A classic retold, The Reluctant Dragon is a fairy tale that applies, quite aptly, to everyday modern life. A little boy who loves to read learns that a dragon has suddenly appeared in a cave close to home. The boy bravely goes to talk to the dragon and finds out the two of them have in common a love of reading and writing poetry. He realizes that the people of his village will not see the dragon as he does and feel he is a threat. The boy works to negotiate a way that makes everyone feel more secure and everyone lives happily ever after. Many people fear the unknown, and this is a great story to start a conversation about acceptance and tolerance toward people who are different or new to us. ( )