Dragon Post: Imaginary Friends
One of my favourite books growing up was The Jolly Christmas Postman - I loved opening all those little envelopes and playing with the letter inside. So I wasn't surprised when BookBairn was utterly charmed by Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett partially for this reason.
I also wasn't surprised because Emma has a proven record as being a favourite storyteller in our house. Her book Nibbles the Book Monster and it's sequel are two which we read very often (see our review here: BookBairn's Kindred Spirit), so much so that BookBairn even sleeps with a Dimbles toy (having introduced BookBairn and Nibbles at a very early age means that she couldn't quite say his name, it's ok though as Emma approves of BookBairn's cute nickname for her beloved monster!).
So when Dragon Post arrived through our letter box I knew right away it would be an instant hit. What I didn't know was that despite all our predispositions that would mean we were bound to love it, is that it's also a truly enchanting story with characters that are utterly stupendous! Alex, a little boy, is convinced that a dragon is living in his basement (don't worry he's a friendly dragon). But having a dragon in your basement does pose some issues: fire hazards, noise complaints, animal welfare issues. So Alex writes and receives letters about how best to care for his dragon.
I don't want to spoil to much other than to say that this book is packed full of humour, fun and illustrations that are simply adorable. The letters themselves are all in different styles, poking fun at some of the institutions that might get involved if you really did have a dragon in your basement as well as showing that even official types have a sense of humour sometimes. We particularly like the letter from the butcher. But our stand out favourite letter is from Alex's best friend, Hillary, whose adorable drawings and sage advice are a perfect way to end the book. Except for one last letter. From Dragon.
Such an utterly charming story about friendship, about empathy, about letting go even when though it's tough to be apart.
Along with the release of this brilliant book, is a 'blog tour of imaginary friends' and I was asked to write a letter to my childhood imaginary friend. I never had any completely imaginary friends, I just simply believed with all my heart that my toys were real. Because I loved them enough, they were real. And I could have written them a letter but, having grown up, we now have an imaginary friend who is much more important to us. And that's BookBairn's toy lion - Louis. If you have followed our blog for some time you will know Louis. He's part of our family. He's in so many of our photographs you can't have missed him. He is almost permanently attached to BookBairn's side. If you know BookBairn, you know Louis. Even this morning she carried him hand to paw as she walked to nursery saying "Mummy, I love Louis. He is my favourite." So I wanted to write a thank you letter to Louis, the not-so-imaginary lion.
We bought you in a toy story in Paris not long after we found out that we were finally going to have a baby. Before we had even told our friends and family, you came home with us, as nerves and excitement bubbled, our family was now beginning. You symbolised then so much more than the little orange toy lion that you were. I packed you in the hospital bag and you were one of the very first things to touch BookBairn's newborn skin.
There is little doubt that you are her favourite toy. You started softer, brighter and less worn than you are now. Now you are greyer, worn but loved. We tucked you into her pram. She 'softed' (BookBairn's word) your arms when she was sleepy. She slept with her head on top of you, cuddled in as close as she could.
We bought a second Louis so that you would occasionally get a break. And she loves both of you equally. She would cuddle you both every night if we didn't insist on you getting some rest time. When she started nursery and I had to leave her for the first time, you were there. When she fell and cut her knee, she cried for you. When she is sick, you are there. When she dropped you in that muddy puddle, your twin stepped in as you dutifully spun in the washing machine. You come everywhere. We would never leave you behind.
Now that she is growing, and no needs you at her side every second of the day, you wait patiently in her backpack on her nursery peg. You are sometimes cast aside, abandoned during play, yet you wait for her. The most steadfast of friends.
Thank you doesn't seem enough to show our gratitude to you, such a loving and loyal friend. You have given her so much love. Giving her strength when she is afraid. Giving her cuddles when she is hurt. Softing her as she falls asleep. Giving her the confidence to grow. Giving me the confidence and faith to let her go. Giving her the freedom to grow.
We are forever in your debt, Louis. Thank you for making us your home.
Having such reliable and loyal friends, imaginary or not, help us to grow.
I hope you have such a friend. And if you don't, just imagine you do.
Happy Reading,
Disclaimer: I was sent Dragon Post for free for review purposes by the publishers. Words and opinions are my own. If you click on the title or image of the book you will be sent to Amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase on Amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-70p per book) from amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our 'For Our Readers' section.
I can’t wait to read Dragon Post. It sounds fabulous.
ReplyDeletePS - my worst nightmare would be to lose Louis when out and about with BookBairn. He is on my checklist whenever we move from one place to another.
You can be in charge of bedtime stories tonight then!
DeleteI really really love the look of this book, I'd quite like it for myself! #readwithme
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely got great appeal for grown ups too! And makes you feel like a kid again!
DeleteWe love Emma Yarlett's books too. I can't wait to read this one, I love books with letters that you can pull out and read :o)
ReplyDelete#ReadWithMe
Isn't she so clever and talented! And yes letter books are so appealing!
DeleteIt sounds like a beautiful book, Book Bairn really looks engrossed! And I love your letter to Louis!
ReplyDeleteThank you! She really loves it! Think we might need to get a penpal of our own!
DeleteI really like the look of this, the kids love a book with letters to pull out and read! #readwithme
ReplyDeleteA great way to keep books interactive but appealing to older readers!
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