A Heartfelt and Engaging Lesson in Responsibility: Review of Train Your Dragon To Be Responsible by Steve Herman

Introduction: Why This Book Stands Out

Teaching children about responsibility can feel like an uphill battle—especially when you’re competing with cartoons, video games, and the endless energy of young minds. But what if learning responsibility could be as fun as having a pet dragon? That’s exactly what Steve Herman accomplishes in Train Your Dragon To Be Responsible, part of the beloved My Dragon Books series.

This charming children’s book doesn’t just preach responsibility—it wraps the lesson in a delightful, relatable story about a boy and his dragon, Diggory Doo. With vibrant illustrations, engaging storytelling, and a message that resonates with both kids and parents, this book is a must-have for any family’s library.

But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into the story, characters, themes, and why this book might just become your child’s new favorite.

Plot Summary: A Dragon Who Needs a Little Guidance

The story follows a young boy (the narrator) and his dragon, Diggory Doo, who—like many kids—struggles with taking responsibility for his actions. Whether it’s forgetting to clean up his toys, blaming others for mistakes, or avoiding chores, Diggory Doo embodies the classic avoidance of accountability that many parents recognize in their own children.

Through a series of gentle but firm lessons, the boy teaches Diggory Doo what it means to be responsible. He explains that responsibility isn’t just about doing chores—it’s about owning up to mistakes, making good choices, and understanding how actions affect others. The story progresses with Diggory Doo slowly learning (and sometimes stumbling) along the way, making the journey feel authentic rather than preachy.

Without giving away too much, the resolution is heartwarming and reinforces the idea that responsibility isn’t about perfection—it’s about effort and growth.

Character Analysis: Relatable, Flawed, and Endearing

Diggory Doo: The Mischievous but Lovable Dragon

Diggory Doo is the star of the book, and his personality shines through every page. He’s playful, a little stubborn, and sometimes careless—traits that make him incredibly relatable to young readers. His reluctance to take responsibility mirrors how many children feel when faced with chores or admitting mistakes.

What makes Diggory Doo special is that he isn’t a “bad” dragon—he’s just learning, just like real kids. His gradual progress makes the lesson feel achievable rather than intimidating.

The Boy (Narrator): Patient and Encouraging

The unnamed boy serves as both the narrator and Diggory Doo’s guide. His tone is never scolding; instead, he’s patient, kind, and encouraging. This makes the book feel like a gentle conversation rather than a lecture, which is crucial for keeping young readers engaged.

His role models how parents and caregivers can teach responsibility without frustration—something many adults will appreciate!

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simple Yet Effective

Steve Herman’s writing is straightforward but engaging, making it perfect for early readers (ages 4-8). The sentences are short and rhythmic, often with a repetitive structure that reinforces key concepts. For example:

“When you make a mess, you clean it up.
When you make a promise, you keep it.
That’s what responsibility looks like.”

The illustrations are bright, expressive, and full of humor—essential for keeping younger kids visually engaged. The combination of text and imagery ensures that even pre-readers can follow along and grasp the message.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just Chores

At its core, Train Your Dragon To Be Responsible is about:

  1. Ownership of Actions – Kids learn that mistakes happen, but blaming others only makes things worse.
  2. Consistency & Effort – Responsibility isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a habit.
  3. Empathy & Consequences – Diggory Doo realizes that his actions affect his friends and family.

These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, making the lessons feel natural rather than forced.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Resonates

As a parent, I’ve read my fair share of “lesson books” that either feel too heavy-handed or too vague. What makes this book special is its balance—it’s fun enough that kids don’t realize they’re being taught, yet clear enough that the message sticks.

My 6-year-old immediately connected with Diggory Doo, laughing at his antics while also recognizing his own behavior in the dragon’s mistakes. The book sparked great conversations about responsibility in our house—something I didn’t expect from a simple story about a dragon!

Comparison to Other Books in the Genre

Compared to other responsibility-themed children’s books (like The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game or What If Everybody Did That?), Train Your Dragon To Be Responsible stands out because:

✅ It uses fantasy elements (a dragon!) to make the lesson more engaging.
✅ The tone is positive and encouraging, not shaming.
✅ It focuses on small, achievable steps rather than overwhelming expectations.

While some books in this genre can feel moralistic, Herman keeps the mood light and fun.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✔ Relatable & Fun – Kids adore Diggory Doo’s personality.
✔ Clear, Practical Lessons – The book breaks responsibility into simple actions.
✔ Great for Repeated Reading – The rhythm and repetition make it easy to revisit.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Some Parents May Want More Depth – If you’re looking for a complex moral discussion, this isn’t it. But for its target age group, simplicity is a strength.

Target Audience: Who Should Read This?

  • Ages 4-8 (Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary)
  • Parents & Educators looking for a fun way to introduce responsibility
  • Kids who love dragons, pets, or playful stories

Memorable Quotes & Passages

“Being responsible means doing what you’re supposed to do, even when no one is watching.”

“Mistakes happen. But when they do, you fix them.”

These lines capture the book’s essence beautifully.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Teaching Responsibility

Train Your Dragon To Be Responsible is more than just a children’s book—it’s a parenting tool disguised as a fun dragon adventure. Steve Herman has crafted a story that entertains while imparting a crucial life lesson, making it a standout in the genre.

If you’re looking for a way to teach responsibility without nagging, this book is a fantastic choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Parents & Kids:

  • What’s one thing Diggory Doo did that you’ve done before?
  • Why is it important to clean up after ourselves?
  • Can you think of a time when you took responsibility for something? How did it feel?

Have you read this book? What did your child think? Let’s chat in the comments! 🐉📚

Get this book on Amazon

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