Kenny & the Dragon
#1 of 2 in Kenny & the Dragon Series
on Goodreads (5,779)
What’s inside...
Kenny Rabbit faces a dilemma when his dragon friend, Grahame, is targeted by the villagers of Roundbrook who mistakenly believe he is a threat. The villagers insist on calling George, a retired knight and dragon slayer, out of retirement to deal with Grahame. As tensions escalate, Kenny works to prevent a deadly battle between his two friends, Grahame and George, by orchestrating a theatrical showdown inspired by the legendary battle between St. George and the dragon. Tony DiTerlizzi's retelling of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story infuses chivalry and showmanship into a fun-filled, lighthearted romp.
Character compass
Kenny Rabbit
Grahame Dragon
Sir George
Discussion points
What are some ways Kenny shows bravery throughout the story?
How do Kenny and the dragon demonstrate the importance of friendship?
How did your feelings about the dragon change from the beginning to the end of the book, and why?
What would you have done if you were in Kenny’s situation?
What are some lessons you learned from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use real-life examples to relate to Kenny's situation and the decisions he must make, fostering deeper understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the story to enhance creative thinking.
Discuss the notion of 'judging a book by its cover' by exploring characters' initial misconceptions about each other in the story.
Highlight the value of empathy and understanding by discussing the fears and feelings of both Kenny and the dragon.
After reading, consider watching a film adaptation or reading another book with similar themes to reinforce the messages and allow for comparative discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of understanding and compassion
Explanation: Kenny, the main character, exemplifies understanding and compassion as he befriends Grahame, a dragon who is feared by others in the village. Despite societal fears, Kenny seeks to understand Grahame's true nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to look beyond stereotypes and approach others with empathy, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of peaceful conflict resolution
Explanation: Throughout the story, Kenny actively seeks a peaceful solution to the conflict between the villagers and Grahame, emphasizing dialogue and compromise over violence.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to handle disputes calmly and thoughtfully, encouraging them to seek peaceful solutions in school and during play.
Example Lesson: The strength of friendship
Explanation: Kenny’s loyalty to Grahame, even in challenging circumstances, demonstrates the durability and strength of true friendship. This bond helps them to overcome societal prejudices.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and invest in their friendships, understanding that true friends stand by each other during tough times.
Example Lesson: The significance of critical thinking
Explanation: Kenny doesn’t accept the common view of dragons and instead uses his own judgment to form an opinion about Grahame. He thinks critically about the information presented to him rather than following the crowd.
Real-World Application: This promotes independent thinking among children, encouraging them to question and analyze situations rather than accepting things at face value.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Kenny shows great courage when he stands up to the entire village to protect his friend Grahame, challenging societal norms and expectations in the process.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of defending their beliefs and standing up for others, even when it might be difficult or unpopular.