Ladybug Nominee Profile

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2024)

Ember has always been different from the other dragons. His fearsome roar sounds more like a polite sneeze, and when he breathes fire, the villagers just pat his head and say awwww.

Ember fears he’ll never collect a respectable hoard of gold until a chance encounter with a baker causes his fortunes to turn (and his stomach to grumble). As the little dragon soon discovers, the gold you make is way better than the gold you steal—and gold that is shared? That’s best of all.

Magic shimmers on every page of Devin Elle Kurtz's feel-good picture book that celebrates baked goods, dragons, and generosity in equal measure. Filled with adorable illustrations, this is a perfect read aloud for bedtime or brunchtime!

About Devin Elle Kurtz

Devin Elle Kurtz is a visual development artist, illustrator, and picture book author. She was born in Santa Cruz, California. Her debut picture book as an author-illustrator, The Bakery Dragon, was an Indie Next List pick and an Indie bestseller. Her website is at https://www.devinellekurtz.com/

Activities & Links

• Check out this read along at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPpBdoS7F-o
• Artsy Craftsy Mom has 15 Dramatic Dragon Crafts you can try at: https://artsycraftsymom.com/dragon-crafts-for-kids/
• Learn about real life dragons at: https://www.coolkidfacts.com/komodo-dragon-facts/ and https://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-flying-dragons/ 
• Here are some great printable bakery items for a fun craft idea: https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2023/01/bakery-pretend-play-printables.html
• Paper Crafts-Art has a tutorial on making paper bread slices you can try at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSHKqPTG4tM

Suggestions for Further Reading

• Check out the other 2025 Ladybug Longlist titles featuring flying creatures at: https://nhbookcenter.blogspot.com/2025/01/ladybug-longlist-flying-creatures.html
• For more books about dragon-like creatures consider Rory the Remarkable Dragon by Kathryn Rammell, or Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio and Greg Pizzoli. 
• For another book set in a bakery, check out 2020 Ladybug Winner, There are No Bears in this Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach.

 

This is one of nine titles nominated for the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award.

We will be posting information about a different nominee each Friday throughout the summer and will issue a pdf voters guide featuring all the titles by Labor Day.