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ir_sharp2's review against another edition
3.0
This one has amazingly hilarious pictures, but the writing and storyline are just...eh. It had so VERY much potential, though! The art concept was amazing!
christiana's review against another edition
3.0
This book is kind of weird. But some boy who likes weird humor and drool is going to ask me for something and I am going to give this to him!
barbarianlibarian's review against another edition
2.0
wanted to love it, but it felt more like an inside joke than something truly funny
saidtheraina's review against another edition
2.0
The main thing worth noting about this book is the unique illustration style. Kochalka uses photographs as his backgrounds - various photos of a field with woods in the distance, in this case - as well as as the facial details of his characters. The only drawn parts are the bodies (including the heads) of his characters, and any props and elements relevant to the battles being fought.
Because, of course, this is a book about punching dragons.
Which is interesting, actually, because dragons are currently pretty cool. Obviously there are exceptions, but there are many stories out right now about nice dragons, or secretly good dragons, or cute dragons. And this dragon is the ENEMY.
Personally I felt little to no connection to the story and the humor isn't my style, but I believe the reviewers who say their kids like them (though I've never had a kid ask for these at my library). And they sure are full color and full of action. :)
Because, of course, this is a book about punching dragons.
Which is interesting, actually, because dragons are currently pretty cool. Obviously there are exceptions, but there are many stories out right now about nice dragons, or secretly good dragons, or cute dragons. And this dragon is the ENEMY.
Personally I felt little to no connection to the story and the humor isn't my style, but I believe the reviewers who say their kids like them (though I've never had a kid ask for these at my library). And they sure are full color and full of action. :)
helpfulsnowman's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not going to give a JK book featuring his son and cat anything less than 5 stars, so cram it with walnuts, ugly.
tinothy's review
3.0
Funny action book for younger reluctant readers.
Fighting, Dragon, Silly, Humor
2nd-3rd grade
Fighting, Dragon, Silly, Humor
2nd-3rd grade
otterno11's review
4.0
I’ve been a James Kochalka fan for awhile, ever since coming across that old pre-YouTube viral video “Monkey vs. Robot” and then discovering his journal comics online and his energetic musical oeuvre in his band "James Kochalka Superstar." A multi-talented person, cult musician and cartoonist laureate of Vermont, this little picture book is a great intro to Kochalka’s childlike brand of comics, with its mix of simple drawings, vibrant colors, and action. Frolicking on the green grass under a blue sky, you can really see a summer afternoon of children's make believe play in the simple plot and dialogue of the Dragon Puncher, an overconfident, loner cat, the affectionate, fierce little furry thing who befriends him and the blarghy dragon. The combining photographs of the verdant Vermont fields and Kochalka and his family with his dynamic, fun drawings makes for a very cute read.
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