If you ask my kids what my favorite animal is, my youngest will answer that my favorite mythical creature is a dragon and my favorite real animal is a rabbit. I love that he makes that distinction and that he knows how much I love dragons! Because of that love, I am sharing a dragon storytime that works for preschoolers and toddlers. The two books I recommend for preschoolers are on the longish side so for the toddler storytime plan, I recommend one longish book and another book that is shorter and lends itself to the activity I suggest.
Dragon Songs and Rhymes
5 Little Dragons
Five little dragons went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother dragon said, “It’s time for your snack,”
Only four little dragons came roaring back.
Four little dragons went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother dragon said, “It’s time for your snack,”
Only three little dragons came roaring back.
Three little dragons went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother dragon said, “It’s time for your snack,”
Only two little dragons came roaring back.
Two little dragons went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother dragon said, “It’s time for your snack,”
Only one little dragon came roaring back.
One little dragon went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother dragon said, “It’s time for your snack,”
But no little dragons came roaring back.
Mother dragon said, “It’s a really good snack!”
And all five little dragons came roaring back.
Swing Your Dragon Tail
Turn around once and swing your dragon tail.
Turn around twice, flap your wings and shake your scales.
Turn around three times, stomp your feet and roar.
Jump up high then sit down on the floor.
Dragon, Dragon
Dragon, dragon, turn around
Dragon, dragon, touch the ground
Dragon, dragon, fly up high
Dragon, dragon, touch the sky
Dragon, dragon, swing your tail
Dragon, dragon, shake your scales
Dragon, dragon, give a ROAR
Dragon, dragon, sit on the floor
I’m a Little Dragon
I’m a little dragon, strong and stout.
Here is my tail and here is my snout.
If I get upset, you better watch out!
I’ll roar, and shout, and stomp about.
Dragon Storytime Books
The Forgetful Knight
by Michelle Robinson
The forgetful knight sets off with grand plans that change as the knight realizes what he’s forgotten. Cute rhyming text paired with expressive illustrations makes this a great read aloud for preschoolers and toddlers. Find The Forgetful Knight on Amazon.
Sloppy Takes the Plunge
by Sean Julian
Sloppy loves playing in the mud and hugging his fairy friend, Dewdrop. However, Dewdrop doesn’t want a muddy hug so she sets Sloppy to taking his first bath. From scared and hesitant to brave and joyful, Sloppy takes the plunge and helps Mama Duck out, too.This book pairs well with a bubble blowing or popping activity. Find Sloppy Takes the Plunge on Amazon.
The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight
by Elli Woollard
Dragon is no longer a baby and must now prove his dragonness by munching on a nibblesome knight. On his way to find one he makes friends with a young lad and that changes everything. Cute rhyming text and a fun twist make this a great read aloud for preschoolers. Find The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight on Amazon.
Dragon Storytime Activities
For Preschoolers
5 Brave Knights (Teasing Mr. Dragon) pairs well with The Forgetful Dragon and The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight. In this play on 5 Little Monkeys Teasing Mr. Alligator, 5 brave knights are snatched off the castle wall by Mr. Dragon. Both books reference dragons eating knights but have happy endings when the dragons either throw up the people they’ve eaten or stop eating knights.
For Toddlers
After reading Sloppy Takes the Plunge, turn on the bubble machine or blow bubbles and let the little ones play.
Literacy Tip
Little ones learn best when they are interested in what they are doing. Help little ones discover their interests, then find books and activities that build on those interests.
