When a Dragon Goes to School

A young green critter with a pointed, scaly tail and small wings protruding from a bright yellow rain slicker is the poster dragon for proper preschool behavior in this heavy-handed behavioral guide that mimics the How Do Dinosaurs series. Beginning with arrival at the gate, the dragon moves through a series of school day scenarios alongside rosy-cheeked human classmates—one white-skinned and one brown-skinned—demonstrating common classroom social norms in Beardshaw’s blocky art. On the playground, for example, “does she whine,/ or hog the trike and shout out ‘Mine!’?” Hart writes, “Dragons don’t do that!// A dragon shares the outdoor toys/ with other little girls and boys.” References to dragons’ inherent goodness condescend to those who fall short of the book’s unrealistically high standards, but readers familiar with schooltime routines and manners may feel appreciate having expected behaviors emphasized. Ages 3–6. (Aug.)