Why Dewey the Dragon Matters
A conversation with my brother, children’s book author
When my brother, Ron Brooks, created Dewey the Dragon, he wasn’t just writing a fun story about dragons and treasure. He was writing about something deeply personal: self-worth.
His very first book, The Valuable Dragon, follows Dewey and his dad as they discover a treasure—only for Dewey to realize that he is far more valuable to his parents than anything they could ever find. That story mirrors something my brother struggled with growing up. Writing Dewey’s first adventure became a way for him to process his own thoughts and feelings, and once it was finished, he knew it needed to exist in the world for kids.
His hope? That children who read Dewey’s story discover early on just how valuable they really are.
Helping Kids Name Big Feelings
At the heart of Dewey’s stories is emotional awareness. Each book is written to help kids recognize feelings they’ve likely already experienced—self-doubt, nervousness, bravery, gratitude—and see those emotions reflected back through a character they love.
By relating to Dewey, kids are given language for their own emotions. The stories don’t rush past the feelings; they sit with them, normalize them, and open the door for conversation.
Why Kids Connect With Dewey
Dewey’s personality is simple and honest: he’s fun, innocent, and real. Kids see themselves in him because he’s just like them—figuring things out, feeling big emotions, and learning as he goes. There’s nothing flashy or overdone about him, and that’s exactly why he works.
Stories That Spark Conversations
One of the most meaningful pieces of feedback my brother has received came from a parent who said:
“Many times parents are told to talk to your kids, but no one gives suggestions on how to do that. The parent page and questions in each book help me as a parent talk to my kids.”
That feedback perfectly captures the heart behind the series. These books aren’t just bedtime stories—they’re tools. They help parents and kids talk about things that can feel hard to bring up otherwise.
- Dewey — the friendly dragon who began it all, created to help children feel seen. Source: deweythedragon.com
Why Kids Connect With Dewey
Dewey’s personality is simple and honest: he’s fun, innocent, and real. Kids see themselves in him because he’s just like them—figuring things out, feeling big emotions, and learning as he goes. There’s nothing flashy or overdone about him, and that’s exactly why he works.
Stories That Spark Conversations
One of the most meaningful pieces of feedback my brother has received came from a parent who said:
“Many times parents are told to talk to your kids, but no one gives suggestions on how to do that. The parent page and questions in each book help me as a parent talk to my kids.”
That feedback perfectly captures the heart behind the series. These books aren’t just bedtime stories—they’re tools. They help parents and kids talk about things that can feel hard to bring up otherwise.
What’s Next in the “Deweyverse”
This year, the world of Dewey expanded with the introduction of Madi the Dragon, who now has two books of her own. My brother is excited to see kids connect with Madi just as deeply as they have with Dewey.
Another exciting addition is Dragon Mail—a pen-pal-style email experience where Dewey and Madi send messages to kids about their adventures, upcoming books, and fun Dragon Quests. Kids can write back, share how they’re feeling, complete activities, or just say hello. It’s an interactive extension of the stories that brings the characters to life in a whole new way.
👉 You can learn more about Dragon Mail here:
https://deweythedragon.com/dragon-mail/
As his sister, I’m incredibly proud—not just because he’s an author, but because he’s creating something that helps kids feel seen, understood, and valued. And honestly, the world could always use more of that. 🐉💛
- An inside page from a Dewey book illustrating simple, warm storytelling and prompts for family conversation. Source: deweythedragon.com
