Violet's best friend is Dave the dragon. Dave is very friendly and helpful, but he is also very shy. And whenever he meets other people, he simply goes red and spouts flames, scaring them away. So despite Violet's help, Dave wonders if he will ever fit in. But then one day his special abilities come to the rescue in a damp situation.

This delightful story of friendship and uniqueness is the second picture book by the creator of Gary and Ray and will inspire conversations about shyness, difference and inclusion..

Little Violet is so enamoured of her quirky dragon playmate that she wants all her friends to meet him. Poor Dave, however is painfully shy and every time he is put in a new unfamiliar situation, he gets all hot and flustered - with spectacular consequences. There's a poignant mood as poor Dave tries to overcome his nerves, and a happy ending as he finally gains self-confidence. || Sarah Adams' artwork -with its woodcut effect and retro colour palette - makes this book truly distinctive. And children will love watching Dave blow his top! || A simple story about difference, shyness and friendship, illustrated with bold, distinctive linocuts. || My 2-year-old daughter loved the repetition of poor Dave getting hotter and redder, then whoosh! I loved the fantastic style and colour of Adams' 'retro' illustrations, reminiscent of classics such as 'Rosie's Walk'. There is a happy ending... || This very simple story with its positive message about friendship and belonging should encourage discussions about shyness, being different and fitting in. || Read this colourful tale to discover what happens and to see whether Dave ever overcomes his shyness. || In this endearing tale, Violet tries her best to help Dave overcome his shyness. Adams's woodcut-style illustrations offer a real feeling of texture, as does her use of strong colour, which makes the visual text jump off the page. Adams also captures the emotions of the characters very well, especially Dave.

Sarah Adams studied Art and Design at Hull College of Art. After graduating she completed a post-graduate in illustration at Central St Martins School of Art in London. Sarah has worked for numerous and varied publishers including Walker Books, Orchard books and The Times but GARY AND RAY was the first picture book she both wrote and illustrated. She has exhibited her work widely in London both in mixed and solo shows. Her specialisation is Progressive Linocut. In 2007 she completed an MA in children's book illustration at the Ruskin School of Art Cambridge. She lives in Hoxton, London.