|
 Again!
by Emily Gravett,
32 pages, pre-K – grade 2
It’s Cedric the dragon’s bedtime and his mother is reading his favorite
bedtime story---again and again, and again. With each telling the story
changes, getting shorter and shorter as mom tries to keep from nodding off.
I love this book, the simple colorful illustrations, the relate-able
story---and the tantrum that ends with a fiery hole in little dragon’s
favorite book. The physical hole at the back of the book always gets a gasp
and wide eyes. It’s a gentle reminder of the unexpected and often
unfortunate consequences of losing our tempers. Get ready for shouts of
“Again!” from your own little ones after reading this dragon tale!
How to Train Your Dragon
by Cressida Cowell,
214 pages, grades 3 - 6
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is the chief’s son and a Viking, but not a
natural hero. In his own words: “This is the story of becoming a Hero the
Hard Way”. Hiccup’s adventures begin when he and his fellow warrior
trainees are required to steal a dragon from the “dragon nursery”. No
dragon, no future. Against all odds, Hiccup snatches a tiny, toothless
dragon and that’s when the fun really begins. Can Hiccup train a stubborn
dragon and earn the respect of his peers? Well, he’ll definitely get the
chance when his tribe comes face to face with not one, but two
mountain-sized dragons.
You can’t help but root for Hiccup, the unlikely hero. This adventure story
is filled with slap-stick humor that will especially engage reluctant
readers, and is a great reminder that brains are as important as brawn.
Simple black and white drawings enhance the story and will make your reader
grin. This book is the first in a series, available at the library, and is
a great pick for boys, grades 3 – 6.
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Dragon Rider
by Cornelia Funke,
527 pages, grades 3 - 6
Firedrake is a brave young dragon with a quest---to find the
dragons’ ancestral home, the Rim of Heaven, where dragonkind can
live in safety and peace, away from the prying eyes of the humans.
His journey is long and filled with dangers, but also with friends:
Sorrell, a Scottish brownie that can’t keep his mouth shut, and Ben,
a lonely orphan destined to become Firedrakes’ rider. Their journey
brings them face-to-face with a basilisk, a djinni, a sea serpent
and more---all while trying to elude their mortal enemy, Nettlebrand.
Will our friends be able to overcome the obstacles in their way?
Will they find their way home? This rich fantasy is a great pick
for children that love magic and adventure and that aren’t
intimidated by a big book.
Seraphina
by Rachel Hartman,
512 pages, grade 7 and up
Delve into a magical world reminiscent of medieval times, complete
with awe-inspiring cathedrals, divine music, political
intrigue---and dragons…
Dragons and humans live side-by-side in an uneasy peace in the
kingdom of Goredd, one that has lasted generations. Dragons take on
human form and contribute to society in their rational analytical
way as mathematicians, scholars and teachers. But tensions are
running high and when a member of the royal family is murdered, the
flame of discontent and fear threatens to grow and consume
everything in its path.
Seraphina Dombegh, a gifted musician employed by the crown, finds
herself in the middle of the conflict. As she partners with the
captain of the Queen’s Guard, Prince Lucian Kiggs, she is drawn into
a plot that she doesn’t completely understand and that could reveal
her own dangerous secrets. Secrets that could cost her love---and
life.
Beautifully written with compelling characters and a fully-realized
fantasy world, this book is a great pick for teens that love a side
of romance with their adventure and mystery.
[By
MELISSA OXBORROW,
Lincoln Public Library District] |
