About the Author

The Prairies Book Review (starred review)
Cooper makes his debut with a heartwarming tale of summer camp adventures, friendship, and personal growth. Miles doesn't want to go to Camp Cascade, and he especially dreads the campfire nights when everyone makes s'mores. He's never made one, and fire is scary! But when he stumbles upon Gus, a young, injured dragon, his summer transforms into something extraordinary. This charming tale weaves relatable childhood struggles with a magical twist. Cooper's writing is engaging and heartfelt, perfectly capturing the mix of childhood vulnerability and bravery... Penny Weber's lush, vibrant illustrations bring the campfire glow, forest magic, and Miles's tender moments with Gus vividly to life. Together, words and art create a world where the ordinary and the fantastical collide beautifully. The story's touching message shines in Miles's final victory (with a fiery assist from Gus): no challenge is too big when faced together. The inclusion of s'more recipes—including Granny's flameless creation and Gus's dragon-inspired twist—adds a fun, hands-on element that extends the story's charm beyond the page.  A delightful tale about facing fears, embracing new adventures, and finding friends in the unlikeliest places. Perfect for summer nights or whenever you need a little magic and warmth. https://bookviewreview.com/2025/01/15/bookview-review-how-to-make-a-perfect-smore-by-michael-cooper-author-penny-weber-illustrator/

Booklife
A dragon's timely intervention allays the relatable fears and concerns of an everyday kid in this encouraging slice-of-life tale... Frustrated after being teased, Miles runs into the woods, where he makes an unexpected friend: Gus, a small dragon, who eventually helps Miles overcome his fear of fire—but who needs some encouragement of his own, too. How to Make a Perfect S'more is an empathetic story about friendship, overcoming fears, and never giving up, told with close attention to real kids' real worries and embarrassments. Cooper's text... makes a fun action seem truly tense, while Penny Webber's illustrations place the fire in the foreground, so readers regard Miles's frightened-but-bravely-committed face through their flickering orange. Webber excels at communicating emotion through children's expressions, and the story maintains this down-to-earth realism even as Miles flees into darkly verdant woods, alive with nocturnal creatures, and encounters purple dragon Gus. The art's communicative clarity allows Cooper to pare the text down to the essentials, telling this story of overcoming fears with crisp confidence. The result is an empowering introduction to self-discovery, persistence, and taking care of friends... Cooper (also) includes three s'mores recipes for young readers to try.