The Truth About Dragons
NA Series
What’s inside...
An unforgettable lyrical picture book, The Truth About Dragons celebrates biracial identity through the award-winning author of Paper The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist. The story follows a young child on a journey of discovery, guided by his mother's bedtime storytelling and helped by his two grandmothers. He explores two different forests, learning about dragons from Eastern and Western mythologies, which coexist and enrich each other. The book features lavish and ornate illustrations and is a warm celebration of mixed cultural identity. A Caldecott Honor Winner, this book is an enchanting exploration of the magical truths about dragons and the powerful magic that lives inside us all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the dragons in the story represent in real life?
How did the main character's feelings about dragons change throughout the book?
Can you think of a time when you were scared like the main character? What helped you feel better?
What would you do if you met a dragon? How would you interact with it?
Why do you think understanding someone or something can change how we feel about them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after reading key scenes to ask your child how they feel about the events. This can help them connect emotionally with the story.
Encourage your child to draw their version of a dragon before and after reading the book. Discuss how their perception may have changed.
Relate the story to real-life situations involving fear or misunderstanding to help your child draw parallels and understand the story's deeper messages.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book to keep them engaged and thinking critically about the story's progression.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, focusing on the main character’s emotional journey concerning the dragons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to understand dragons symbolizes overcoming fears of unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach new experiences and challenges with bravery, rather than fear.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the protagonist learns more about the dragons, they discover that the dragons are not to be feared but understood and empathized with.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek to understand people who are different from them, promoting inclusiveness and empathy.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge
Explanation: The story shows that learning about something reduces fear and increases understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to learn and inquire about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The main character uses knowledge and bravery to address the challenge posed by the dragons.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own problems using creativity and the information available to them.