Dragons are one of the most popular fantastical and mythological creatures. They’ve been in stories for thousands of years, and they’re used in new ways every time. It’s hard to avoid them in fantasy, and they’re also mentioned in other genres, so even if you wanted to avoid them — and why would you? — you can’t. With that in mind, here are some recommendations for great dragon books that we can all enjoy.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third captures and attempts to train a dragon as part of a tradition for Viking boys on the island of Berk. He names the dragon Toothless, and he must train it before the Thor’sday Thursday Celebration in order to become a true Viking. They fail after a dragon fight ensues during the celebration and are exiled. However, dangerous dragons wash up on shore and threaten the island, so Hiccup and Toothless must work quickly to save Berk.
The Fire Within by Chris d’Lacey
Part of a seven-book series, this follows a man named David after he moves in with Liz and her daughter, Lucy, as a tenant. He discovers hand-crafted dragons Liz makes that come to life and have magical powers. He receives a dragon, too, whom he names Gadzooks, and Gadzooks can see the future. His visions inspire David to write a short story that is close to him, Liz, and Lucy. The ending is unhappy, angering David, which has drastic consequences as these dragons die when they aren’t loved. David must save him and free the fire within.
Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
Creel’s aunt wants to sacrifice her to the local dragon as a way to lure a heroic knight closer. The knight would fight the dragon and then have to marry Creel out of chivalrous obligation. This would free the family from poverty. Creel hates the idea, but she isn’t too worried since a dragon hasn’t been seen in hundreds of years. However, a dragon does appear, and she bargains with him not only to save her life but she also gets a rare piece of treasure: a pair of blue slippers. She thinks they’re just shoes, but they could either save her kingdom or destroy it.
Merlin and the Dragons by Jane Yolen and Illustrated by Li Ming
King Arthur is plagued with nightmares and wonders if he’s the true king of England. One night, the old wizard Merlin tells him a story of a fight between good and evil, a duel between dragons, and his own past and the role he played in these events. In the end, he reveals Arthur’s true legacy.
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman, Illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Have you ever considered possibly bringing your dragon to the library? Well, that’s a terrible idea. Your intentions may be nice, but the dragon will only cause chaos and, potentially, destruction. The text in this book not only has rhyming text, but it also provides readers with important lessons on library etiquette.
There are so many books with dragons for us to enjoy. So grab a book and start reading!
Click here for an article on dragon myths around the world.
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