Dragons Love Tacos – Adam Rubin


1. Full Citation

Rubin, A. (2012) Dragons Love Tacos. New York: Dial Books.


2. Introduction

Dragons Love Tacos is a humorous and imaginative picture book that tells the story of dragons’ love for tacos and the comedic chaos that ensues when spicy salsa enters the scene. Its playful narrative and vivid illustrations have made it a beloved favourite among children.


3. Author Background and Credentials

Adam Rubin is an American author known for his quirky and creative children’s books, which often combine humor with imaginative storytelling.


4. Summary of Contents

Key themes include:

  1. Humour and Playfulness
    • Engaging and funny storytelling for young readers.
  2. Cause and Effect
    • Exploring consequences of actions in a lighthearted way.
  3. Imagination and Fantasy
    • Featuring dragons in a whimsical, accessible manner.
  4. Food and Culture
    • Introducing tacos in a fun context.
  5. Visual Storytelling
    • Complementing text with bright, expressive illustrations.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Simple and entertaining narrative structure.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

Unique premise blending fantasy with everyday themes.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Creative storytelling supported by vivid illustrations.

d. Style and Accessibility

Highly accessible language suitable for preschool to early elementary.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Primarily entertainment-focused with limited educational depth.


6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak – Playful narrative style
  • Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems – Humorous animal protagonist
  • The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt – Personification and humor

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • Children’s picture books
  • Humor and fantasy in literature
  • Early childhood engagement
  • Visual and textual interplay

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Encourages joyful reading experiences and sparks imagination.


9. Conclusion

Dragons Love Tacos remains a favourite for its humor and imaginative storytelling.

Recommended for: Parents, educators, and young children seeking fun picture books.


10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • Secret Pizza Party
  • The Very Hungry Bear

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • B.J. Novak – The Book with No Pictures
  • Mo Willems – Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
  • Drew Daywalt – The Day the Crayons Quit

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Rubin, A. (2012) Dragons Love Tacos
  • Novak, B.J. (2014) The Book with No Pictures
  • Daywalt, D. (2013) The Day the Crayons Quit