Independent Reading Level: Grades 1-4
Awards:Notable Children's Recordings ( )

I had mixed feelings about this book after reading it. I liked how the setting takes place in the library and teaches children to appreciate books. However, I did not like how the text incorporates some difficult language that students will not understand. In addition, the author uses characterization to help the readers get to know the protagonist Miss. Lotta Scales who is also the library dragon. During this story the author incorporates a chronological plot structure. This benefits the readers because they are able to follow along and predict what they think will happen next. Furthermore, the illustrations of the book include various bright colors to give the book a suspenseful feeling of what will happen next. While the pictures also enhance the reader’s perspective and helps them discover the multiple messages the story contains. The main message of the book is to respect the library and others. For example, at the end of the book the library dragon disappears because the children prove that they are able to respect each other and the books by not ripping or ruining the books. ( )

Miss Lotta Scales was the new librarian. She was a DRAGON! Which would have been neat, if she had actually let the children read the books in the library. She was so strict, that they were not even allowed to touch the books in the library. Miss Lotta Scales soon got lonely because none of the children liked going to the library anymore. Until one day Molly wandered into the library without thinking and read the book Snuff the Magic Dragon. This made Miss Lotta Scales turn into Miss Lotty and realize that children can take care of the library books and that children belong in the library. It is a story that teaches children about the ways to properly treat library books with a fun twist. ( )

A fun twist: a librarian learns the meaning of library story time and the magic of books from a child. The book was full of silly puns, it could easily be used to teach about word play.
Fantastic illustrations - a great all-around choice for story time for the elementary school age crowd. ( )

This book is funny, exciting, and engaging. It's a great way to get students excited about going to the library.