I was recently contacted by the Imagination Publishing Group to write a review of Author, Tina Turbin’s new childrens book, Danny The Dragon “Meets Jimmy”. I was excited to receive the materials and looked forward to reading a new story to Ava. The package arrived and was filled with information on Tina, focusing on her work for Celiac Disease and Gluten Free living. I thought that maybe the book was going to be about a boy with food allergies [not a bad idea], but it was not. The story was an introduction to what I can only assume will be a series of Danny The Dragon books and told the tale of a small boy [Jimmy] who finds a talking shell at the beach that is home to Danny and his pal, Skipper. Once home, Danny and his pal emerge from the shell, join the family for dinner, play outside with Jimmy and his friends, and then it’s off to bed. At the end of the book, Jimmy asks Danny to tell him about the adventures life in a shell has taken him on, only to be told he will have to wait … and so will you … until the next book. I must admit I was rather disappointed in this story and felt bad about writing a less than raving review, but everyone has their own opinion and this is mine. It’s not that it’s a bad story – it’s cute, but it didn’t really go anywhere … and just when you think you are getting to the real story [of Danny's adventures], the book ends and leaves you hanging. I’m all for being left hanging [Lost is one of my favorite shows - lol], however this story ended before it even began and I am left not wanting to read the next book, but rather left wanting more than a dragon coming out of a shell. And I would like to think my child does too. I suppose if your child was really into dragons ….
I also received a DVD in my package for review. The proceeds for the DVD go to the Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf [like that!], but unfortunately I wouldn’t spend any money on this video. I’m pretty sure it was put together using iDVD [I made a disc of Ava that has the same titling and even the same song] and is just a slideshow of the book pages with narration and a woman signing on the side. I was just not impressed with the production quality at all. Maybe I’m being too critical since I come from a creative background and my fiance is a Creative Director and we are used to higher quality productions. I know that sounds a bit snarky, but I just expected more. I also received a CD review, and must admit that I have not had the time to listen to it.
I give Tina praise for her charitable work and belief in her causes … maybe the rest of the series will have a little more story and a little more soul.
5 Comments
I also read this book. I do like your idea of a book being written about a child with food allergies ! I kind of had a different take on Danny the Dragon. I thought it was imaginative. Very cool for a kid to find a talking shell, and then waiting to find out what was inside (it’s the big kid in me). The ending did leave some questions, I kind of thought that was a good thing though, it left the door open for me to ask my son what he thinks the answers were to that one, but it also makes me want to find out what will happen with the next book. I passed the book along to my son’s kindergarten class and the kids realy liked it too. That’s too bad that it wasn’t a hit for you. Did your daughter enjoy it?
I agree with the previous commentor that the ending makes an opportunity to discuss what could happen with a child, and will leave them wanting the next book of the story, leading to an interest in books and reading. Lord knows we used to be dying to get the next Harry Potter book to find out what would happen after the cliffhanger. This is similar, but geared to a much younger audience. The illustrations are delightful and it is sure to capture the attention of young children.
I wouldn’t have minded the ‘to be continued’ ending had there been more substance to the story. It just wasn’t the type of book I go for. My daughter wasn’t very captivated by it either. It was cute, but it could have been more .. in my opinion. XO
In order for the book to be a ‘cliffhanger’ there needed to be a cliff. I just didn’t find enough imagination or story in the book to keep my or my daughter’s attention. Glad you liked it though … we all have our own likes and dislikes. XO
This book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy has been a wonderful addition to our book collection (I have 3 sons). Being that it’s written in such a sincere light in a way that forwards the virtues of manners and respect is honestly quite refreshing. I’m surprised to see a negative review of the material, since the material is so positive.