Image source: www.dannythedragon.com 'Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy' is the first in a planned series by writer, researcher and humanitarian Tina Turbin
Today, Hartford Books Examiner reviews Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy (book & DVD), the first in a planned children’s book series by Tina Turbin.
The mother of three, Turbin is also a writer, researcher, and humanitarian, and she tirelessly advocates on the behalf of children for a variety of causes which include literacy and education. So it’s no surprise that her debut is an inspired and accomplished effort.
Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy is a delightful tale that chronicles the adventures of a traveling dragon and his navigator, Skipper, who live in a shell. In this first installment, the two are discovered by Jimmy, a young boy who hears them calling out “Hello” from inside a shell that he discovers at the sandy bottom of the ocean. Though his family is initially unable to recognize the shell’s special properties, Jimmy faithfully travels home with his treasure, and is affirmed when Jimmy and Skipper again announce themselves at dinner.
Turbin’s premise is clever, and will lend itself nicely to future installments. She has a gift for enthusiastically telling whimsical tales that both entertain and educate, and readers will appreciate the subtlety with which she imparts her words of wisdom. She manages to weave lessons that include having good manners, sharing responsibilities, the importance of friendship, and the virtues of patience with a story that never fails to amuse.
The illustrations were done by Aija Jasuna, and they perfectly suit the style of the book. Colorful and with a bit of whimsy, the drawings are still quite soothing to look at, and they present numerous details and depictions that should inspire excited conversation throughout reading.
The DVD is an excellent companion to the book. In addition to featuring the original award-winning illustrations, it is presented with a sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired, making it one of the few stories that can be viewed and read by this often overlooked population. This special feature enhances the overall impact of the story, and just might foster new friendships between kids who really aren’t that much different from each other after all. Fans of the book will embrace its interactive counterpart.
Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy is a spirited and fun offering that is sure to please children, parents, and educators alike. Turbin has envisioned a world with limitless possibilities and extraordinary potential, and it will be exciting to see where she takes readers next…
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Coming tomorrow: Hartford Books Examiner’s interview with author Tina Turbin…
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