Pistes d'exploration

Examine the numbered map on the endpapers. Make predictions about the setting and plot of the story.

Work with a partner. Retell the story together, from the point of view of the dragon. Refer to the map at the beginning to remember all the places he visited.

Notice the different types of punctuation. Read the sentences together with appropriate expression.

Make a list of places and activities in your community where a dragon might hide. Illustrate a page in the same style as the book, with everyone choosing a different number. Assemble your pages into a class book.

As the story is read aloud, explore and discuss the different buildings and city elements. Start a class anchor chart of city-related vocabulary.

Go for a neighbourhood walk. Observe and photograph city objects you encounter.

Create a classroom book in the same style using elements and buildings found in your area. Prepare a classroom storyboard and share the pages among groups of students.

Madlenka

Mots-clés

Picture book , city life , counting , dragons , illustrations (ink) , lost and found , numbers , seek-and-find book

Commentaire descriptif

A boy has lost his dragon. He wanders the city looking for him, counting objects he finds along the way: “perhaps he went downtown on the bus. 3 buses.” Children will pore over busy scenes, looking for the dragon—always a few steps ahead of the boy. Buses, sailboats, monkeys and fire hydrants are all counted as he visits favourite haunts: “I want ice cream! Maybe my dragon wants some, too.” In this affectionate tribute to New York City, the illustrations use bold, black line to depict urban scenes such as a hot dog stand, rooftop cisterns and a newspaper kiosk. Colour highlights the items to be counted (14 brown dogs, 17 yellow taxis). City kids will recognize parks, playgrounds, public transportation, carved gargoyles and skyscrapers. They will relish a visit underground (where the dragon’s smoky breath rises out of a manhole cover) and a trip high among the pigeons (while the dragon twists around a distant steeple). By the time he’s reached 20 red lanterns in Chinatown, the boy has finally found his dragon again: “Right where I left him.” This fun counting adventure combines the best of the real world and the imagination.