Endorsements

Children:

“I love the book soooooo much! I’ve only read it 7 times! Write more books! You have the qualities of the greatest writer in the world, if you want my opinion. Do a sequel!”
–Katyrose J., age 9 Langley WA

“I really enjoyed Dragon Fire, Ocean Mist. I liked the dragon families. My favorite is Shyla. The story makes me wish that I could be on the beach playing with all of the dragons. I also like the part about the Northern Lights. I think all kids should read this book.”
–Caitlyn A., age 5 Langley, WA

“I liked how you made the characters come alive. It makes me want to go to Shi Shi beach. Here is a picture of Zorg stealing fish.”
–Christopher A., age 11 Langley, WA

“I like your book Dragon Fire, Ocean Mist. I like the way that you describe the dragons and the beach. It made it all come real in my mind. Your book also makes me want to learn how to draw dragons.”
–Erik A., age 8 Langley, WA

“Your book, Dragon Fire, Ocean Mist is awesome. I especially like the way dragon time is different than campsite time, and that Jaxon and Allie’s parents couldn’t see the dragons, or even the sandcastle. Also your sumi-e paintings are so cool. And I love the way Zorg changes at the end. PS – Niji is so cute!”
–Emily A., age 13 Langley, WA

“Grandma, can I come over to your house after school so we can read some more of that dragon book?” –Taylor M., age 8 Langley, WA

“I started the book in the morning and I read it in one day! I loved the dragons!”
–Rohini M., age 11
Langley, WA

“Your book is really good!”
–Mia T., age 10
Maple Grove, MN

“This book is perfect for anyone looking for a good adventure, and that’s what i liked about it. The descriptions were so realistic i could almost see them. If there were more books in this series i would happily buy them and read them whenever I could. To spread the genius of this story I decided to read this to my brother who thought it was equally as great. If you, or anyone you know is looking for a good book to read, I suggest DragonFire, Ocean Mist, one of the best stories I’ve ever read.”
–Rielley F., age 13
Bellingham, WA

“I really enjoyed your book and your paintings gave me inspiration for other paintings for me to draw. I liked the part where the jasper heart crystals changed Zorg. I would like to meet Jaxon and Allie.”
–Jeremias A., age 9
Oakland, CA

Adults:

Adults:

“I loved the fact that it’s a Northwest book - that it’s tied to a local area that kids can relate to. It moves easily between fantasy and reality. I can go into the fantasy and come back to a real place with real people. The story is easy to follow; it captivates the reader. I could just fall into the story, as it just flows along. I love that you drew upon real things — the beach, the camp, the tidepools — to place the fantasy in a Northwest setting. Lighthearted and fun. Well done!”
–Gary Bowman, 4th Grade Teacher
Fernbrook Elementary School
Maple Grove, MN

“I loved Dragon Fire, Ocean Mist and its delightful, vivid imagery. I couldn’t put it down! The gentle, yet powerful sumi-e illustrations had me reliving my summers in the San Juan Islands. I’m grateful to Yvonne Palka for creating this lovely book. Its message — about deep care for our environment and about standing up to, and making peace with even our most difficult dragons — is tremendously important.”
–Eva Sher, Poet, Sumi-e Artist, Author and Illustrator of The Scintillating Little
Dragon
Medina, WA

“Dragon Fire offers a delightful intertwining of imagination and love of our natural world as well as a charmed view of one of Washington state’s wildest and most serene places. Great for encouraging creative voyages with the young readers in your life, and for fostering young environmentalists as well.”
–Gretchen Russell, Teacher and Librarian
Gig Harbor, WA

“The design of the book is exceptional. I love the paintings, especially the dragon faces, and how the art and the text flow around each other. And I’m really impressed with the telling of the story; the dialogue feels completely natural to me.”
–Elizabeth Kincaid, Award-winning Watercolor Artist and Author of Paint Watercolors That Dance with Light
Kirkland, WA

“Dragon Fire, Ocean Mist is a fun, beautiful, and compelling story for young readers, set in the wild Northwest corner of the United States. In a Narnia-like world, two children cross over to a magical place where moral and ethical choices are made and lessons learned. With the dragons and their young friends, we come to understand the reasons behind bad behavior without condoning or excusing it.

The back of the book contains an appendix giving more information about the seashore, about dragons, and about the art of sumi-e painting.

As a school manager and librarian, I would recommend this book to boys and girls looking for a good adventure story. It would appeal to those who like magic, art, nature, and even sports, as dragon soccer is a featured game.”
--Valerie Sensabaugh, MA Ed., K-12 Teacher, Homeschool Partnership Manager and School Librarian
Seattle, WA

“Children love dragons and this engaging dragon tale will make them love them even more! Young readers will learn a lot about the Pacific Northwest coast without even realizing it, as the natural details of the region are beautifully interwoven with the story. Teachers will love using these dragon adventures to spark their student’s imagination and creativity in the classroom.”
–Mary Knight, Author, Educator and Curriculum Writer
Langley,WA