This book will definitely appeal to many children, especially those who may be dealing with a bully. Everyday Kevin walks to the neighborhood playground in hope of having great fun. But each day, without failure, a boy named Sammy is there. Whenever Kevin approaches a piece of equipment, Sammy will say he can not go on it because he is the "King of the Playground" then threatens to hurt Kevin if he does not listen. Together, Kevin and his father discuss what Sammy is doing to Kevin, and they work through the difficult situation. Soon Kevin gains enough confidence to stand up for himself, and does with remarkable results! I enjoyed seeing how Kevin could open up to his father and how they, together worked out the problem. The understandable text and colorful illustrations flow together smoothly, and add a great deal of feeling to the plot.

As a Kindergarten teacher I make a point to read this book every year to my students, to show them that a scary or seemingly hopeless situation can result in a good friendship with a little perservernce and creativity. I like the fact that the Dad was a good source of support for the child, and that the Dad is shown working outside and inside the house in some non-traditional roles. Buoyed by his father's support, Kevin returns to the playground, always trying new ways to secure a spot on the playground. Children need more tools like this for resolving conflict in a non-violent manner.

i got this book thinking that it would be like the enchnted forest cronicles, and although it isn't that much alike i still loved it. The princess, who's name i can't remember at the moment, is very well done. She is a bookworm, who wants to help others, not go on an adventure.

A old dragon decides that he no longer has the energy to go on, so decided to let himself pass on. Then the king hears of his existance and sends an unwilling stranger to defeat him. The king's daughter feels sorry for the dragon and writes up a document, so that he can live, and her father is still happy. Unfortunely reading and writting are thought to be a waste of time, so she can not tell anyone. Lacking any alternitive she runs off to meet the dragon with out permission. Soon another hero comes to save the princess, a evil magician takes over her kingdom, and the only person who can defeat him is the legendary black knight.

I read and adored this book in 5th grade, but I had not seen any trace of it in so long that I was beginning to think I had made up the title! The requisite princess in this tale (it is, after all, a story about a dragon) quickly discovers that this particular dragon has no interest in her and even less interest in fighting the princes who come to rescue her. The crotchety dragon of the title, too old to enjoy eating people, is absolutely wonderful. This book is somewhat reminiscent of Patricia Wrede's "Enchanted Forest Chronicles", and I would recommend it to anyone who can find it. Charming and entertaining from start to finish.