Genre
Picture books for children
Storyline
Action-packed
Illustration
Cartoony
Theme
Fighting and forgiving
Subject
Dragons
Prejudice
Reconciliation
Rescues
War

The East dragon and the west dragon have never crossed the sea to meet each other, afraid that one will be better than the others. But the king and his silly knight went questing and ended up in an East dungeon. The East dragon goes to help and both dragons learn that they each have their difference that make each unique and perfect. Overall this book was enjoyable and the illustrations are lively and unique. However, the story was a bit long for story time, but probably just right for bedtime. ( )

It's clever and has fun illustrations. My son, age 6, loves it. ( )

East Dragon and West Dragon lived on opposite sides of the world, had very different customs, and interacted with their local human societies in quite different ways. Each thought the other must be quite fierce, and were content never to meet. But when West Dragon, tired of being bothered by knights intent on battling him, sent his king, together with all of his courtiers, on a wild quest that led to the eastern emperor's court, and then to imprisonment when the king's knights mistakenly attacked East Dragon and his siblings, he found himself flying to rescue. When said rescue went a little awry, and East Dragon stepped in to help, the two draconite heroes discovered that their counterpart wasn't so terrible after all...

As a confirmed dragon-lover, one who has read countless dragon stories, whether original or taken from diverse folk traditions both east and west, I was absolutely charmed by East Dragon, West Dragon. The idea of contrasting the Asian and European notions of the dragon, and using those differences to tell a story of cross-cultural encounter and friendship, is really quite inspired. East Dragon and West Dragon initially fear one another, but as Robyn Eversole's story demonstrates, that fear is based in ignorance, and a mistaken belief that the other is somehow essentially different from them, rather than essentially similar. The lesson for cross-cultural human relations is clear, but it doesn't overwhelm the story, which has plenty of appeal as an entertaining and magical dragon tale. The watercolor artwork by Scott Campbell adds to the fun, with quirky draconite characters and medieval-esque backgrounds. Recommended to young dragon fans, and to anyone looking for children's stories featuring cross-cultural understanding and friendship. ( )

East Dragon and West Dragon are afraid of each other. They are very different and the cultures they live in also treat dragons very differently. When the dragons meet though they see that they have more in common then they thought. The pictures with many knights should be scrutinized for cuteness. ( )