A Review of Davy’s Dragon Castle by Mary and Michael Schmidt

 

 (M. Schmidt Productions, 2022). ISBN: 978-0-578-32451-7

There is an encouraging trend I am seeing as of late where children’s book authors are using the Heroes and Dragons fantasy subgenre to introduce young people to social justice and health and safety issues. From Stranger Danger to desirable emotional and personality traits using D&D-type formats, the magic and wonder of this subgenre are helping to create a more peaceful world. Given the popularity of movies and television shows that exploit this subgenre primarily to promote violence and sex, this is an encouraging counterbalance.

In the case of Davy’s Dragon Castle, the hero of the story is a dragon who—going against popular and longstanding conventions—doesn’t attack a castle, but lives in one, along with his wife Lily and their children.

Sitting in an idyllic, North Pole–like setting, the castle is the centerpiece of the town. It is so important to the daily life of the citizens that the town is called Dragon Town. Within the castle, Lily oversees school and mediates when there is a problem.

In the case of this story, the Candy Cane and other Fairies are—in line with classic folklore—mischief-makers who are given to a plethora of ornery, judgmental behaviors.

It is Christmastime in Dragon Town, and Davy and his family are busy getting the castle ready for a party. As the air fills with excitement and the smells of delicious foods and candies, the guests—including Snow Boys and Girls—begin to arrive. As the party starts, they eat, sing, and play games. Davy gives sleigh rides.

There are tiny dragons called Squees at the party as well. One in particular, Tim, was born with half his leg missing, so he wears a prosthesis that allows him to walk and fly like other dragons. There are exciting developments with 3D printing of artificial limbs these days, and it is nice to see this encouraging example of a character with a disability that does not slow them down.

So what could possibly go wrong in this peaceful, harmonious setting? The argumentative, judgmental fairies play the villains in this story. When the Strawberry Fairy targets a family of rabbits called BunBuns for exclusion from the party based on how they look, Davy steps in with an important message.

An oversized book with an abundance of digital illustrations and large, easy-to-read yellow text, this book—which can be read any time of the year—might just become one of your family’s or classroom’s favorite Christmas books and a go-to when exclusion or prejudice is taking place.

The authors are prolific. There are seventeen other books advertised in the back of this book, their subject matter ranging from animal and nature tales to those concerning festivals, parties, and family. According to their bio, the authors have over thirty books in their catalog, all with important messages of harmony, peace, and acceptance.

 

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