Fergal and the Bad Temper

Newcomer Starling introduces Fergal, an orange dragon with big eyes and a long snout. Normally, "he's a friendly little fellow," but he gets mad when others tell him what to do, from eating greens to missing a turn. Starling's mixed-media illustrations show Fergal's fiery path of destruction as he obliterates the vegetables on his plate and incinerates a board game. When his temper leads his gentle woodland animal friends to abandon him ("It's not FAIR," he says), his lanky dragon mother shows him tough love: "Well Fergal, dinner is in the trash, Bear's pastries are burned and no one can play soccer, and that's not fair." Counting to 10 when he feels angry helps the dragon to "cool down" and make up with his friends—who, he learns, also have their angry moments and coping mechanisms. Starling's deep-feeling protagonist models to readers how one can learn to express emotions while being mindful of others. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)

A useful, relatable lesson, enchantingly told. —Booklist