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Title: Lovely book for the grammar stage
Review: Here's what I LOVE about this book: the illustrations! Wow! Artist Trina Schart Hyman does a fantastic job. I want to touch the dents in George's shield and Lady Una's gowns are to die for. The writing is well-paced and puts the story into terms a child will understand well. However, there is a too much passive voice and use of "had" for my taste. But I know from personal experience that it is difficult to retell an old story without a bit of both.My grammar-stage son...well, his comment was, "Awww...I wanted the dragon to win!" He's a big softie when it comes to critters. I think most kids will relate to the citizen's fearful reluctance to approach the dragon, even when dead: "'Those claws might scratch my son, or tear his tender hand.'"Great way to introduce an old story to a young audience. Fantastic illustrations. Four stars!
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