THE NEW EDITION OF "SLOTH THE LAZY DRAGON" IS PUBLISHED BY
Mirror World Publishing!
ORIGINAL EDITION IS NOW OUT OF PRINT
Illustrated by Alex Zgud.
Originally published May 14th, 2016 by Guardian Angel Publishing.
Original launch date: A Sunday in early October 2016 at 2pm.
Launch location: Ella Minnow Children's Bookstore.
Received Literary Classics' Seal of Approval and a Review on January 3rd, 2017.
Received 2nd Place in the Health Category of the 2017 Purple Dragonfly Awards.
Sloth is a lazy and overweight dragon taking up space atop of a hoard of gold and jewels within a mountain inhabited by dwarves. One dwarf helps Sloth lose weight through diet and exercise. The grateful dragon, now able to fly, leaves the dwarf and his people a special gift.
Original editions are available in brick & mortar shops:
Owl's Hollow (Prince Edward Island)
Bakka Phoenix Books (Toronto, Ontario)
You can also find Sloth at the Lambton County Library (Sarnia, ON)
Fun Sloth the Lazy Dragon activities:
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Check out these REVIEWS of "Sloth the Lazy Dragon"!
"Sloth the Lazy Dragon" is a delightful health fable that teaches children the value of eating a balanced, healthy diet and regular exercise. It also teaches something about the value of trust, giving without expecting compensation, and respecting differences. Sloth was a lazy dragon who had stopped leaving his cave of treasures because it was too much trouble. He survived on eating stray goats who wandered into his cave. He became heavy and weak, unable to fly like a proper dragon. Sloth's secret was guessed by an unlikely ally, Radish the dwarf. Despite Sloth's fearful appearance, Radish confronted him with his poor health despite Sloth's ineffective threats. Sloth mistrusted Radish, whose brothers and sisters in the mountain feared Sloth. But Radish convinced him to allow him to help by bringing him healthy fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and lean fish to eat. Radish also taught the dragon simple strengthening exercises, gradually increasing their intensity. Finally one fine day the dragon was ready to fly again. Radish told Sloth: "You must continue with your diet and keep up your exercise, but you are a proper dragon again!" "I am forever grateful," Sloth replied with a bow.' In the end, Sloth decided to leave his gold and hoard of treasures to Radish and the other dwarves, from whom he had originally stolen them. "Sloth the Lazy Dragon" is enhanced by joyous, pastel, comic images of the dragon and his struggle to return to good dragon health. Children will adore the extreme indulgence of Sloth and the spunkiness of Radish. "Sloth the Lazy Dragon" is excellent health motivational reading for children ages 4-7.
— Diane Donovan, Editor, Midwest Book Review, Children’s Bookwatch: August 2016
All the dwarfs in Radish's village are afraid of the dragon which dwells in a cave nearby. One day Radish enters the dragon's lair in hopes of persuading him to leave. But, as it turns out, the dragon is actually unable to leave his cave because he has become too fat. Sloth, the lazy dragon, can't even get out of the cave, let alone fly. Radish offers to help Sloth regain his health, and the dragon humbly accepts his offer. For several years Radish brings the dragon loads of healthy foods and helps him to exercise.
Regan W.H. Macaulay's Sloth the Lazy Dragon is a wonderfully imaginative book which teaches young readers about conquering fear, setting goals, and above all, making healthy choices. Expressive illustrations by Alex Zgud are an excellent addition to this book which is recommended for home and school libraries.
-- LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org
Radish the dwarf bravely and cautiously enters the cave where Sloth the fire-breathing dragon resides, surrounded by mounds of gold and precious gems. Radish is hopeful that Sloth won’t eat him and offers to help the portly dragon lose weight. Sloth is skeptical at first, wondering why the little fellow, so small he’s “hardly a mouthful”, would want to help him. But he’s keen to get in shape, so he accepts Radish’s offer. After three years of exercising and eating healthy, Sloth is ready to fly again.
Being a dragon fan, I was immediately drawn to this book. When I was much younger, I collected dragon figurines, along with other mythical creatures, such as winged horses and unicorns. Lore that features these fantastical beings continues to fascinate me.
What I like most about Sloth the Lazy Dragon is that it’s not your typical “knight defeats evil dragon and rescues the princess and all the townsfolk” kind of story. Instead, we meet a chunky, overweight, can-barely-move dragon and a little dwarf who is willing to put his fear aside and help him. There’s no damsel in distress, but rather, a suffering dragon. There’s no weapon-wielding, white-horse-riding hero, but rather, a tiny man with a beard and a pointy cap…and oh yah, some free weights.
Through a clever story told with a captivating voice and filled with interesting words, like diminutive, atrophied, and dirigible, as well as enchanting and fun illustrations, this book, oh so subtly, relays the message that being active and eating nutritious foods is important for your health. Kids will eat this story up, no pun intended, because it will capture their imaginations.
Favorite lines:
“Why do you not fly outside the mountain?” the dwarf asked anxiously.
“Use your eyes, little man,” the dragon snorted. “Can you not see my girth?”
— Lauri Fortino, Frog-on-a-Blog, author of The Peddler’s Bed
Macaulay has crafted a story that encourages healthy habits without preaching. Young readers will enjoy reading how Radish helps Sloth work hard, eat right, and set goals for himself. As progress is slowly made, Sloth feels better and is so overjoyed with what he can do he rewards Radish in a special way.
Accompanying the story is artwork from talented Canadian artist Alex Zgud. This versatile artist has brought Sloth, Radish, and their world to life with stunning details that fit perfectly into the story.
Sloth the Lazy Dragon might just make it easier for you and your children to have the discussion of creating healthy habits. Kids who enjoy fables and fairy tales or stories of mythical creatures will get a kick out of this one.
-- Cheryl C. Malandrinos, Children's Book Author
This book is about a fat and lazy dragon—a perfect example of sloth. The dragon makes life difficult for the dwarves that live in the mountain where Sloth is stuck by his excessive weight and weak muscles. One brave dwarf, Radish, faces the dragon and suggests some lifestyle changes. Readers will enjoy the results and reward for Radish’s efforts on behalf of Sloth. The food that Radish brings to Sloth is a wide variety of healthy eats. Radish gradually introduces exercises at a rate that Sloth can handle to build up his strength and support his new healthy lifestyle.
"Sloth the Lazy Dragon" is perfectly illustrated by Alex Zgud, who shows us the dragon's transformation from a fat, weak blob, to a lean flying machine--frame by delicious frame. Parents, teachers, doctors, dieticians, and students will enjoy the yummy variety of food that is paraded by for our entertainment. I applaud this book as a good way to sneak in advice on eating and living more healthily—kind of like your mom sneaking veggies into your smoothies. Ms. Macaulay’s picture book, “Sloth the Lazy Dragon,” is a great addition to schools’ health and nutrition curriculum, classroom libraries, as well as to doctors and dieticians’ offices. This book is highly recommended for students ages 5 to 8.
-- Penelope Anne Cole, Children's Book Author
