Page 26 - Once Upon a Time in Dragon Land

Alma Flor Ada
For Almudena and Rodrigo Godoy González, lovers of poetry and stories
About the Author
Alma Flor Ada was born in Cuba but she has lived in different countries – Spain, Perú and the United States. And in many states of the United States: Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Georgia, Michigan, Illinois and California. Every place holds some special memories for her!
This story was written in El Paso, Texas, during a very hot summer. Alma Flor felt as if she was breathing re, just like a dragon. She also wanted to laugh at her own appetite, her love for food. And she did by portraying herself as Mother Dragon.
Alma Flor’s father, Modesto Ada, used to tell her stories about nature and the origin of different things. She enjoys making up stories, and they don’t always have to be true! They always make her remember her father with great love.
About the Illustrator
I was born in Argentina, precisely in Buenos Aires. The name of this city, where I live, means “good airs.” It was these buenos aires, good airs, that made me want to draw. My mother drew very well. When I was a little girl I looked at her drawings over and over.
When I grew up, I visited many beautiful places and drew them. I met many people and I also drew them. I drew friends’ faces, dogs, cows, and birds. I constantly drew and drew. I have been illustrating books for children since 1995.
In 1990 I met Alberto Breccia and I took lessons with him in his home- studio in the interesting barrio of Haedo. He was my great guide—he did not like to be called teacher. It was he who asked me one day: “Why don’t you illustrate books for children?” This is how my adventure with children’s books began.
And now, here are Alma Flor’s dragons! I had a lot of fun inventing them, imagining their homes, and how they dressed. What a delightful text! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Sandra Lavandeira
© 2010 Frog Street Press, Inc. Text © 2010 Alma Flor Ada
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