The reader is left to decide if the dragon is real or only a product of a boy’s vivid imagination. The large red dragon, portrayed vividly by Howard McWilliam’s illustrations, is both mischievous and lovable. Overall thoughts: Jodi Moore’s debut book is a whimsical look at family life and a little boy’s need for attention. No one believes him and he must take the blame for the dragon’s pranks. Things start to go wrong when the boy tries to convince his family that there is a dragon. The dragon toasts marshmallows, flies a kite and scares away bullies. Synopsis: A little boy and his family spend a relaxing day at the beach until a dragon moves into the boy’s sandcastle. Some arts and crafts could definitely be incorporated to ‘set the scene’. The book uses a lot of speech, which could be incorporated into a drama lesson and making use of the role play corner. For example, a letter from the dragon to say sorry about causing mischief, or a ‘wanted’ style poster. The book could also be used as a tool for children to write in different styles. This could then be used alongside a piece of descriptive writing. Although, I would defiantly start with an activity like getting the children to draw their own creature they might find in their own sandcastle. The book could be used in a variety of ways to get children engaged and excited about writing. This book is full of lovely illustrations and perfect for getting children to use their imaginations. Well until tomorrow, who knows what might be in the castle next! The young boy decides to send his dragon away and knock down his home. Suddenly, the dragon starts behaving in a mischievous way and medals with the family, but they still don’t believe there is a dragon. Unfortunately, his family doesn’t believe him when he tries to tell them all about this new marvellous creature. The boy and dragon begin their own adventure by having lots of fun on the beach. Of course, this brilliant sandcastle is the right home for a fire breathing dragon, so he moves in straight away.

On a bright sunny day at the beach, a young boy decides to build the perfect sandcastle and is taken away by his imagination.

When a dragon moves in book