SLOTH THE LAZY DRAGON is moving to a new publisher (Mirror World Publishing)!
You'll only be able to buy copies through me via events or this website from now until the end of 2021...
ON SALE FOR $10, shipping and handling included! Regularly $18!
DOWNLOAD ACTIVITIES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE!
US and Canadian sales only - those outside of the US and Canada, contact me for prices.
- A picture storybook by Regan W. H. Macaulay. Illustrated by Alex Zgud.
- Published May 14th, 2016 by Guardian Angel Publishing.
- Launch date: A Sunday in early October 2016 at 2pm. Launch location: Ella Minnow Children's Bookstore.
- To be re-released near the end of 2021 by Mirror World Publishing.
- Received Literary Classics' Seal of Approval and a Review on January 3rd, 2017.
- Received 2nd Place in the 2017 Purple Dragonfly Awards.
Also 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)
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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
***
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
***
In SLOTH THE LAZY DRAGON, Regan W. H. Macaulay addresses the importance of diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle in a very clever way. Children will gain a wonderful example of the universal importance of kindness and helping others as well as dedication as Sloth’s transformation takes three years of hard teamwork.
This story shows the evolution of Sloth, an apt name for a fat and weak dragon living in the bowels of a mountain on a mound of gold and jewels, as he transforms into a fit and strong dragon able to have the energy needed to live an active and healthy lifestyle, compliments of the help of a brave dwarf named Radish, also a clever name for one offering lifestyle advice.
Radish offers to help Sloth and does so by presenting him with many new food and exercise options in his quest to aid the dragon in lightening his “girth” in order to fly and live a healthy lifestyle. Children will enjoy developing an awareness of new healthy food choices as Radish brings Sloth items like nuts, fruits, vegetables, pumpkin, legumes, fish and lean meat.
Ms. Zgud’s beautiful illustrations have a whimsical feel that children will love and really bring to life Sloth’s transformation from a fat and weak (Sloth) dragon into a fit and strong dragon ready to fly and see the world beyond the confines of the mountain.
SLOTH THE LAZY DRAGON is highly recommended for children ages 4-7 and offers a clever way for parents to address the importance of diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle and will foster excitement in children to try new and different food items as Sloth did.
** Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review consists of my truthful opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher. -- Karin Larson, Children's Book Author
***
Sloth the Lazy Dragon has a wonderful theme: a dwarf puts aside his fears to help a bully (an overweight dragon) to regain his ability to move and fly, so that the dragon can reclaim his life and see the world. In the end, the dwarf also receives a reward for his kind efforts. The author teaches the need for healthy eating and exercise in a kind and gentle way. My five-year-old grandson loved the book and the wonderful illustrations. He didn't move while I read it to him--instead, he stared at the pictures. After reading it, he asked for a snack. I asked if he would like a cookie, and he said, “No thank you, I think I’ll stick with fruit.” Book mission accomplished! And I love the name of the dwarf. We talked about the dwarf's name and size, and the size of the vegetable from which he got his name. I highly recommend this book. I received a preview copy for an honest review. -- Debra Allard, Children's Book Author
***
What a wonderful vehicle to introduce good eating and exercise habits for children! In Sloth the Lazy Dragon, author Regan W. H. Macaulay, gives the reader a delicious sense of balance in understanding the importance of taking care of oneself with proper diet and exercise! A delightful story that also offers a plus opportunity to discuss new words to little ones. With an entertaining storyline and beautifully illustrated characters by the artistic talents of Alex Zgud, one needs very little imagination to picture the dilemma of overweight “Sloth the Dragon” and his energized training coach “Radish!” Together they make a great team with memorable words and colorful pages that will keep the interest of its audience. The biggest gain with this darling book is its positive message encouraging readers of the importance in taking care of their health and wellness. -- Lainie Belcastro, Writer, Storyteller & Speaker
***
Sloth the Lazy Dragon by Regan W.H. Macaulay is quite the unexpected story of a dragon that does not understand he has a problem: overweight! The story sheds light on how no one is too small to help anyone – even if it’s an extra-large dragon that needs assistance. As the story unfolds, the reader is reminded via beautiful illustrations by Alex Zgug, how important it is to eat a well-balanced healthy diet – like I said, not something you would expect from a dragon story. What a delight to read! I’m sure this will have little ones asking their mommies and daddies to replace their McDonald’s Happy Meal for fruits, veggies, and legumes. A winner with parents for sure! Buy the book. -- Nidhi Kamra, Author
***
When kids read this story or hear it read to them they'll be motivated to eat a healthy diet and become happier as a result. And they'll have fun reading it and seeing the cute illustrations. -- Janet Ann Collins, Teacher and Children's Book Author
***
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
***
"A fun read!! Sloth the Lazy Dragon has a timely topic about health and wellness. This book is filled with so much descriptive language and interesting vocabulary. The illustrations are so well done. As a teacher I can use this book to teach across the curriculum with science, health, and language arts. Sloth the Lazy Dragon will interest children in healthy eating habits and exercise in a fun and enjoyable way." — Sue Bangert-Wood
— 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
***
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
***
In SLOTH THE LAZY DRAGON, Regan W. H. Macaulay addresses the importance of diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle in a very clever way. Children will gain a wonderful example of the universal importance of kindness and helping others as well as dedication as Sloth’s transformation takes three years of hard teamwork.
This story shows the evolution of Sloth, an apt name for a fat and weak dragon living in the bowels of a mountain on a mound of gold and jewels, as he transforms into a fit and strong dragon able to have the energy needed to live an active and healthy lifestyle, compliments of the help of a brave dwarf named Radish, also a clever name for one offering lifestyle advice.
Radish offers to help Sloth and does so by presenting him with many new food and exercise options in his quest to aid the dragon in lightening his “girth” in order to fly and live a healthy lifestyle. Children will enjoy developing an awareness of new healthy food choices as Radish brings Sloth items like nuts, fruits, vegetables, pumpkin, legumes, fish and lean meat.
Ms. Zgud’s beautiful illustrations have a whimsical feel that children will love and really bring to life Sloth’s transformation from a fat and weak (Sloth) dragon into a fit and strong dragon ready to fly and see the world beyond the confines of the mountain.
SLOTH THE LAZY DRAGON is highly recommended for children ages 4-7 and offers a clever way for parents to address the importance of diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle and will foster excitement in children to try new and different food items as Sloth did.
** Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review consists of my truthful opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher. -- Karin Larson, Children's Book Author
***
Sloth the Lazy Dragon has a wonderful theme: a dwarf puts aside his fears to help a bully (an overweight dragon) to regain his ability to move and fly, so that the dragon can reclaim his life and see the world. In the end, the dwarf also receives a reward for his kind efforts. The author teaches the need for healthy eating and exercise in a kind and gentle way. My five-year-old grandson loved the book and the wonderful illustrations. He didn't move while I read it to him--instead, he stared at the pictures. After reading it, he asked for a snack. I asked if he would like a cookie, and he said, “No thank you, I think I’ll stick with fruit.” Book mission accomplished! And I love the name of the dwarf. We talked about the dwarf's name and size, and the size of the vegetable from which he got his name. I highly recommend this book. I received a preview copy for an honest review. -- Debra Allard, Children's Book Author
***
What a wonderful vehicle to introduce good eating and exercise habits for children! In Sloth the Lazy Dragon, author Regan W. H. Macaulay, gives the reader a delicious sense of balance in understanding the importance of taking care of oneself with proper diet and exercise! A delightful story that also offers a plus opportunity to discuss new words to little ones. With an entertaining storyline and beautifully illustrated characters by the artistic talents of Alex Zgud, one needs very little imagination to picture the dilemma of overweight “Sloth the Dragon” and his energized training coach “Radish!” Together they make a great team with memorable words and colorful pages that will keep the interest of its audience. The biggest gain with this darling book is its positive message encouraging readers of the importance in taking care of their health and wellness. -- Lainie Belcastro, Writer, Storyteller & Speaker
***
Sloth the Lazy Dragon by Regan W.H. Macaulay is quite the unexpected story of a dragon that does not understand he has a problem: overweight! The story sheds light on how no one is too small to help anyone – even if it’s an extra-large dragon that needs assistance. As the story unfolds, the reader is reminded via beautiful illustrations by Alex Zgug, how important it is to eat a well-balanced healthy diet – like I said, not something you would expect from a dragon story. What a delight to read! I’m sure this will have little ones asking their mommies and daddies to replace their McDonald’s Happy Meal for fruits, veggies, and legumes. A winner with parents for sure! Buy the book. -- Nidhi Kamra, Author
***
When kids read this story or hear it read to them they'll be motivated to eat a healthy diet and become happier as a result. And they'll have fun reading it and seeing the cute illustrations. -- Janet Ann Collins, Teacher and Children's Book Author
***
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
***
"A fun read!! Sloth the Lazy Dragon has a timely topic about health and wellness. This book is filled with so much descriptive language and interesting vocabulary. The illustrations are so well done. As a teacher I can use this book to teach across the curriculum with science, health, and language arts. Sloth the Lazy Dragon will interest children in healthy eating habits and exercise in a fun and enjoyable way." — Sue Bangert-Wood