The Unhappy Little Dragon: Lessons Learned by Carolyn Wolfe

This is the tale of a little Dragon who has a big problem; he cannot control his fire!  After a major mishap, he runs away into the forest and has a wonderful adventure where he meets new friends, learns that every creature has a unique gift. He also finds out the special way in which he can use his own remarkable gift of fire. His forest friends help him understand that he really is a very special dragon indeed!

Shelley asked, looking at Happy expectantly.

Shelley The Turtle  said,”Let me ask you something son, when you practice your fire burning skills-what do you tell yourself?”

“Tell myself? What do you mean?” asked Happy not understanding what his new friend was getting at.

Shelley answered, “Well, maybe I should ask instead, how do you feel when you practice holding in your flame?

“Oh that! I feel scared, so scared that I will fail and burn everything up!” Happy answered sadly.

“Well now, I have a suggestion for you. Try feeling like you will not burn everything up. Instead tell yourself you will succeed in keeping your fire to yourself!” Shelley told him.

“But I am so scared. I really don’t think I can tell myself that I won’t burn everything up when I know I will!”

Happy argued in a worried little voice.

Shelley looked at Happy’s very unhappy face and said,”I have news for you Happy, and I want you to listen to me now!”

Then Shelley continued to explain.
“Dragons aren’t the only ones who have special gifts, Happy, no, no! All of the animals were given a special gift of one kind or another. All of us had to learn how to use it wisely, just like you. You sort of have to grow into your gift, like growing up! That’s why the animals need a teacher.

Can you guess what my special gift is?” Shelley asked, expectantly.

Happy didn’t know the answer so he shook his head and just kept quiet.

“Why Happy, I am a teacher!” Shelley said proudly.

Children learn the meaning of self control and being unique in this wonderful dragon story.  Sometimes it takes others' encouraging words to help us to see that we are special.  I would put this in the 2-4 grade range as far as rating it for reading .  Girls like to read but I do believe this would appeal to little boys as it is about dragons and forest friends.  The illustrations have the watercolor effect.  There is a page in the back of the book that your child can write what their special gift is and also a glossary of terms in case a child needs that extra added enforcement. 

You may find an interview with the author @ my friend, Cheryl's blog The Children's and Teens' Book Connection

You may visit this book's web page here.

Carolyn Wolfe is a free lance writer, poet, and author of six books including her collection of poetry, short stories and bedtime stories for children. In this, her sixth book, “The Unhappy Little Dragon, Lessons Learned” she reveals the journey of Happy, The Unhappy Little Dragon, who, while trying to understand how to master his uncontrollable gift of fire, has an exciting  adventure in the woods. His forest friends help him understand his gift and that he really is a very special dragon indeed!  Ms. Wolfe lives in the Shenandoah Valley with her Photographer, husband Scott, and her houseful of animal companions.

You can visit her website at When the Moon Speaks


A copy of this book was provided for  this review by Pump up your Book tours