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A Message From a Butterfly

Jon Vredevoogd Author Interview

Marty and the Dragon follows a little butterfly out enjoying a sunny day at the park, who ends up meeting a lonely dragon and teaching him about friendship and kindness. What was the inspiration for your story? 

My inspiration was unique, in that one of my favorite songs talks about a crow chasing a butterfly.  This made me think of the high contrast between the two entities.  Since I am in SW Florida, I thought about “a hurricane and a butterfly”, but how would I give life to a hurricane.  So, I then thought of a dragon.  And seeing as how I am a huge advocate of anti-bullying, I thought that a children’s book using these two characters would be a nice contrast.  This lead me to also write the other 6 stories, all giving easy teachable life lessons.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?  

I wanted to help teach simple life lessons for young children.  Sometimes, a message from a butterfly will make an impact better than that of elders.

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

The playground scene with the arrival of Drako, was alot of fun, even though at first it could be scary.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

There are 8 books in total, that have all been launched at the same time- 7 stories and 1 free coloring book.  All of the stories are different and fun adventures with a fun life lesson.  All of these stories will be available on Martysfantasticadventures.com, around July 15.

Author Links: Facebook | Website

About the Book
What would you do if a giant dragon landed in your favorite park? Marty the butterfly loves adventures, making new friends, and having fun at the park. But one day, just as Marty enjoys the swings and slides, a dark shadow covers the sky. With a loud thud and a roar, a huge dragon named Drako appears, scaring all the animals! Drako isn’t like other dragons—he’s big, loud, and… lonely. He thinks being a bully is the only way to get noticed. But Marty isn’t scared. He’s brave enough to fly up to Drako and discover the reason behind the dragon’s roars. Can Marty help Drako find friends and show him that kindness is the greatest strength of all? Join Marty on this heartwarming adventure filled with bravery, friendship, and a little dragon-sized fun! Perfect for kids who love exciting stories with an important lesson about kindness and understanding.
Will Marty’s courage turn the dragon’s roar into a smile? Open the book to find out!

Marty and the Dragon

Marty and the Dragon is a bright and cheerful picture book about a bold little butterfly named Marty who sets out to enjoy a sunny day at the park and ends up changing a dragon’s life. At first, Marty simply wants to have fun, riding swings, watching bees, and enjoying the sunshine. But when a scary shadow appears and the animals panic, Marty shows his real courage. The shadow belongs to Drako, a misunderstood dragon who just wants friends but doesn’t know how to ask. With warmth and bravery, Marty talks to Drako, learns his story, and helps him become part of the group. What starts as a potential disaster turns into a heartwarming lesson in kindness, empathy, and the power of one small voice.

The writing is playful and sweet, full of rich imagery that paints the day in vivid color, which perfectly complements the accompanying artwork. The rhythm of the story has a gentle bounce to it, and the language is inviting, like a storyteller chatting directly with a child at bedtime. The part that really stood out, though, was how naturally it moved from silly fun to a deeper message. Marty doesn’t fight the dragon or run away—he talks.

The beginning lingers on the beauty of the day for quite a while before the real adventure kicks in. The rhyme at the end ties things up nicely. I loved how the book didn’t shy away from talking about things like loneliness, misunderstanding, and how being mean is sometimes just a mask for wanting to belong. There’s a lot of heart in this children’s book, more than some adult books, frankly.

Marty and the Dragon is a charming, feel-good story that’s perfect for young kids, especially those who might struggle with confidence or fitting in. It’s also a solid pick for parents or teachers who want to gently introduce themes like bullying, empathy, and making friends in a way that’s hopeful, not heavy. If you’re looking for something light and lovely with just enough depth to start a meaningful conversation, this one’s a winner.

Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0DWLTCNSX

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