Through his series of Bear Books in the 80s, writer and illustrator Frank Asch masterfully took common childhood scenarios and made them easier for children to understand. In this book, the little bear learns to confront his fears via the metaphor of eating milk and cookies with a friendly-looking dragon.

Best-known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Carle used his trademark colorful animation style to bring mythical creatures to life. Less of a narrative and more of a child’s encyclopedia, you’ll love his imaginative eye.

Even though all her peers discourage her, Esmerelda Dragon still follows her dream of trying out for the city ballet. Through it she and her friends learn about loving yourself. Your little ballet dancer will LOVE this whimsical exploration of creative expression and body image.

Clumsy, earnest dragon Zog wants one thing: to earn a gold star in school for being the “keenest dragon in school.” Follow Zog as he learns how to grow up in this great book for kids learning to navigate school.

For lively, exuberant kids, take storytime up a notch! Through stomping, flapping, roaring and more, kids can participate in this fun book (and the whole series) and learn to enjoy immersing themselves in stories.

For older kids learning about the joys of snail mail, introduce them to this sweet dragon picture book! By learning about his dragon pen pal, human George learns all about true friendship and not judging a book by its cover. Since it’s told in rhyme, you can ask kids to guess the rhyming word!

Known for one of the greatest work of children’s fiction (The Wind in the Willows), Grahame also wrote this little gem of a dragon book. Written in 1898, it’s the oldest book on the list, but its nonviolent message is still beloved by families today. The illustrator is also a British icon, as the illustrator of the Winnie-the-Pooh books.

With lush, intricate illustrations from famed illustrator Trina Schart Hyman, it’s easy to see why this book won a Caldecott Medal! Based on the classic British fairy tale, you’ll be swept away by this epic tale of courage.

The cozy fantasy trend of magical bakeries has arrived for kids! Ember the dragon is smaller, quieter, and gentler than the other dragons he knows. Unsure of his purpose, Ember stumbles into a bakery and discovers the best thing ever: making and eating carbs.

Not to be confused with the author of The Teller of Small Fortunes, Leung is a children’s and middle-grade author known for her rich worlds. Stunningly illustrated, this book explores eastern and western dragon stories in a way that helps kids understand mixed identities.

For adults looking for a gentle introduction to The Lord of the Rings for their kids, look no further! This illustrated, kid-friendly biography of JRR Tolkein is a beautiful portrait of a sensitive, imaginative child. Plus, the illustrations are out-of-this-world gorgeous.

The acclaimed author of Strega Nona‘s illustrations exude warmth in this silly tale. A knight who doesn’t know how to fight dragons meets up with a dragon who can’t fight knights, to ridiculous (and heartwarming) ends.

Elementary school teachers all over the US recommend this jubilant romp through the culinary school of tacos. Warning: this book about the dangers of salsa may incite hours of helpless giggles.

For a dragon book more suitable for bedtime, try this one. Starting exuberant and boisterous, the story gradually descends into a gentle lullaby, encouraging your little one to quiet down themselves.

Featuring probably my favorite illustration of any book, don’t skip this children’s classic. The length of the story, about a little boy who sets off to rescue a baby dragon, is more suitable for slightly older children, but the story is timeless. Side quests include lions, lollipops, and pirate ships.

A fun, clever rhyming book perfect for teaching kids about Chinese New Year, it follows kids as they chase a dragon through New Year celebrations. Good news: if your kids can’t get enough of this book, there are plenty more books in the series!

The gentle, whimsical illustrations in this book encourage kids to use their imaginations. Full of magical creatures, this book shows kids how they can find adventure in the everyday, simply by imagining.

Part of the irresistibly charming Amy Wu series, this story shows kids the fun to be found in their own self-expression! When tasked with crafting a dragon for school, Amy Wu goes on a journey to make one that looks exactly how she imagines.