Most children go through a time when they ride nice dragons, fight vicious dragons, or even pretend to be friendly and vicious dragons. It makes sense since dragons are magnificent and strong. Children may escape into a fantastical and magical world thanks to them. These children’s dragon books, which show both western and eastern dragon images, are perfect for igniting the imagination if a dragon passion currently consumes your youngster.
KING ARTHUR’S VERY GREAT-GRANDSON by Kenneth Kraegel
This unique take on the classic knight adventure tale is fantastic. Young Henry Alfred Grummorson encounters several very powerful animals while on his quest to kill some beasts, and they at least seem powerful. It so happens that none of the legendary monsters are interested in engaging in combat, and they would rather socialize, play games, blow smoke rings, and do other similar activities. But overall, Henry still finds it to be thrilling. A wonderful tale. Ages 3 and up.
EAST DRAGON WEST DRAGON by Robyn Eversole, illustrated by Scott Campbell
Living on opposite sides of the globe are the East Dragon and the West Dragon. West Dragon is a bit rough around the edges, whereas East Dragon is sophisticated. But when a problem with bothersome knights arises, the two dragons, who had first been afraid of one another, band together and became friends to tackle the issue. Your children will enjoy exploring the humorous pictures. Ages 4 and up.
AMY WU AND THE PATCHWORK DRAGON by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua
I loved this book! After hearing a dragon tale, Amy’s class engages in a craft activity where they make their dragons. Amy sets out to sketch a dragon, but she is not happy with the outcomes since they are too similar to how westerners see dragons. At home, Amy is reminded of a dragon costume from the Lunar New Year by her grandmother’s tale. The next concept Amy has is to create a dragon that combines traits from both eastern and western dragons. Ages 4 and up.
When Ellie discovers a baby dragon, she names him “Scratch” and takes him home. She provides for him and homes him in her dollhouse. As Ellie gets older, she brings him to school with her, but adults cannot see him; only the other kids can. Scratch develops as well, and their bond evolves. Ellie turns eleven, and Scratch begins to lose steam. Then, after Ellie becomes thirteen and has finished growing out of Scratch, he seeks a new kid to raise. Ages 4 and up.
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A DRAGON by Jack Kent
Here is a fantastic old-time dragon story from 1975. Despite Billy Bixbee’s mother’s insistence that “there is no such thing as a dragon,” the dragon keeps expanding in his room. In other words, the issue won’t go away if you don’t acknowledge it. This humorous tale was a hit with my kids. Ages 3 and up.
THE KNIGHT AND THE DRAGON by Tomie dePaola
Which would you choose: a BBQ or a battle to the death? A scholarly knight and a not very frightful dragon study the fundamentals of combat. A fantastic, uplifting novel that shows not everyone fits into a predetermined position. Do not overlook it! The damsel who isn’t in trouble is the wisest. Ages 3 and up.
THE DRAGON AND THE KNIGHT: A POP-UP MISADVENTURE by Robert Sabuda
This pop-up “misadventure” will please both young and elderly dragon fans! A knight who enjoys marshmallows chases a fire-breathing dragon across the pages of a book of fairy tales. The duo often “pop up” on the pages, making it difficult to follow the plot. Of course, the main focus is on the knight and dragon’s game of tag rather than the collection of fairy tales. A lot of fun. Ages 5 and up.
DEAR DRAGON: A PEN PAL TALE by Josh Funk, illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo
After receiving a letter-writing assignment in their different classes at school, George the child and Blair the dragon become pen buddies. The problem? The letters need to match. Through their imaginative letter-writing project, the two become friends, and when they do eventually meet, each is very pleased by the other. The pictures are lovely, and the letters are entertaining to read aloud. Ages 4 and up.
One of my favorite picture book writers is Emily Gravett. Her metafictional writing is creative and original. In this one, a little dragon requests to read his favorite bedtime tale again and again. He takes things into his own hands and gets unexpected consequences when his exhausted mother (can you relate?) cannot keep her eyes open any longer. Ages 3 and up.
DRAGON WAS TERRIBLE by Kelly Dipucchio, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
This hilarious dragon tale will delight children! The monarch has had enough of the dragon’s terrible misbehavior! Whoever can tame the dragon will get a prize, he says. The hamlet turns to regular people after none of the knights who volunteer succeed. However, the dragon just becomes worse and worse. The dragon doesn’t begin to show signs of calming down until a nearby boy performs a tale. Will it function? To learn more, you must read. Ages 3 and up.
HAVE YOU SEEN MY DRAGON? by Steve Light
In a child’s eyes, the thought of a dragon running amok in the city is more wonderful than anything. Readers are taken on a tour across the city with a kid searching for his dragon in incredibly realistic illustrations. As they count from one to twenty, children will enjoy seeing the dragon enjoying the city. The child eventually locates his pal in Chinatown. Ages 3 and up.
