Dragon Dave The Not So Brave

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave (Scholastic) Alex Latimer & Phillip Cullen PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9781761721052

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Alex Latimer is a South African author and illustrator renowned for his engaging and humorous picture books for children. His works have been translated into numerous languages and published globally

Phillip Cullen is an Irish illustrator known for his vibrant and expressive illustrations in children's books. He enjoys drawing expressive characters and anything fun, cute, or weird. While he works mostly digitally, his process starts traditionally on the page, often using a pen, pencil, or crayon.

Dragon Dave is stuck in a storybook with an ending he doesn’t like. He wants out—until Prince George shows him that story words can be rewritten. Now Dave has a new superpower… but is he brave enough to use it?

Alex Latimer’s Dragon Dave The Not So Brave delivers an empowering message: we can all rewrite our own stories. With humour that resonates with young readers, Latimer creates lovable characters—Dragon Dave and Prince George—who model teamwork and show that it’s okay to ask for help. Set in a familiar fairytale world, the story begins with an enticing line: “For as long as Dave could remember, he had been trapped in the book…” The text invites young readers to explore how words shape identity and how changing them can change everything. The moment Prince George climbs a tree and pulls down the word “mean” is both clever and symbolic. Kids instantly understand its emotional weight, and the act of replacing it reinforces self-empowerment. Questions like “Are you allowed to do that?” spark curiosity and encourage readers to challenge the status quo.

Latimer subtly teaches story structure while inviting readers to reimagine characters and expectations. Funny touches—like a bath full of bubbles and rubber duckies—lighten the tone and bring a child’s world to the text. The ending, featuring a cheeky frog, wraps up the message with charm and wit.

Phillip Cullen’s bold use of colour instantly captures the eye and embraces the fairytale theme. The striking red cover, with a green dragon and a curious squirrel peeking from a torn corner, sets a playful tone. Forest green endpapers and a bright yellow title page add to the visual appeal. Cullen’s characterisation is joyful and expressive—each figure is warm, distinctive, and full of personality. Varying sizes, facial expressions, and movements highlight their individuality, while hidden characters in the illustrations invite close exploration. His creative use of angles and visual storytelling enhances the narrative, with clever character interactions that enrich the text. Even the back cover dares to be different, echoing the book’s empowering message for young readers.

Dragon Dave The Not So Brave is a positive picture book about daring to be different. I can see this book appealing to kids, parents, teachers and librarians. This book focuses on helping children, but it is wrapped in fun and has great story appeal. This book is suitable for children in both preschool and primary school.