Diego Fuego the Firefighting Dragon

by Allison Rozo, Rafael Rozo, Vanessa Morales (Illustrator)

Overview

In this hilarious and heartwarming picture book, a young dragon learns to celebrate the unique icy powers that set him apart from his fire-breathing family and becomes a hero!

Diego Fuego lives on the southernmost tip of South America in Tierra del Fuego with his dragon family. Even though the rest of the dragons can powerfully roar fire, Diego is allergic to smoke and can't create even the tiniest flame. His allergies lead to sneezes…and those sneezes produce ice flurries instead of flames! When a fire grows out of control, Diego soon finds that this weakness can actually be his superpower. Diego Fuego the Firefighting Dragon is a heartwarming tale that celebrates individuality, courage, and the power of embracing one's true self.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593750322
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	07/22/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Allison Rozo is a picture book writer, illustrator, and designer. She and her husband, Rafael, write bilingual stories in English and Spanish for their children to weave together their two cultures. She also writes stories in English and creates illustrations. Allison has always dreamed of being able to entertain children with her own stories, and her wish has come true.

Rafael Rozo is a native of Colombia who immigrated to the United States. He and his wife, Allison Rozo, write bilingual English and Spanish picture books to weave together his Hispanic and American cultures. He is proud to create books that represent himself and his two children.

Vanessa Morales is an illustrator and character designer/concept artist with a deep love for nature, fantasy, and the whimsical. When she’s not working, she enjoys creating art using traditional techniques like gouache, watercolor, marker pen, and alcohol marker, or by trying a new tool in her sketchbooks. She can also be found cooking, playing video games, watching shows and cartoons, and maybe petting her cats. She has illustrated dozens of books, including the Legendarios series, Monster Baker, and Totally Psychic.

Editorial Reviews

"A warmly inviting tale starring a hero who’s cool under pressure." —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2025-04-19
A dragon who can’t breathe fire? Unheard of!

After Diego Fuego is born into a family of fire-breathing dragons living on Tierra del Fuego, the island group at the southernmost tip of South America, his extended family warmly welcomes him, but they soon realize something is amiss when Diego uncontrollably sneezes ice instead of fire. The family doctor delivers a surprising diagnosis: Diego is allergic to smoke! Determined to support him, Diego’s family members adjust their fiery habits, avoiding smoky outbursts and blazing roars as much as possible. Still, Diego, who can’t join in the flaming fun that the other young dragons enjoy, finds it hard to navigate friendships. On top of Diego’s smoke sensitivity, his frosty breath irritates family as he inadvertently freezes hot drinks and sprinkles snowflakes on his sister’s homework. Everything changes when Diego is caught in a house fire and discovers the unexpected benefits to his icy roar. This tale about the softer side of dragon lore wraps up a bit tidily, and some may be frustrated that Diego finds a happy ending only after what makes him different proves useful. Still, it’s a heartwarming story, featuring a supportive family and an endearingly resolute protagonist. Morales’ cartoonish images brim with goofy exuberance, and accessories such as earrings, hairdos, and hats give the characters personality. Spanish words and phrases are woven naturally into the dialogue throughout.

A warmly inviting tale starring a hero who’s cool under pressure.(Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews