NVMM Reads: "Never Wake Up a Sleeping Dragon"

Author: Rogelio Cervantes
Illustrated by: Rogelio Cervantes

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, nearly 7 out of 100 military veterans will experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). When an individual struggles with PTSD, that often means their families are affected as well. Never Wake Up a Sleeping Dragon by Rogelio Cervantes sheds light on the heavier consequences that too many often face after serving in the military. In this tenderhearted story with a children’s aesthetic, we witness the intentional showcasing of the unfortunate realities that families, especially children, experience when a loved one suffers from PTSD. As a sleepy dragon rests on the young child’s bed, the child wonders what he should do about the situation. Remembering the important words that his mother has told him, he does what he can to help in the best way he knows how.

Cervantes, a Texas native and U.S. military veteran, wrote this book with compassion and kindness in mind. His book was awarded first place at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in 2022. Along with this book, he has another one titled A Texas Story, which he is planning on continuing into a series.

Extend your Learning:

Ask Questions:
Use these comprehension questions with your kids or students to build their literacy skills!

What is the main idea of the story? What details let us know that this is the main idea?
Where does the child find the dragon sleeping?
Why doesn’t the child wake up the sleeping dragon?
How does the child help the dragon both while he sleeps and as he starts to wake up?
Who was the dragon?
State your opinion: What would you have done to try and help the sleepy dragon?

Download Printable Reading Guide

Discover More:

Check out these articles to learn more about PTSD and the effects it can have on children:
- Statistics on PTSD in Veterans | US News
- How Common is PTSD in Veterans? – PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)
- When a Child’s Parent has PTSD – PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)

To find Rogelio’s other book and learn more about him: Amazon.com: Rogelio Cervantes: books, biography, latest update

Create:

If you or a loved one of any age are either struggling directly or indirectly from the effects of PTSD, seeking assistance from a professional in the field is strongly encouraged. Although not intended as medical advice, there are also some activities you can do on your own time that you might benefit from. Here are some creative resources that anyone can use:
- Art Therapy Activities PDF | Anxiety, PTSD, & More (All Ages) | SimplePractice
- 15 Art Therapy Activities & Ideas for Kids (Incl. PDF) (positivepsychology.com
- Art Therapy for Kids: 22 Activities to Help Your Child Cope and Heal (merakilane.com)

Looking for a copy of this book? You can purchase it here: Never Wake Up a Sleeping Dragon: Cervantes, Rogelio: 9798887311302: Amazon.com: Books

For Military Families:

Are you part of a military family? NVMM wants to share your story to help others understand the experience and perspective of military family members. Add your voice to the NVMM Story Collection by recording a conversation with a friend or family member about your experience growing up in a military family. Get started here: https://nationalvmm.org/education/nvmm-story-collection/

Explore Your Local Library:

If you are one of our central Ohio neighbors, check out the book at your local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library where the book is available. Then come to the NVMM and learn more about unique Veteran stories that can be found throughout American History.

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