And she wishes she had a dragon of her own.
She heads to Dragua to have a look, but they're all so expensive. Next, she goes to the Used Dragon Yard, but they all look so old and tired. Poppy doesn't want to make an old dragon carry her around everywhere.
Then one day at work, Poppy comes across a very sad dragon, with a set of traffic lights stuck in his gums. She helps him - and that one act changes her life.
From that day, dragons come from near and far to ask for Poppy's help, removing powerlines from around their ears, having their claws painted, and pampering them. They all know that if they want to feel good, they need to head to Poppy's.
And Poppy begins to realise that having a family of dragons with her all day is more important than owning one.
This is a cute story about values, material goods and pets. Pike's illustrations are beautiful and colourful, with dragon after dragon of all colours, shapes and sizes.
Children will have lots of fun reading this and trying to help decide what Poppy should do to solve her big dilemma.
Title: Poppy Wash
Author: Kerry Brown
Illustrator: Michelle Pike
Publisher: ABC Books, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: November 2010
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780733325212
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book
This book is available online
