Mateo and the Sleepy Dragon

Ages 3–5

When a grumpy dragon's roars shake the mountain village, Mateo climbs up not with a sword but with a pillow and warm milk, and discovers the fiercest roar just means the dragon needs a friend.

Children see that kindness and gentle care can soothe even the biggest anger, better than fighting ever could.

Every night the mountain shook with a roar so loud, teacups rattled and shutters banged. "That grumpy dragon again," sighed the village. Mateo tilted his head. "Maybe," he said, "a roar is just a very tired sound."

"I shall bring my sword and shield!" he told Sir Wobble the pony. Then he paused, chewing his lip. "No... I think that dragon needs something softer." He tucked a fluffy striped pillow under his arm instead.

Warm milk steamed in a little tin mug, carried oh-so-carefully. "Careful, careful," he whispered to himself, "not one drop spilled!" Sir Wobble trotted close, ears twitching at every distant rumble.

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