Sheryl Bass holds a master’s degree in Social Work and has studied child development. She uses these insights to inform her picture book writing. Sheryl also holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is currently working in public relations. Her goal in creating Be-Kind Publishing is to produce lighthearted rhyming stories with gentle themes of teamwork and friendship. Sheryl resides just outside of Chicago, IL with her husband and two terriers.
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze is a children’s book by Sheryl Bass. The book follows a baby dragon as he flies over a town. He seems carefree until he catches a bad cold that makes him sneeze, causing him to breathe fire onto the town. Conscious of his actions, the baby dragon writes a note to the townspeople, promising them that he is a friend, and it was never his intention to cause destruction. Before he can deliver the note, though, a young girl from the village visits his cave, and he explains that he has a bad cold, and no one is around to care for him. The townspeople are called to action, preparing items that will help the baby dragon feel better.
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze focuses on themes of friendship and compassion. The baby dragon needed attention to get over his cold, and even though they are angry with him for burning down their buildings, the townspeople show kindness to the dragon. In return, the dragon befriends the townspeople and forms a connection with them. Sheryl Bass has written a powerful story that shows how first impressions can be misleading, and readers will delight in the colorful pages as they read the well-timed rhyming text. This book would be a good addition to the shelves of a child’s bookcase, as well as a great story for a school or public library, as the characters show understanding, and it would be a good conversation-starter for children about empathy.
