Dragonboy #01 by Fabio Napoleoni and Dragonboy and the Wonderful Night (Dragonboy #02) also by Napoleoni found their way to by reading list. My first thought was, this looks a little like No, David! by David Shannon, only cuter. But it turned out to be nothing like that at all.
Not only is it cuter, with a more realistic, but still cartoon like, atmosphere to the artwork it is nicer overall. The colors are not bold or hard, and yet, not overly soft, and
muted. And Dragonboy has a lot more details to it (in the second book there are some hidden friends in the shadows of a few pages). But Dragonboy is also nicer as a character. He might be a bit independent to the point of wandering around at night in the forest, but he is helpful and brotherly.
In book one, Dragonboy and his friends (you are introduced to them before the book starts on a cover page with characters and names) go out on an adventure (adults will notice that Dragonboy is using their imagination and the friends are his stuffed toys) and they find a new friend. Advice is given and everyone is happy-happy! It is an obvious story with nothing really new (think a less sophisticated Christopher Robin with a yeti, dragon, unicorn instead of kangaroos, Pooh Bears and piglets). Aimed at a younger crowd (no more than six or seven), it is a nice read-to and older children solo read.
Book two has Dragonboy and friends, including Unicorngirl (who looks like the girl in book one who is behind the door with Molly written on it), are camping outside. When it is dark enough Dragonboy, and friends go out and explore. They hear sounds, and wonder about bumps, and finally realize they are just owls and Unicorngirl. Again, simple, and not overly new, but fun and enjoyable. The same younger crowd is the audience, but all can appreciate the story.
Dragonboy two is due in September 2022 but the first is currently available.