy.
I would recommend this book for children 4 years old and above. This book probably wouldn’t have gone over well at the beginning of the Pre-K year, but was just right for the more experienced readers towards the end of the year. I suspect it would go over great for most Kindergarteners as well.
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Published: 2012
I’m a huge fan of this book for many reasons. For one, the setting and characters are very relatable (even though they are dragons). The story takes place in school and you can tell from the first illustration that each student has their own quirks and personality.
The story centers around Zog who really wants to do his best to earn a gold star. Not for lack of trying, Zog runs into stumbling blocks. Turns out, he is not that good at the usual dragon things like flying and breathing fire. But with some help from his friend Princess Pearl, he perseveres and keeps trying.
Pearl also has a very important role in the story… she must also develop her own talents and place in the world. When I first read the story and discovered that (spoiler alert!) she ‘allowed’ herself to be captured, it gave me serious angst and I almost put the book down. But I’m glad I kept going because in the end both Zog and Pearl uncover their own unique talents and discover all of their personal power.
This theme of discovering your talents and finding your place in the world is handled delicately in the book. It’s nearly impossible to miss but also doesn’t come across as preachy. Even if a reader doesn’t resonate with the deeper meaning at first, the story and characters are themselves delightful and fun. The colorful and brilliant illustrations bring the story to life and the whole effect is one of delight and joy.
I would recommend this book for children 4 years old and above. This book probably wouldn’t have gone over well at the beginning of the Pre-K year, but was just right for the more experienced readers towards the end of the year. I suspect it would go over great for most Kindergarteners as well.
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Published: 2012
I’m a huge fan of this book for many reasons. For one, the setting and characters are very relatable (even though they are dragons). The story takes place in school and you can tell from the first illustration that each student has their own quirks and personality.
The story centers around Zog who really wants to do his best to earn a gold star. Not for lack of trying, Zog runs into stumbling blocks. Turns out, he is not that good at the usual dragon things like flying and breathing fire. But with some help from his friend Princess Pearl, he perseveres and keeps trying.
Pearl also has a very important role in the story… she must also develop her own talents and place in the world. When I first read the story and discovered that (spoiler alert!) she ‘allowed’ herself to be captured, it gave me serious angst and I almost put the book down. But I’m glad I kept going because in the end both Zog and Pearl uncover their own unique talents and discover all of their personal power.
This theme of discovering your talents and finding your place in the world is handled delicately in the book. It’s nearly impossible to miss but also doesn’t come across as preachy. Even if a reader doesn’t resonate with the deeper meaning at first, the story and characters are themselves delightful and fun. The colorful and brilliant illustrations bring the story to life and the whole effect is one of delight and joy.
I would recommend this book for children 4 years old and above. This book probably wouldn’t have gone over well at the beginning of the Pre-K year, but was just right for the more experienced readers towards the end of the year. I suspect it would go over great for most Kindergarteners as well.