Cute! Again, the illustrations really did it for me. The story was pretty good, Spark the dragon needs to learn not to breathe such large flames. Like in [b:Splash|25838000|Splash|Kallie George|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1435861405s/25838000.jpg|45700897], where Splash stops splashing by being herself, Spark learns his lesson by growing older. Sure, that's fine. ( )

Spark is a small, young dragon with a mighty flame. In other words, he has problems controlling his flames. He turns marshmallows to a crisp and cracks dishes while trying to dry them. His family and friends encourage him and try to help him. This is a cute first chapter book with engaging illustrations for beginning readers.

Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
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I would use this book in a small group reading center. I would use it in 2nd grade for students with a lower reading level. I would use it for the lower reading level students because this book is a lower reading level and the pictures match the words making it easier to read and understand the book.

I would use this book for 2nd grade as a fluency text because this book has simple sentences with no more than 6 words to each sentence. Also the book has several characters where they could practice reading using a different voice for each during the dialogue on the pages. This book is split into sections as a chapter book which is around the grade where they begin to read chapter books.

Spark the dragon has a problem: he has a difficult time controlling his fire. It’s not as though he doesn’t try, but when he coughs, he incinerates his handkerchief. Likewise, he burns marshmallows to a crisp instead of lightly toasting them, and he cracks the dishes when he tries to gently dry them. In fact, Papa and Mama Dragon both read the book How to Tame Flames to help him, but to no avail. It’s hard to learn self-control, but it’s up to the determined Spark to wrangle in his fire.

Split up into chapters (or more aptly named ‘lessons’), the book is perfect for readers just starting to tackle longer books. The bright, vibrant illustrations of Spark and his parents are quite frankly adorable, and adults and children alike will love to look at the pictures of Spark’s bright smile or the enthusiasm he shows to help. This book is a lesson in practice and time--after a length of time, Spark begins to learn self-control, and it’s a perfect reminder to kids that even though they may want to do something, it may not yet be the right time, and that’s perfectly okay. Highly recommended. Grades pre-K to 2. ( )