Dim's Write Stuff

Few of us are strangers to the quirky works of author illustrator, Nick Bland (think The Very Cranky Bear series ) which is why it’s always a delight feasting upon his latest creations. Bunny and Bird are best mates and as incongruous as that pairing may sound are the stars of Bland’s new picture book series. How To Catch A Dragon introduces us to the cute couple as they meet in park dressed in warm autumnal colours. Bunny has something special for Bird, a present. His gift-giving motivation is simply because of his regard for Bird as his best friend . Ahhh. Ten points straight up for such beautiful sentiment. Bird is curious and Bunny can’t help himself; he unwraps his present and reveals it’s a dragon egg. If you’re curiosity wasn’t already tickled, it surely is by now. Bird is briefly sceptical but Bunny assures him it’s a bona fide dragon egg because it comes from the dragon-egg shop. No faulting logic there. It also comes with an instruction booklet which describes the kism...