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Pub date February 24, 2025
BookBaby
ISBN 979-8990451216
Price $24.11 (USD) Hardcover, $11.99 Kindle edition
Cooper makes his debut with a heartwarming tale of summer camp adventures, friendship, and personal growth. Miles doesn’t want to go to Camp Cascade, and he especially dreads the campfire nights when everyone makes s’mores. He’s never made one, and fire is scary! But when he stumbles upon Gus, a young, injured dragon, his summer transforms into something extraordinary.
This charming tale weaves relatable childhood struggles with a magical twist. Cooper’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, perfectly capturing the mix of childhood vulnerability and bravery. Miles’s fear of making s’mores mirrors his deeper struggle to fit in, and his bond with Gus forms the emotional core of the story, infusing it with humor, warmth, and just the right touch of magic. Penny Weber’s lush, vibrant illustrations bring the campfire glow, forest magic, and Miles’s tender moments with Gus vividly to life. Together, words and art create a world where the ordinary and the fantastical collide beautifully. The story’s touching message shines in Miles’s final victory (with a fiery assist from Gus): no challenge is too big when faced together. The inclusion of s’more recipes—including Granny’s flameless creation and Gus’s dragon-inspired twist—adds a fun, hands-on element that extends the story’s charm beyond the page.
A delightful tale about facing fears, embracing new adventures, and finding friends in the unlikeliest places. Perfect for summer nights or whenever you need a little magic and warmth.
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