A nostalgic look at Jack Kent’s classic picture book, blending humour, charm, and quiet wisdom.
There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon has always been one of our family favourites. All of my children loved it, and over the years we’ve bought and given away so many copies that I’ve lost count. Originally published in 1975, Jack Kent’s picture book has been reprinted several times and still feels fresh and relevant – the sign of a story that has truly stood the test of time.
The charm begins with the illustrations. Kent captures expression and humour so deftly – the smallest upraised eyebrow or sideways glance conveys exactly what a child (or parent!) is feeling. The story opens with young Billy Bixbee discovering a tiny dragon on his bed one morning – “about the size of a kitten.”
At first, Billy greets the surprise visitor with delight. But when his mother insists, “There’s no such thing as a dragon,” Billy dutifully pretends not to see it either. The dragon, understandably, takes this badly – and grows.
By the time the dragon fills the house, even Billy’s father can’t ignore it. Finally, when Billy acknowledges the truth – “There is a dragon!” – the creature immediately shrinks back to its harmless kitten size.
It’s a simple, delightful story with a moral subtext that never feels heavy-handed. For parents and children alike, it’s a gentle reminder that problems can quietly grow if ignored – and that sometimes it’s far better to look them squarely in the face. When we do, they often shrink to a much more manageable size – or, as Kent puts it, “kitten-size again.”
This book has stayed on our shelves for decades because it speaks with both humour and heart. It’s one of those rare stories that grows with you – as comforting to revisit in adulthood as it was enchanting to hear at bedtime.
Book details
There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent
Originally published 1975, reprinted by Dragonfly Books
Images © Jack Kent / Dragonfly Books. Used under fair dealing for the purposes of criticism and review.
‘Kate Coldrick’s Book Corner’ is a blog by Kate Coldrick, a literacy tutor and educational writer based in Woodbury, Devon. Each post revisits a much-loved children’s picture book – exploring its illustrations, themes, and the memories it still holds. Find out more about the project on the About Book Corner page.
Kate Coldrick's Book Corner 