Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher: A Magic Shop Book (Magic Shop Book, 2)
#2 in Magic Shop Series
What’s inside...
Beloved author Bruce Coville's classic tale about a boy who accidentally hatches a dragon. Sixth-grader Jeremy Thatcher discovers a strange magic shop he has never seen before. He enters, and his life is changed forever. Buying what he thinks is a marble, he discovers he has really purchased a dragon's egg. The funny classic middle grade book about a boy who accidentally hatches a dragon. Sixth grader Jeremy Thatcher discovers a strange magic shop he has never seen before. He enters, and his life is changed forever. After he leaves Mr. Elives’ magic shop with a strange marbled egg, it soon becomes clear that this is one pet he wasn’t prepared for! How is he supposed to keep a flame-breathing dragon with razor-sharp teeth and an out-of-control appetite in his bedroom? But if the playful baby dragon is ever to grow up to become a magnificent beast of myth and legend, it needs Jeremy. And though he doesn’t know it yet, Jeremy needs a dragon. ★ “A funny, enjoyable, imaginative story whose serious undercurrents lend it unexpected depth.” —Kirkus (starred review)
Character compass
Jeremy Thatcher
Mary Lou Hutton
Dr. Thatcher
Mr. Elives
Howard Morton
Miss Hyacinth Priest
Discussion points
How do you think Jeremy felt when he found the mysterious magic shop and the dragon’s egg?
What qualities make Jeremy a good friend to the dragon?
If you were in Jeremy's place, how would you handle the responsibility of taking care of a dragon?
What does this story teach us about understanding and caring for creatures that are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage curiosity by asking open-ended questions that relate to both the plot and the emotions of the characters. Help your child connect the story to their own experiences, such as taking care of a pet or encountering something unknown. Praise their insights and encourage them to think about the consequences of the characters’ actions in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Jeremy learns about responsibility through caring for his dragon. His journey exemplifies how nurturing something can bring about personal growth and awareness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of pets or plants, learning the importance of daily commitment and the impact of their actions on the well-being of others.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through his interactions with the dragon, Jeremy begins to understand and share the feelings of another being, seeing the world from perspectives other than his own.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of considering other people’s feelings and viewpoints, which can improve their relationships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Jeremy faces various challenges and fears throughout the book, learning that courage isn’t about the absence of fear, but the determination to face it.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or speaking in front of a class.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Jeremy often encounters problems that require creative solutions, showing the benefits of thinking outside the box and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply creative thinking to overcome obstacles in their studies, friendships, and daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jeremy learns the value of building friendships and how friends can provide support during tough times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the importance of building and maintaining healthy relationships, and how friendship is a mutual exchange of support and respect.