How to Ride a Dragonfly

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

Like a laugh-out-loud spin on Thumbelina, this whimsical, beautifully illustrated picture book stars an adventurous little girl who shrinks down to the size of a bug and takes a tour of the swamp on a dragonfly's back.

Have you ever wanted to ride a dragonfly? Well, there’s one problem… You’re too big! But if you follow these simple steps, you'll be sure to have a fantastic journey:

Step 1: Put a rose petal in your pocket at sunrise, which will make you shrink. But don't forget: you must return by sunset-- or else you’ll stay shrunk!Step 2: Pick a blade of grass and lasso the first dragonfly that buzzes by--we'll call her Priscilla. Climb aboard!Step 3: Joust a bumblebee, groove to the Beetle Band, dine with fairies, and have an adventure. Watch out for the frogs! They love to eat dragonflies, and Priscilla looks quite tasty...Oh, dear! The sun is almost touching the mountains. Can you and Priscilla zip back in time before sunset? 

With a delightfully funny text by an elementary school teacher and deliciously playful artwork by a beloved illustrator, here is the perfect picture book for any child in search of adventure!

About the Author

Kitty Donohoe has enjoyed teaching students in Santa Monica for many years. She received her BA as well as a Master's in Education from UCLA. Every summer, she attends institutes at Columbia University's TCRWP on teaching reading and writing to young people. Originally from the Great Central Valley of California, Kitty now lives with her husband outside of Los Angeles. HOW TO RIDE A DRAGONFLY is her debut book. 

Author Residence: Los Angeles, California

Author Hometown: Great Central Valley, California

Anne Wilsdorf has illustrated over twenty books for children, including Pat Zietlow Miller's beloved Sophie's Squash which received four starred reviews, in addition to an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor and a Charlotte Zotolow Honor. Anne also illustrated its sequel Sophie's Squash Go to School, as well as Peggy Archer's A Hippy-Hoppy Toad, Susan McElroy Montanari's My Dog's a Chicken, Elizabeth Bluemle's Dogs on the Bed, and Eileen Spinelli's The Best Story. She lives in Switzerland.

Illustrator Residence:Lausanne, Switzerland