#1 in How to Train Your Dragon Series
How to Train Your Dragon
2003 by
on Goodreads (50,452)
What’s inside...
The book follows the story of a young Viking named Hiccup who lives in a tribe where being a great dragon slayer is the highest honor. However, Hiccup is different from the other Vikings as he is clumsy and not very strong. Despite this, he wants to prove himself to his father and the other Vikings. One day, Hiccup and his friends stumble upon a dragon nest, and Hiccup injures a dragon while trying to kill it. The dragon, a Night Fury, is the most feared dragon species, and Hiccup is surprised when it doesn't kill him. Instead, the dragon, which Hiccup names Toothless, becomes Hiccup's unlikely friend. Hiccup and Toothless form a strong bond, and Hiccup learns that dragons are not the monsters he thought they were. However, the other Vikings are not convinced and are skeptical of Hiccup's claims about Toothless. When a powerful dragon named the Red Death threatens the Viking village, Hiccup and Toothless must team up with the other Vikings to defeat it. In the end, Hiccup and Toothless save the day, and Hiccup learns the value of trust, courage, and compassion.
Why read this book
- Inspires creativity and adventurous spirit in young readers.
- Teaches values of friendship, loyalty, and courage.
- Boosts confidence through overcoming challenges.
- Engaging narrative that holds children's attention.
The Big Picture
- Teaches courage and authenticity.
- Encourages facing fears and resilience.
- Fosters understanding diverse perspectives.
- Inspires problem-solving and critical thinking.
Diversity & Representation
- Features a variety of unique, fantastical dragon species.
- Protagonist overcomes challenges, promoting inclusivity and resilience.
- Showcases diverse character strengths and problem-solving approaches.
Book in series
#1
Age
7-10
Length
214 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think Hiccup felt when he was trying to train Toothless? Can you relate to his experience in any way?
What does the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless teach us about relationships and understanding others?
Why is it important to respect and appreciate differences in others as shown in the book?
What would you have done if you were in Hiccup's place during the dragon training?
How do the other Vikings change their perspective by the end of the story? What caused this change?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the characters and events. Use parallels from the book to real life situations to deepen understanding. Highlight the value of perseverance and empathy as demonstrated by Hiccup. Discuss the importance of friendship and loyalty showcased in the book. Ask your child how the story might inspire them in their daily activities or interactions with others.
What parents love
Perfect mix of humor and adventure for young readers.
Teaches valuable lessons in a light, engaging way.
My child was captivated by the storyline and characters.
Encourages empathy and bravery in challenging situations.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Personal Growth
Explanation: The protagonist, Hiccup, demonstrates courage by befriending and training a dragon, despite his initial fears and societal expectations. His journey mirrors the challenges of stepping out of comfort zones and facing fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their personal fears and embrace growth, understanding that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Hiccup’s relationship with his dragon, Toothless, shows the importance of trust and loyalty in friendships. This bond highlights how friendships can change perceptions and break societal boundaries.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and nurture friendships, showing that understanding and cooperation can overcome differences.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Hiccup uses unconventional methods to train Toothless, demonstrating that thinking differently can be beneficial. His inventive approaches set him apart and ultimately lead to success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively when facing challenges and to value innovative solutions that might differ from traditional methods.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: As Hiccup grows, he takes on more responsibility, eventually leading his community. His leadership is based on empathy, understanding, and respect, rather than force.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of responsible leadership and can inspire children to take initiative in leading projects or helping others in their community.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story promotes respect for wildlife, as Hiccup learns to coexist with dragons rather than fearing them. This fosters a message of conservation and respect for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of respecting and protecting nature, encouraging them to engage in environmentally friendly practices.