Saturday, January 9, 2016

Appreciate a Dragon Day – January 16

Reviewing Dragons for 'Dragon Day'


Plush toy dragon


In 2004, a school teacher named Donita K. Paul, decided to retire.  Shortly afterwards,  Mrs. Paul began a new career as a writer.  She created “Appreciate a Dragon Day” to celebrate the release of her first book, Dragon Spell, and as a way to celebrate literacy.  We now celebrate this day every year on January 16.



Dragon Spell is Book 1 of the Dragon Keepers Chronicles, a fantasy fiction series for children in grades 4 through 8.  Mrs. Paul went on to write a total of 6 books in this series, then moved on to write a 10-book series of the Dragon Chronicles.  


Today she is an award-winning novelist writing Christian Romance and Fantasy, but it looks like the mythical creature we call the dragon has become her favorite.





Things to do for Dragon Day



Since Mrs. Paul's dragon books are designed for children, she has a number of suggestions for kids to celebrate her 'Appreciate a Dragon Day'.  


  • Take Pictures!
    • One idea is to see how many pictures you can take of your favorite stuffed dragon in funny places.  
      • How about reading a dragon book with your plush dragon at the library?  
        • Picture the two of you eating a hamburger at McDonalds 
        • Or, you and your dragon could play in the park and have fun sliding down the slide.


        • Be Creative!

        Draw a dragon or write a story about a dragon or put on a dragon puppet show. 


        How to Draw Dragons art lesson

        Check out How to Draw Dragons, a cute art lesson for children found on Emily Gravett's web site.  Emily is an illustrator and author of darling children's books, including  Cedric the Dragon.


        • Sing a Dragon Song 



        The most famous dragon of modern times has been immortalized in song.  Puff, the Magic Dragon was written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary folk group fame more than 50 years ago… and is still beloved by children (and their parents and grandparents) today.


        Peter and Christopher Yarrow in concert in Savannah, GA
        Peter Yarrow
        I got to see Peter Yarrow in person in Savannah, GA three years ago when he was one of the performers of our annual  music festival.  Before singing “Puff”, he called a couple dozen small children up on the stage with him and had them help sing the song.  

        Peter Yarrow held his microphone down to a 5-year-old singing “Puff”.  She knew all the words, though even her parents had yet to be born when the song was written in 1963. Peter Yarrow told the audience that day that he had no idea the song would become so well known and beloved by generations of children.  He said he finds this very moving.

        Personal Note:  Speaking of feeling moved, after the concert I stood in line to tell Peter Yarrow I had been a fan for almost all of his career and, really feeling overwhelmed, tearfully thanked him for the beautiful music and the 50 years of special memories.  He gave me a hug as I left, giving this folk music fan another wonderful memory.


        Puff the Magic Dragon Book, CD & Plush Dragon Gift Set




        Puff the Magic Dragon book cover
        Puff the Magic Dragon Book & CD

        This children's book is based on the fabulous children's song written by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton with beautiful illustrations by artist
        Eric Puybaret.


        The book comes with a CD featuring not only Puff, but several other songs performed by Yarrow, his daughter Bethany, and cellist Rufus Cappadocia and a Puff, the Magic Dragon Plush Toy.

        An adorable 3-piece gift set for all fans of "Puff", young and old.

        Stuffed Dragon Toy


        Kids love stuffed toys and a plush dragon is a perfect toy for those who love dragons.


        Green dragon by Aurora plush dragon toy

        Vollenth the green dragon from Aurora is an adorable example of a plush dragon for children. Measuring 18" long, this toy dragon is a fun toy to have running around the house. 

        Get Ready to Celebrate "Appreciate a Dragon Day"




        So, whatever you choose to do to celebrate “Appreciate a Dragon Day” you are sure to have a wonderful time with this favorite of mythical creatures. 

        Related Link:

        Delightful Dragon Gift Ideas


        (c) Article written by Wednesday Elf on 1/9/16.  Updated on 1/16/2024






        Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


        11 comments:

        1. Puff the Magic Dragon piqued my interest in dragons so many decades ago. Oddly, my second grade teacher was named Mrs. Paul and she was the teacher who inspired me to be the avid reader that I am. Wonder if there is any relation to this Ms. Paul. Off to think of ways to celebrate Appreciate A Dragon Day...

          ReplyDelete
        2. Interesting that you had a teacher named Mrs. Paul, as this writer, Donita Paul, was an elementary school teacher before she was a writer. She was born in Lawrence, KS. Don't know where she taught. She's now 65, so depending upon when you were in second grade, perhaps she could have been your teacher? :) Thanks for visiting, Beverly.

          ReplyDelete
          Replies
          1. Wouldn't that be cool!? Donita Paul and I are almost the same age so she wasn't my 2nd Grade teacher. Mine was also the Principal of the school and had a grown daughter who taught at my same school...we had Mrs. Paul and Miss Paul brings back fond memories.

            Delete
        3. Ooooh, I had not realized that Peter Yarrow wrote that book! That is totally awesome. I knew the song came first and was the origin of the story.

          I love all dragons! Stormy keeps me company in my craft room. I had to laugh that you featured him. Now I think I will declare Jan. 16th my Stormy's birthday in appreciation of Dragon Day :)

          ReplyDelete
          Replies
          1. Awww, I forgot you had a 'Stormy'. I LOVE that plush dragon. Cutest one I've ever seen! Glad you now have a proper birthday for your Stormy, Mouse!

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        4. LOL, there's a day for everything (at least 365) - I recently bought a 2016 calendar that has these crazy 'days' - I think one coming up is 'play god for the day, day' haha! And of course, there's dragon day as you outlined here. Too much fun.

          ReplyDelete
          Replies
          1. I love these fun 'crazy days' too, Barbara. Your calendar sounds perfect for those of us who love looking up these weird and wacky holidays! ;)

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        5. I loved reading about all you can do to celebrate Appreciate a Dragon Day. You put forth some great ideas, and the book looks like fun.

          ReplyDelete
          Replies
          1. Thanks for visiting, Barbara. The book does look like fun, especially for Sci-Fi and Fantasy fans.

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        6. I love dragon lore and am fascinated by them. Sounds like a cool book!

          ReplyDelete
          Replies
          1. The popularity of dragons will never diminish, Heather. There is just something about this mythical creature. :)

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