Puff the Magic Dragon
Even if you only marginally like the song—and who doesn’t love “Puff the Magic Dragon”?—chances are you will love this book—and so will the children in your life. Here are ten reasons why this is an incredible book, both for the young and old.
10. There’s nothing overtly trippy. Sure, the dolphins in the book wear graduation caps and glasses, and the plants have faces, but there’s nothing to indicate the song’s supposed “ulterior” meaning that many claim it has.
9. It comes with music. The CD inside the book has a lovely rendition of the song, plus others, featuring Peter Yarrow and his daughter, Bethany. It’s like a sweeter, more meaningful “turn-the-page” book—but instead of chiming records, you just follow along with the Yarrows.
8. It’s uplifting. The original song ends with Puff saddened over the loss of Jackie Paper, but in the book Puff gets a new friend—a little girl—and is happy once again.
7. Its graphics are gorgeous. There’s no doubt about that; the colors are playful and light, but still vibrant enough to paint a vivid children’s fantasy, and everything has curves and a gentle roundness sure to delight even the youngest of readers.
6. It’s fun to read aloud. Though you may find yourself singing it instead of reading it, there’s no denying that the words have a timeless flow sure to bring back memories for adults and to create new ones for children.
5. It’s a great fantasy adventure that’s not scary. The pirates are smiley and sweet-looking, the creatures all look very loving, and Puff himself is, of course, an adorable dragon whose “fearless roar” seems like it would be more joyful than menacing.
4. It’s a fun way to introduce your children—or grandchildren—to what you grew up with. I know that my daughter isn’t nearly as interested in older, hand-drawn cartoon movies as she is with the latest Pixar flick, but she does love Puff the Magic Dragon.
3. We finally get to see what Honalee is like. It’s as if you’re stepping into a gentler version of Neverland, with smiling pixies, trees and small animals.
2. It’s a great addition to any bookshelf. With its gold foil embossing, large size and sturdy spine it literally could pass the test of time.
1. It’s a timeless book. After all, the song is what, forty years old? And it’s still great for little girls and boys. This is a book your children could read to their own children and likely still cause their eyes to light up.
