Evermore Dragon

PreS-Gr 2—The warm friendship that Girl and Dragon established in Joosse's Lovabye Dragon (Candlewick, 2012) deepens as the two play hide-and-seek. First Dragon hides, curling his "Drag-enormo self" behind "a little rock/such a very little rock." Amused readers will spot his huge bulk immediately. But Girl can't find him, even from her perch up a tree, until he reveals himself with a resounding "BOO!" Then Girl takes her turn and runs far away into a "hidey-hole place" where Dragon can't find her. Time passes, night falls with its scary "moaning," "groaning" sounds, and though she tries to be brave, Girl cries "worry worry tears." But never fear. Special friend that he is, Dragon hears her cries, brightens the night sky with his fire, and flies to her rescue. "Evermore, evermore, I am here," he rumbles as the forever friends embrace. The muted palette and tiny brush strokes employed in Cecil's oil paintings exude warmth and are a perfect backdrop for the loving relationship. The poetic text with its coined words and just-right repetition makes for a delightful read-aloud for storytime and friendship units.